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Media librarian vs research librarian

The differences between media librarians 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 media librarian and a research librarian. Additionally, a research librarian has an average salary of $51,263, 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 research librarian are research support, library services, and collection development.

Media librarian vs research librarian overview

Media LibrarianResearch Librarian
Yearly salary$44,176$51,263
Hourly rate$21.24$24.65
Growth rate6%6%
Number of jobs8,86645,828
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 68%Bachelor's Degree, 60%
Average age4848
Years of experience22

Media librarian vs research librarian salary

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

Media LibrarianResearch Librarian
Average salary$44,176$51,263
Salary rangeBetween $32,000 And $60,000Between $35,000 And $74,000
Highest paying City-Philadelphia, PA
Highest paying state-Alaska
Best paying company-Harvard University
Best paying industry-Professional

Differences between media librarian and research librarian education

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

Media LibrarianResearch Librarian
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 68%Bachelor's Degree, 60%
Most common majorCommunicationLibrary Science
Most common collegeUniversity of Southern CaliforniaNew York University

Media librarian vs research librarian demographics

Here are the differences between media librarians' and research librarians' demographics:

Media LibrarianResearch Librarian
Average age4848
Gender ratioMale, 50.3% Female, 49.7%Male, 35.7% Female, 64.3%
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, 6.3% Unknown, 3.6% Hispanic or Latino, 7.7% Asian, 4.8% White, 77.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3%
LGBT Percentage16%16%

Differences between media librarian and research 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.

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.
  • Show more

Media librarian vs research librarian skills

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