Library manager vs research librarian

The differences between library managers and research 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 research librarian. Additionally, a library manager has an average salary of $58,586, which is higher than the $51,263 average annual salary of a research librarian.

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

Library manager vs research librarian overview

	Library Manager	Research Librarian
Yearly salary	$58,586	$51,263
Hourly rate	$28.17	$24.65
Growth rate	6%	6%
Number of jobs	1,739	45,828
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 65%	Bachelor's Degree, 60%
Average age	48	48
Years of experience	2	2

Library manager vs research librarian salary

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

	Library Manager	Research Librarian
Average salary	$58,586	$51,263
Salary range	Between $41,000 And $82,000	Between $35,000 And $74,000
Highest paying City	San Francisco, CA	Philadelphia, PA
Highest paying state	California	Alaska
Best paying company	Amd	Harvard University
Best paying industry	Health Care	Professional

Differences between library manager and research librarian education

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

	Library Manager	Research Librarian
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 65%	Bachelor's Degree, 60%
Most common major	Business	Library Science
Most common college	New York University	New York University

Library manager vs research librarian demographics

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

	Library Manager	Research Librarian
Average age	48	48
Gender ratio	Male, 38.1% Female, 61.9%	Male, 35.7% Female, 64.3%
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, 6.3% Unknown, 3.6% Hispanic or Latino, 7.7% Asian, 4.8% White, 77.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3%
LGBT Percentage	16%	16%

Differences between library manager and research 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.

Research librarian example responsibilities.

Manage integrated library system including OPAC, serials control, cataloging and acquisitions.
Order materials and perform literature searches using OCLC.
Utilize Microsoft SharePoint to create and maintain the library intranet portal.
Advise clients using factual data in the Lexis Nexis computer system.
Train staff for ILS use.
Provide web content via LibGuides.

Library manager vs research 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 research librarian skills

Research Support, 13%
Library Services, 9%
Collection Development, 8%
Research Services, 6%
Library Resources, 6%
Research Projects, 6%

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Library Manager vs Research Librarian

Updated January 8, 2025

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