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Public services librarian vs instruction librarian

The differences between public services librarians and instruction 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 public services librarian and an instruction librarian. Additionally, an instruction librarian has an average salary of $50,234, which is higher than the $49,867 average annual salary of a public services librarian.

The top three skills for a public services librarian include library services, collection development and reference services. The most important skills for an instruction librarian are collection development, library services, and reference services.

Public services librarian vs instruction librarian overview

Public Services LibrarianInstruction Librarian
Yearly salary$49,867$50,234
Hourly rate$23.97$24.15
Growth rate6%6%
Number of jobs62,6201,276
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 46%Bachelor's Degree, 55%
Average age4848
Years of experience22

Public services librarian vs instruction librarian salary

Public services librarians and instruction librarians have different pay scales, as shown below.

Public Services LibrarianInstruction Librarian
Average salary$49,867$50,234
Salary rangeBetween $35,000 And $70,000Between $35,000 And $71,000
Highest paying CitySanta Rosa, CATacoma, WA
Highest paying stateAlaskaAlaska
Best paying companyYale UniversityKern Community College District
Best paying industryEducationEducation

Differences between public services librarian and instruction librarian education

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

Public Services LibrarianInstruction Librarian
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 46%Bachelor's Degree, 55%
Most common majorLibrary ScienceLibrary Science
Most common collegeNew York UniversityNew York University

Public services librarian vs instruction librarian demographics

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

Public Services LibrarianInstruction Librarian
Average age4848
Gender ratioMale, 41.9% Female, 58.1%Male, 34.9% Female, 65.1%
Race ratioBlack 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%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 public services librarian and instruction librarian duties and responsibilities

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.

Instruction librarian example responsibilities.

  • Manage integrated library system including OPAC, serials control, cataloging and acquisitions.
  • Perform collection management for adult non-fiction.
  • Provide opportunities for students to use the library for class-relate research, individual investigation, independent reading, and personal inquiry.
  • Conduct copy/original cataloging of all resources.
  • Maintain all records update and create original cataloging as necessary.
  • Create an inventory of all materials locate in the corporate HQ's attic.
  • Show more

Public services librarian vs instruction librarian skills

Common public services librarian skills
  • Library Services, 15%
  • Collection Development, 10%
  • Reference Services, 9%
  • Library Policies, 8%
  • Technical Publications, 7%
  • Technical Manuals, 6%
Common instruction librarian skills
  • Collection Development, 11%
  • Library Services, 10%
  • Reference Services, 8%
  • Research Assistance, 8%
  • Professional Development, 7%
  • Library Resources, 7%

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