Library clerk vs librarian

The differences between library clerks and librarians can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a librarian has an average salary of $53,096, which is higher than the $30,275 average annual salary of a library clerk.

The top three skills for a library clerk include library materials, customer service and circulation desk. The most important skills for a librarian are library services, customer service, and library materials.

Library clerk vs librarian overview

	Library Clerk	Librarian
Yearly salary	$30,275	$53,096
Hourly rate	$14.56	$25.53
Growth rate	-4%	6%
Number of jobs	67,131	1,264
Job satisfaction	-	5
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 52%	Bachelor's Degree, 56%
Average age	47	48
Years of experience	-	2

What does a library clerk do?

Library clerks help librarians by primarily doing sorting, shelving, updating database and files, and cataloging several library materials such as books, newspapers, magazines, and multimedia resources. They check books and other resources in and out of the library assist in the procurement of library supplies, work with audio-visual equipment most of the time. In addition, other job responsibilities include setting up book displays, repairing damaged books, sending out overdue notices, and helping visitors find what they look for.

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.

Library clerk vs librarian salary

Library clerks and librarians have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Library Clerk	Librarian
Average salary	$30,275	$53,096
Salary range	Between $23,000 And $39,000	Between $38,000 And $73,000
Highest paying City	Anchorage, AK	San Francisco, CA
Highest paying state	Alaska	Alaska
Best paying company	Mayor Ethan Berkowitz	Meta
Best paying industry	Finance	Education

Differences between library clerk and librarian education

There are a few differences between a library clerk and a librarian in terms of educational background:

	Library Clerk	Librarian
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 52%	Bachelor's Degree, 56%
Most common major	Business	Library Science
Most common college	Stanford University	New York University

Library clerk vs librarian demographics

Here are the differences between library clerks' and librarians' demographics:

	Library Clerk	Librarian
Average age	47	48
Gender ratio	Male, 28.7% Female, 71.3%	Male, 31.3% Female, 68.7%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 9.8% Unknown, 4.8% Hispanic or Latino, 14.9% Asian, 5.3% White, 64.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%	Black 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%
LGBT Percentage	11%	16%

Differences between library clerk and librarian duties and responsibilities

Library clerk example responsibilities.

Issue out DVDs, CD's, and newspapers to library customers.
Check in and out library merchandise including: books, audio recordings, magazines, and DVDs.
Perform copy cataloging, subject analysis and assignment of classification numbers.
Perform regular cataloging of new acquisitions, maintaining accurate data building for microfilm, microfiche, periodicals, and academic collections.
Collate, and burned documents to CDs for time-sensitive shipment.
Shelve music books, music scores, CDs, vinyl record albums, and audiobooks.

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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.

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Library clerk vs librarian skills

Common library clerk skills

Library Materials, 19%
Customer Service, 12%
Circulation Desk, 7%
Library Patrons, 4%
Word Processing, 3%
Office Equipment, 3%

Common librarian skills

Library Services, 11%
Customer Service, 10%
Library Materials, 8%
Collection Development, 7%
Library Resources, 6%
Reference Services, 5%

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Updated January 8, 2025

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