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Reference librarian vs law librarian

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

Reference librarian vs law librarian overview

Reference LibrarianLaw Librarian
Yearly salary$50,409$51,708
Hourly rate$24.24$24.86
Growth rate6%6%
Number of jobs1,0581,813
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 56%Bachelor's Degree, 55%
Average age4848
Years of experience22

Reference librarian vs law librarian salary

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

Reference LibrarianLaw Librarian
Average salary$50,409$51,708
Salary rangeBetween $35,000 And $70,000Between $35,000 And $76,000
Highest paying CityAnchorage, AKPhiladelphia, PA
Highest paying stateAlaskaAlaska
Best paying companyYale UniversityNortheastern University
Best paying industryEducationProfessional

Differences between reference librarian and law librarian education

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

Reference LibrarianLaw Librarian
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 56%Bachelor's Degree, 55%
Most common majorLibrary ScienceHistory
Most common collegeNew York UniversityNew York University

Reference librarian vs law librarian demographics

Here are the differences between reference librarians' and law librarians' demographics:

Reference LibrarianLaw Librarian
Average age4848
Gender ratioMale, 33.3% Female, 66.7%Male, 32.4% Female, 67.6%
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, 6.4% 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 reference librarian and law librarian 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

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.

Reference librarian vs law librarian skills

Common reference librarian skills
  • Reference Services, 11%
  • Library Patrons, 9%
  • Collection Development, 9%
  • Library Services, 7%
  • Research Guides, 6%
  • Reference Desk, 4%
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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