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Librarian vs technical services librarian

The differences between librarians and technical services 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 technical services librarian. Additionally, a librarian has an average salary of $53,096, which is higher than the $50,657 average annual salary of a technical services librarian.

The top three skills for a librarian include library services, customer service and library materials. The most important skills for a technical services librarian are library services, collection development, and library resources.

Librarian vs technical services librarian overview

LibrarianTechnical Services Librarian
Yearly salary$53,096$50,657
Hourly rate$25.53$24.35
Growth rate6%6%
Number of jobs1,264118,696
Job satisfaction5-
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 56%Bachelor's Degree, 53%
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 technical services librarian do?

A technical services librarian is responsible for overseeing the technical and circulation services at a library. Typical duties for this role include supervising the technical and circulation staff, working closely with other library services, and directing the activities on library automation. In addition, you will make technical decisions involving the use and management of bibliographic records based on accepted standards. As a technical services librarian, it is also your responsibility to assist in the preparation of the library's annual budget and contribute to collection and acquisition development initiatives.

Librarian vs technical services librarian salary

Librarians and technical services librarians have different pay scales, as shown below.

LibrarianTechnical Services Librarian
Average salary$53,096$50,657
Salary rangeBetween $38,000 And $73,000Between $36,000 And $69,000
Highest paying CitySan Francisco, CACharlottesville, VA
Highest paying stateAlaskaAlaska
Best paying companyMetaYale University
Best paying industryEducationProfessional

Differences between librarian and technical services librarian education

There are a few differences between a librarian and a technical services librarian in terms of educational background:

LibrarianTechnical Services Librarian
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 56%Bachelor's Degree, 53%
Most common majorLibrary ScienceLibrary Science
Most common collegeNew York UniversityNew York University

Librarian vs technical services librarian demographics

Here are the differences between librarians' and technical services librarians' demographics:

LibrarianTechnical Services Librarian
Average age4848
Gender ratioMale, 31.3% Female, 68.7%Male, 32.3% Female, 67.7%
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, 6.6% Unknown, 3.6% Hispanic or Latino, 7.9% Asian, 5.0% White, 76.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3%
LGBT Percentage16%16%

Differences between librarian and technical services 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

Technical services librarian example responsibilities.

  • Manage integrated library system including OPAC, serials control, cataloging and acquisitions.
  • Proofread and edit MARC records, perform database clean-up, and maintain records in online catalog.
  • Coordinate cataloging, classification and processing of books and audiovisual materials.
  • Identify and refer items that need attention of the cataloging or conservation department
  • Open new patron accounts, provide customer support regarding account status and work with Polaris systems.

Librarian vs technical services librarian skills

Common librarian skills
  • Library Services, 11%
  • Customer Service, 10%
  • Library Materials, 8%
  • Collection Development, 7%
  • Library Resources, 6%
  • Reference Services, 5%
Common technical services librarian skills
  • Library Services, 9%
  • Collection Development, 7%
  • Library Resources, 5%
  • Technical Service, 5%
  • Library Materials, 4%
  • Emerging Technologies, 4%

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