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Law librarian vs instruction librarian

The differences between law librarians and instruction librarians can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 1-2 years to become both a law librarian and an instruction librarian. Additionally, a law librarian has an average salary of $51,708, which is higher than the $50,234 average annual salary of an instruction librarian.

The top three skills for a law librarian include library services, collection development and reference services. The most important skills for an instruction librarian are collection development, library services, and reference services.

Law librarian vs instruction librarian overview

Law LibrarianInstruction Librarian
Yearly salary$51,708$50,234
Hourly rate$24.86$24.15
Growth rate6%6%
Number of jobs1,8131,276
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 55%Bachelor's Degree, 55%
Average age4848
Years of experience22

Law librarian vs instruction librarian salary

Law librarians and instruction librarians have different pay scales, as shown below.

Law LibrarianInstruction Librarian
Average salary$51,708$50,234
Salary rangeBetween $35,000 And $76,000Between $35,000 And $71,000
Highest paying CityPhiladelphia, PATacoma, WA
Highest paying stateAlaskaAlaska
Best paying companyNortheastern UniversityKern Community College District
Best paying industryProfessionalEducation

Differences between law librarian and instruction librarian education

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

Law LibrarianInstruction Librarian
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 55%Bachelor's Degree, 55%
Most common majorHistoryLibrary Science
Most common collegeNew York UniversityNew York University

Law librarian vs instruction librarian demographics

Here are the differences between law librarians' and instruction librarians' demographics:

Law LibrarianInstruction Librarian
Average age4848
Gender ratioMale, 32.4% Female, 67.6%Male, 34.9% Female, 65.1%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 6.4% Unknown, 3.6% Hispanic or Latino, 7.7% Asian, 4.9% White, 77.1% 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 law librarian and instruction librarian duties and responsibilities

Law librarian example responsibilities.

  • Manage integrated library system including OPAC, serials control, cataloging and acquisitions.
  • Supervise cataloging and processing of all materials.
  • Perform library technical services, including cataloging, processing, and acquisitions.
  • Review monthly Lexis and Westlaw usage to identify users needing additional training in cost-effective research techniques.
  • Open new patron accounts, provide customer support regarding account status and work with Polaris systems.

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.
  • Show more

Law librarian vs instruction librarian skills

Common law librarian skills
  • Library Services, 11%
  • Collection Development, 9%
  • Reference Services, 9%
  • Research Services, 8%
  • Legal Resources, 6%
  • Legal Reference, 6%
Common instruction librarian skills
  • Collection Development, 11%
  • Library Services, 10%
  • Reference Services, 8%
  • Research Assistance, 8%
  • Professional Development, 7%
  • Library Resources, 7%

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