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Media librarian vs technical services librarian

The differences between media librarians and technical 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 technical services librarian. Additionally, a technical services librarian has an average salary of $50,657, 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 technical services librarian are library services, collection development, and library resources.

Media librarian vs technical services librarian overview

Media LibrarianTechnical Services Librarian
Yearly salary$44,176$50,657
Hourly rate$21.24$24.35
Growth rate6%6%
Number of jobs8,866118,696
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 68%Bachelor's Degree, 53%
Average age4848
Years of experience22

Media librarian vs technical services librarian salary

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

Media LibrarianTechnical Services Librarian
Average salary$44,176$50,657
Salary rangeBetween $32,000 And $60,000Between $36,000 And $69,000
Highest paying City-Charlottesville, VA
Highest paying state-Alaska
Best paying company-Yale University
Best paying industry-Professional

Differences between media librarian and technical services librarian education

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

Media LibrarianTechnical Services Librarian
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 68%Bachelor's Degree, 53%
Most common majorCommunicationLibrary Science
Most common collegeUniversity of Southern CaliforniaNew York University

Media librarian vs technical services librarian demographics

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

Media LibrarianTechnical Services Librarian
Average age4848
Gender ratioMale, 50.3% Female, 49.7%Male, 32.3% Female, 67.7%
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, 6.6% Unknown, 3.6% Hispanic or Latino, 7.9% Asian, 5.0% White, 76.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3%
LGBT Percentage16%16%

Differences between media librarian and technical 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.

Technical services librarian example responsibilities.

  • Manage integrated library system including OPAC, serials control, cataloging and acquisitions.
  • Proofread and edit MARC records, perform database clean-up, and maintain records in online catalog.
  • Coordinate cataloging, classification and processing of books and audiovisual materials.
  • Identify and refer items that need attention of the cataloging or conservation department
  • Open new patron accounts, provide customer support regarding account status and work with Polaris systems.

Media librarian vs technical 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 technical services librarian skills
  • Library Services, 9%
  • Collection Development, 7%
  • Library Resources, 5%
  • Technical Service, 5%
  • Library Materials, 4%
  • Emerging Technologies, 4%

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