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Reference librarian vs circulation director

The differences between reference librarians and circulation directors can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 1-2 years to become both a reference librarian and a circulation director. Additionally, a circulation director has an average salary of $59,920, which is higher than the $50,409 average annual salary of a reference librarian.

The top three skills for a reference librarian include reference services, library patrons and collection development. The most important skills for a circulation director are audience development, newspapers, and independent contractors.

Reference librarian vs circulation director overview

Reference LibrarianCirculation Director
Yearly salary$50,409$59,920
Hourly rate$24.24$28.81
Growth rate6%6%
Number of jobs1,0585,074
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 56%Bachelor's Degree, 72%
Average age4848
Years of experience22

Reference librarian vs circulation director salary

Reference librarians and circulation directors have different pay scales, as shown below.

Reference LibrarianCirculation Director
Average salary$50,409$59,920
Salary rangeBetween $35,000 And $70,000Between $30,000 And $119,000
Highest paying CityAnchorage, AK-
Highest paying stateAlaska-
Best paying companyYale University-
Best paying industryEducation-

Differences between reference librarian and circulation director education

There are a few differences between a reference librarian and a circulation director in terms of educational background:

Reference LibrarianCirculation Director
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 56%Bachelor's Degree, 72%
Most common majorLibrary ScienceBusiness
Most common collegeNew York UniversityStanford University

Reference librarian vs circulation director demographics

Here are the differences between reference librarians' and circulation directors' demographics:

Reference LibrarianCirculation Director
Average age4848
Gender ratioMale, 33.3% Female, 66.7%Male, 68.5% Female, 31.5%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 6.5% Unknown, 3.6% Hispanic or Latino, 7.8% Asian, 4.9% White, 76.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3%Black or African American, 6.5% Unknown, 3.6% Hispanic or Latino, 7.9% Asian, 5.0% White, 76.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3%
LGBT Percentage16%16%

Differences between reference librarian and circulation director duties and responsibilities

Reference librarian example responsibilities.

  • Achieve proficiency cataloging electronic materials (audio records, video recordings, and streaming video) and continuing resources/serials.
  • Coordinate inter-library loan service, using OCLC searches to loan and borrow books and periodicals.
  • Perform reference and readers' advisory for patrons and staff via telephone, IM, email, and in person.
  • Perform copy-cataloging operations using OCLC database and online databases.
  • Maintain responsibility for collection management of the adult non-fiction collection.
  • Instigate student-librarian relationships and increase library productivity by regularly mentoring students in legal research, writing, and study methods.
    • Show more

Circulation director example responsibilities.

  • Manage vendor relationships for BPA audits, reader service, international mail, subscription telemarketing & corporate compliance for USPS standards.
  • Manage records of circulation and materials, maintain inventory, and correct cataloging errors.
  • Insure adherence to ABC rules and regulations.
  • Establish completely fund NIE program at both papers.
  • Analyze and compare marketing campaigns, marketing briefs, and BPA statements.
  • Possess ABC, postal audit, statement of ownership, etc., knowledge.
    • Show more

Reference librarian vs circulation director skills

Common reference librarian skills
  • Reference Services, 11%
  • Library Patrons, 9%
  • Collection Development, 9%
  • Library Services, 7%
  • Research Guides, 6%
  • Reference Desk, 4%
Common circulation director skills
  • Audience Development, 19%
  • Newspapers, 13%
  • Independent Contractors, 11%
  • Expense Budget, 10%
  • ABC, 4%
  • Strategic Plan, 4%

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Updated January 8, 2025

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