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Music librarian vs research librarian

The differences between music 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 music librarian and a research librarian. Additionally, a music librarian has an average salary of $54,159, which is higher than the $51,263 average annual salary of a research librarian.

The top three skills for a music librarian include library database, music library and wind ensemble. The most important skills for a research librarian are research support, library services, and collection development.

Music librarian vs research librarian overview

Music LibrarianResearch Librarian
Yearly salary$54,159$51,263
Hourly rate$26.04$24.65
Growth rate6%6%
Number of jobs3,54845,828
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 72%Bachelor's Degree, 60%
Average age4848
Years of experience22

Music librarian vs research librarian salary

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

Music LibrarianResearch Librarian
Average salary$54,159$51,263
Salary rangeBetween $37,000 And $77,000Between $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 music librarian and research librarian education

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

Music LibrarianResearch Librarian
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 72%Bachelor's Degree, 60%
Most common majorMusicLibrary Science
Most common collegeStanford UniversityNew York University

Music librarian vs research librarian demographics

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

Music LibrarianResearch Librarian
Average age4848
Gender ratioMale, 42.0% Female, 58.0%Male, 35.7% Female, 64.3%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 6.5% Unknown, 3.6% Hispanic or Latino, 7.8% Asian, 4.9% White, 76.9% 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 music librarian and research librarian duties and responsibilities

Music librarian example responsibilities.

  • Achieve proficiency cataloging electronic materials (audio records, video recordings, and streaming video) and continuing resources/serials.
  • Dust and clean CDs and shelving as needed.
  • Replace lost/damage CDs and honor patron requests if possible.
  • 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

Music librarian vs research librarian skills

Common music librarian skills
  • Library Database, 20%
  • Music Library, 13%
  • Wind Ensemble, 9%
  • Sheet Music, 9%
  • Collection Development, 8%
  • Electronic Resources, 7%
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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