Instruction librarian vs circulation director

The differences between instruction librarians and circulation directors can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 1-2 years to become both an instruction librarian and a circulation director. Additionally, a circulation director has an average salary of $59,920, which is higher than the $50,234 average annual salary of an instruction librarian.

The top three skills for an instruction librarian include collection development, library services and reference services. The most important skills for a circulation director are audience development, newspapers, and independent contractors.

Instruction librarian vs circulation director overview

	Instruction Librarian	Circulation Director
Yearly salary	$50,234	$59,920
Hourly rate	$24.15	$28.81
Growth rate	6%	6%
Number of jobs	1,276	5,074
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 55%	Bachelor's Degree, 72%
Average age	48	48
Years of experience	2	2

Instruction librarian vs circulation director salary

Instruction librarians and circulation directors have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Instruction Librarian	Circulation Director
Average salary	$50,234	$59,920
Salary range	Between $35,000 And $71,000	Between $30,000 And $119,000
Highest paying City	Tacoma, WA	-
Highest paying state	Alaska	-
Best paying company	Kern Community College District	-
Best paying industry	Education	-

Differences between instruction librarian and circulation director education

There are a few differences between an instruction librarian and a circulation director in terms of educational background:

	Instruction Librarian	Circulation Director
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 55%	Bachelor's Degree, 72%
Most common major	Library Science	Business
Most common college	New York University	Stanford University

Instruction librarian vs circulation director demographics

Here are the differences between instruction librarians' and circulation directors' demographics:

	Instruction Librarian	Circulation Director
Average age	48	48
Gender ratio	Male, 34.9% Female, 65.1%	Male, 68.5% Female, 31.5%
Race ratio	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%	Black or African American, 6.5% Unknown, 3.6% Hispanic or Latino, 7.9% Asian, 5.0% White, 76.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3%
LGBT Percentage	16%	16%

Differences between instruction librarian and circulation director duties and responsibilities

Instruction librarian example responsibilities.

Manage integrated library system including OPAC, serials control, cataloging and acquisitions.
Perform collection management for adult non-fiction.
Provide opportunities for students to use the library for class-relate research, individual investigation, independent reading, and personal inquiry.
Conduct copy/original cataloging of all resources.
Maintain all records update and create original cataloging as necessary.
Create an inventory of all materials locate in the corporate HQ's attic.

Circulation director example responsibilities.

Manage vendor relationships for BPA audits, reader service, international mail, subscription telemarketing & corporate compliance for USPS standards.
Manage records of circulation and materials, maintain inventory, and correct cataloging errors.
Insure adherence to ABC rules and regulations.
Establish completely fund NIE program at both papers.
Analyze and compare marketing campaigns, marketing briefs, and BPA statements.
Possess ABC, postal audit, statement of ownership, etc., knowledge.

Instruction librarian vs circulation director skills

Common instruction librarian skills

Collection Development, 11%
Library Services, 10%
Reference Services, 8%
Research Assistance, 8%
Professional Development, 7%
Library Resources, 7%

Common circulation director skills

Audience Development, 19%
Newspapers, 13%
Independent Contractors, 11%
Expense Budget, 10%
ABC, 4%
Strategic Plan, 4%

Instruction Librarian vs. similar jobs

Instruction Librarian related careers

Instruction Librarian related jobs

What similar roles do

Zippia Careers
Education, Training, and Library Industry
Instruction Librarian
Instruction Librarian vs Circulation Director

Updated January 8, 2025

Browse education, training, and library jobs