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Elementary librarian vs reference librarian

The differences between elementary librarians and reference librarians can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 1-2 years to become both an elementary librarian and a reference librarian. Additionally, an elementary librarian has an average salary of $52,474, which is higher than the $50,409 average annual salary of a reference librarian.

The top three skills for an elementary librarian include library materials, library collection and library programs. The most important skills for a reference librarian are reference services, library patrons, and collection development.

Elementary librarian vs reference librarian overview

Elementary LibrarianReference Librarian
Yearly salary$52,474$50,409
Hourly rate$25.23$24.24
Growth rate6%6%
Number of jobs2,7541,058
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 62%Bachelor's Degree, 56%
Average age4848
Years of experience22

Elementary librarian vs reference librarian salary

Elementary librarians and reference librarians have different pay scales, as shown below.

Elementary LibrarianReference Librarian
Average salary$52,474$50,409
Salary rangeBetween $35,000 And $77,000Between $35,000 And $70,000
Highest paying City-Anchorage, AK
Highest paying state-Alaska
Best paying company-Yale University
Best paying industry-Education

Differences between elementary librarian and reference librarian education

There are a few differences between an elementary librarian and a reference librarian in terms of educational background:

Elementary LibrarianReference Librarian
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 62%Bachelor's Degree, 56%
Most common majorElementary EducationLibrary Science
Most common collegeUniversity of PennsylvaniaNew York University

Elementary librarian vs reference librarian demographics

Here are the differences between elementary librarians' and reference librarians' demographics:

Elementary LibrarianReference Librarian
Average age4848
Gender ratioMale, 7.5% Female, 92.5%Male, 33.3% Female, 66.7%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 6.3% Unknown, 3.6% Hispanic or Latino, 7.7% Asian, 4.8% White, 77.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3%Black or African American, 6.5% Unknown, 3.6% Hispanic or Latino, 7.8% Asian, 4.9% White, 76.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3%
LGBT Percentage16%16%

Differences between elementary librarian and reference librarian duties and responsibilities

Elementary librarian example responsibilities.

  • Manage and supervise a full-time media assistant, technology technicians and parent and student volunteers.
  • Conduct research for teachers for relevant on-line resources for their curricular use.
  • Introduce some computer research skills and concepts 3rd grade - target social relationships and personal responsibility 4th grade - biography project.
  • Manage and supervise a full-time media assistant, technology technicians and parent and student volunteers.
  • Obtain a grant to update the non-fiction collection.

Reference librarian example responsibilities.

  • Achieve proficiency cataloging electronic materials (audio records, video recordings, and streaming video) and continuing resources/serials.
  • Coordinate inter-library loan service, using OCLC searches to loan and borrow books and periodicals.
  • Perform reference and readers' advisory for patrons and staff via telephone, IM, email, and in person.
  • Perform copy-cataloging operations using OCLC database and online databases.
  • Maintain responsibility for collection management of the adult non-fiction collection.
  • Instigate student-librarian relationships and increase library productivity by regularly mentoring students in legal research, writing, and study methods.
  • Show more

Elementary librarian vs reference librarian skills

Common elementary librarian skills
  • Library Materials, 22%
  • Library Collection, 20%
  • Library Programs, 13%
  • AV, 9%
  • Research Projects, 8%
  • Research, 8%
Common reference librarian skills
  • Reference Services, 11%
  • Library Patrons, 9%
  • Collection Development, 9%
  • Library Services, 7%
  • Research Guides, 6%
  • Reference Desk, 4%

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