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Public services librarian vs law librarian

The differences between public services librarians and law 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 a law librarian. Additionally, a law librarian has an average salary of $51,708, 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 a law librarian are library services, collection development, and reference services.

Public services librarian vs law librarian overview

Public Services LibrarianLaw Librarian
Yearly salary$49,867$51,708
Hourly rate$23.97$24.86
Growth rate6%6%
Number of jobs62,6201,813
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 46%Bachelor's Degree, 55%
Average age4848
Years of experience22

Public services librarian vs law librarian salary

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

Public Services LibrarianLaw Librarian
Average salary$49,867$51,708
Salary rangeBetween $35,000 And $70,000Between $35,000 And $76,000
Highest paying CitySanta Rosa, CAPhiladelphia, PA
Highest paying stateAlaskaAlaska
Best paying companyYale UniversityNortheastern University
Best paying industryEducationProfessional

Differences between public services librarian and law librarian education

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

Public Services LibrarianLaw Librarian
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 46%Bachelor's Degree, 55%
Most common majorLibrary ScienceHistory
Most common collegeNew York UniversityNew York University

Public services librarian vs law librarian demographics

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

Public Services LibrarianLaw Librarian
Average age4848
Gender ratioMale, 41.9% Female, 58.1%Male, 32.4% Female, 67.6%
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, 6.4% Unknown, 3.6% Hispanic or Latino, 7.7% Asian, 4.9% White, 77.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3%
LGBT Percentage16%16%

Differences between public services librarian and law 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.

Law librarian example responsibilities.

  • Manage integrated library system including OPAC, serials control, cataloging and acquisitions.
  • Supervise cataloging and processing of all materials.
  • Perform library technical services, including cataloging, processing, and acquisitions.
  • Review monthly Lexis and Westlaw usage to identify users needing additional training in cost-effective research techniques.
  • Open new patron accounts, provide customer support regarding account status and work with Polaris systems.

Public services librarian vs law 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 law librarian skills
  • Library Services, 11%
  • Collection Development, 9%
  • Reference Services, 9%
  • Research Services, 8%
  • Legal Resources, 6%
  • Legal Reference, 6%

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