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Information services librarian vs research librarian

The differences between information services 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 information services librarian and a research librarian. Additionally, a research librarian has an average salary of $51,263, which is higher than the $50,588 average annual salary of an information services librarian.

The top three skills for an information services librarian include library services, library resources and university libraries. The most important skills for a research librarian are research support, library services, and collection development.

Information services librarian vs research librarian overview

Information Services LibrarianResearch Librarian
Yearly salary$50,588$51,263
Hourly rate$24.32$24.65
Growth rate6%6%
Number of jobs110,87845,828
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 55%Bachelor's Degree, 60%
Average age4848
Years of experience22

Information services librarian vs research librarian salary

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

Information Services LibrarianResearch Librarian
Average salary$50,588$51,263
Salary rangeBetween $35,000 And $73,000Between $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 information services librarian and research librarian education

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

Information Services LibrarianResearch Librarian
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 55%Bachelor's Degree, 60%
Most common majorLibrary ScienceLibrary Science
Most common collegeNew York UniversityNew York University

Information services librarian vs research librarian demographics

Here are the differences between information services librarians' and research librarians' demographics:

Information Services LibrarianResearch Librarian
Average age4848
Gender ratioMale, 29.8% Female, 70.2%Male, 35.7% Female, 64.3%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 6.4% Unknown, 3.6% Hispanic or Latino, 7.8% Asian, 4.9% White, 76.9% 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 information services librarian and research librarian duties and responsibilities

Information services librarian example responsibilities.

  • Manage integrated library system including OPAC, serials control, cataloging and acquisitions.
  • Provide opportunities for students to use the library for class-relate research, individual investigation, independent reading, and personal inquiry.
  • Provide client services such as inter-library loans, ordering of new materials and instruction on use of library OPAC.

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

Information services librarian vs research librarian skills

Common information services librarian skills
  • Library Services, 21%
  • Library Resources, 14%
  • University Libraries, 10%
  • Reference Services, 9%
  • Research Assistance, 8%
  • Library System, 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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