Library manager vs public services librarian

The differences between library managers and public 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 library manager and a public services librarian. Additionally, a library manager has an average salary of $58,586, which is higher than the $49,867 average annual salary of a public services librarian.

The top three skills for a library manager include library services, library policies and collection development. The most important skills for a public services librarian are library services, collection development, and reference services.

Library manager vs public services librarian overview

	Library Manager	Public Services Librarian
Yearly salary	$58,586	$49,867
Hourly rate	$28.17	$23.97
Growth rate	6%	6%
Number of jobs	1,739	62,620
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 65%	Bachelor's Degree, 46%
Average age	48	48
Years of experience	2	2

Library manager vs public services librarian salary

Library managers and public services librarians have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Library Manager	Public Services Librarian
Average salary	$58,586	$49,867
Salary range	Between $41,000 And $82,000	Between $35,000 And $70,000
Highest paying City	San Francisco, CA	Santa Rosa, CA
Highest paying state	California	Alaska
Best paying company	Amd	Yale University
Best paying industry	Health Care	Education

Differences between library manager and public services librarian education

There are a few differences between a library manager and a public services librarian in terms of educational background:

	Library Manager	Public Services Librarian
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 65%	Bachelor's Degree, 46%
Most common major	Business	Library Science
Most common college	New York University	New York University

Library manager vs public services librarian demographics

Here are the differences between library managers' and public services librarians' demographics:

	Library Manager	Public Services Librarian
Average age	48	48
Gender ratio	Male, 38.1% Female, 61.9%	Male, 41.9% Female, 58.1%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 6.3% Unknown, 3.6% Hispanic or Latino, 7.7% Asian, 4.8% White, 77.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3%	Black or African American, 6.4% Unknown, 3.6% Hispanic or Latino, 7.8% Asian, 4.9% White, 77.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3%
LGBT Percentage	16%	16%

Differences between library manager and public services librarian duties and responsibilities

Library manager example responsibilities.

Provide continuous cataloging training for library staff.
Operate library cataloging system efficiently by providing unique identification code to the newly purchase books.
Provide safety and security oversight of the library, training and updating evacuation/plot plans and extinguishment methods.
Research using LEXIS-NEXIS and WestLaw databases for legal, business, and newspaper research.
Utilize Lexis and Westlaw extensively to locate articles and case law relate to the topic.
Record retention.SecurityDuties include enforcing the rules and regulations of TDCJ.

Public services librarian example responsibilities.

Manage integrated library system including OPAC, serials control, cataloging and acquisitions.
Perform original and copy cataloging of new acquisitions.
Perform various technical services including cataloging, weeding, and authority control.
Provide opportunities for students to use the library for class-relate research, individual investigation, independent reading, and personal inquiry.
Provide client services such as inter-library loans, ordering of new materials and instruction on use of library OPAC.

Library manager vs public services librarian skills

Common library manager skills

Library Services, 18%
Library Policies, 11%
Collection Development, 9%
Local Community, 8%
Electronic Resources, 7%
Library Materials, 4%

Common public services librarian skills

Library Services, 15%
Collection Development, 10%
Reference Services, 9%
Library Policies, 8%
Technical Publications, 7%
Technical Manuals, 6%

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Library Manager vs Public Services Librarian

Updated January 8, 2025

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