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Media librarian vs public services librarian

The differences between media librarians 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 media librarian and a public services librarian. Additionally, a public services librarian has an average salary of $49,867, which is higher than the $44,176 average annual salary of a media librarian.

The top three skills for a media librarian include DVD, media management and rights issues. The most important skills for a public services librarian are library services, collection development, and reference services.

Media librarian vs public services librarian overview

Media LibrarianPublic Services Librarian
Yearly salary$44,176$49,867
Hourly rate$21.24$23.97
Growth rate6%6%
Number of jobs8,86662,620
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 68%Bachelor's Degree, 46%
Average age4848
Years of experience22

Media librarian vs public services librarian salary

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

Media LibrarianPublic Services Librarian
Average salary$44,176$49,867
Salary rangeBetween $32,000 And $60,000Between $35,000 And $70,000
Highest paying City-Santa Rosa, CA
Highest paying state-Alaska
Best paying company-Yale University
Best paying industry-Education

Differences between media librarian and public services librarian education

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

Media LibrarianPublic Services Librarian
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 68%Bachelor's Degree, 46%
Most common majorCommunicationLibrary Science
Most common collegeUniversity of Southern CaliforniaNew York University

Media librarian vs public services librarian demographics

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

Media LibrarianPublic Services Librarian
Average age4848
Gender ratioMale, 50.3% Female, 49.7%Male, 41.9% Female, 58.1%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 6.6% Unknown, 3.6% Hispanic or Latino, 8.0% Asian, 5.0% White, 76.5% 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 Percentage16%16%

Differences between media librarian and public services librarian duties and responsibilities

Media 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.
  • Provide opportunities for students to use the library for class-relate research, individual investigation, independent reading, and personal inquiry.

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.

Media librarian vs public services librarian skills

Common media librarian skills
  • DVD, 21%
  • Media Management, 15%
  • Rights Issues, 14%
  • Front Desk, 10%
  • Disaster Recovery, 9%
  • Library Materials, 9%
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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