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Elementary librarian vs research librarian

The differences between elementary librarians and research 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 research librarian. Additionally, an elementary librarian has an average salary of $52,474, which is higher than the $51,263 average annual salary of a research librarian.

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

Elementary librarian vs research librarian overview

Elementary LibrarianResearch Librarian
Yearly salary$52,474$51,263
Hourly rate$25.23$24.65
Growth rate6%6%
Number of jobs2,75445,828
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 62%Bachelor's Degree, 60%
Average age4848
Years of experience22

Elementary librarian vs research librarian salary

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

Elementary LibrarianResearch Librarian
Average salary$52,474$51,263
Salary rangeBetween $35,000 And $77,000Between $35,000 And $74,000
Highest paying City-Philadelphia, PA
Highest paying state-Alaska
Best paying company-Harvard University
Best paying industry-Professional

Differences between elementary librarian and research librarian education

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

Elementary LibrarianResearch Librarian
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 62%Bachelor's Degree, 60%
Most common majorElementary EducationLibrary Science
Most common collegeUniversity of PennsylvaniaNew York University

Elementary librarian vs research librarian demographics

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

Elementary LibrarianResearch Librarian
Average age4848
Gender ratioMale, 7.5% Female, 92.5%Male, 35.7% Female, 64.3%
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, 6.3% Unknown, 3.6% Hispanic or Latino, 7.7% Asian, 4.8% White, 77.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3%
LGBT Percentage16%16%

Differences between elementary librarian and research 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.

Research librarian example responsibilities.

  • Manage integrated library system including OPAC, serials control, cataloging and acquisitions.
  • Order materials and perform literature searches using OCLC.
  • Utilize Microsoft SharePoint to create and maintain the library intranet portal.
  • Advise clients using factual data in the Lexis Nexis computer system.
  • Train staff for ILS use.
  • Provide web content via LibGuides.
  • Show more

Elementary librarian vs research librarian skills

Common elementary librarian skills
  • Library Materials, 22%
  • Library Collection, 20%
  • Library Programs, 13%
  • AV, 9%
  • Research Projects, 8%
  • Research, 8%
Common research librarian skills
  • Research Support, 13%
  • Library Services, 9%
  • Collection Development, 8%
  • Research Services, 6%
  • Library Resources, 6%
  • Research Projects, 6%

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