Post job

Librarian vs children's librarian

The differences between librarians and children's 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 librarian and a children's librarian. Additionally, a librarian has an average salary of $53,096, which is higher than the $49,900 average annual salary of a children's librarian.

The top three skills for a librarian include library services, customer service and library materials. The most important skills for a children's librarian are reference services, collection development, and youth services.

Librarian vs children's librarian overview

LibrarianChildren's Librarian
Yearly salary$53,096$49,900
Hourly rate$25.53$23.99
Growth rate6%6%
Number of jobs1,2649,834
Job satisfaction5-
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 56%Bachelor's Degree, 60%
Average age4848
Years of experience22

What does a librarian do?

Librarians are trained in the field of information science so they can assist people in search of information. They direct and develop information systems and programs for the public. It is their job to make sure that the data is well-organized to meet every library user's needs. Their library work focuses on three main aspects, including user services, administrative services, and technical services. Typically, librarians work in schools, government, or local libraries.

What does a children's librarian do?

A Children's Librarian involves reading stories to young library users/patrons and returning books to their respective shelves. These librarians coordinate library references and services for caregivers and children. They choose age-appropriate and high-quality reading material, develop library initiatives, and conduct outreach programs. This position may be regarded as a stepping stone for a good career as the librarians may pursue graduate degrees. Librarians should have a sense of humor, the ability to accept failure, and be very flexible.

Librarian vs children's librarian salary

Librarians and children's librarians have different pay scales, as shown below.

LibrarianChildren's Librarian
Average salary$53,096$49,900
Salary rangeBetween $38,000 And $73,000Between $35,000 And $70,000
Highest paying CitySan Francisco, CA-
Highest paying stateAlaska-
Best paying companyMeta-
Best paying industryEducation-

Differences between librarian and children's librarian education

There are a few differences between a librarian and a children's librarian in terms of educational background:

LibrarianChildren's Librarian
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 56%Bachelor's Degree, 60%
Most common majorLibrary ScienceLibrary Science
Most common collegeNew York UniversityUniversity of Maryland - College Park

Librarian vs children's librarian demographics

Here are the differences between librarians' and children's librarians' demographics:

LibrarianChildren's Librarian
Average age4848
Gender ratioMale, 31.3% Female, 68.7%Male, 10.6% Female, 89.4%
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 librarian and children's librarian duties and responsibilities

Librarian example responsibilities.

  • Plan and manage weekly toddler programs and activities.
  • Recruit, train, and manage volunteers, teen ambassadors, book buddies, elderly volunteers, and teen tech assistants.
  • Manage adult non-fiction materials and coordinate staff.
  • Manage and maintain inventory of NAVAIR technical documentation.
  • Manage integrated library system including OPAC, serials control, cataloging and acquisitions.
  • Achieve proficiency cataloging electronic materials (audio records, video recordings, and streaming video) and continuing resources/serials.
  • Show more

Children's librarian example responsibilities.

  • Achieve proficiency cataloging electronic materials (audio records, video recordings, and streaming video) and continuing resources/serials.
  • Provide opportunities for students to use the library for class-relate research, individual investigation, independent reading, and personal inquiry.
  • Open new patron accounts, provide customer support regarding account status and work with Polaris systems.

Librarian vs children's librarian skills

Common librarian skills
  • Library Services, 11%
  • Customer Service, 10%
  • Library Materials, 8%
  • Collection Development, 7%
  • Library Resources, 6%
  • Reference Services, 5%
Common children's librarian skills
  • Reference Services, 12%
  • Collection Development, 12%
  • Youth Services, 9%
  • Library Services, 7%
  • Teen, 6%
  • Public Library, 5%

Browse education, training, and library jobs