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Reference librarian vs library manager

The differences between reference librarians and library managers 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 library manager. Additionally, a library manager has an average salary of $58,586, 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 library manager are library services, library policies, and collection development.

Reference librarian vs library manager overview

Reference LibrarianLibrary Manager
Yearly salary$50,409$58,586
Hourly rate$24.24$28.17
Growth rate6%6%
Number of jobs1,0581,739
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 56%Bachelor's Degree, 65%
Average age4848
Years of experience22

Reference librarian vs library manager salary

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

Reference LibrarianLibrary Manager
Average salary$50,409$58,586
Salary rangeBetween $35,000 And $70,000Between $41,000 And $82,000
Highest paying CityAnchorage, AKSan Francisco, CA
Highest paying stateAlaskaCalifornia
Best paying companyYale UniversityAmd
Best paying industryEducationHealth Care

Differences between reference librarian and library manager education

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

Reference LibrarianLibrary Manager
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 56%Bachelor's Degree, 65%
Most common majorLibrary ScienceBusiness
Most common collegeNew York UniversityNew York University

Reference librarian vs library manager demographics

Here are the differences between reference librarians' and library managers' demographics:

Reference LibrarianLibrary Manager
Average age4848
Gender ratioMale, 33.3% Female, 66.7%Male, 38.1% Female, 61.9%
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, 6.3% Unknown, 3.6% Hispanic or Latino, 7.7% Asian, 4.8% White, 77.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3%
LGBT Percentage16%16%

Differences between reference librarian and library manager 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

Library manager example responsibilities.

  • Provide continuous cataloging training for library staff.
  • Operate library cataloging system efficiently by providing unique identification code to the newly purchase books.
  • Provide safety and security oversight of the library, training and updating evacuation/plot plans and extinguishment methods.
  • Research using LEXIS-NEXIS and WestLaw databases for legal, business, and newspaper research.
  • Utilize Lexis and Westlaw extensively to locate articles and case law relate to the topic.
  • Record retention.SecurityDuties include enforcing the rules and regulations of TDCJ.

Reference librarian vs library manager skills

Common reference librarian skills
  • Reference Services, 11%
  • Library Patrons, 9%
  • Collection Development, 9%
  • Library Services, 7%
  • Research Guides, 6%
  • Reference Desk, 4%
Common library manager skills
  • Library Services, 18%
  • Library Policies, 11%
  • Collection Development, 9%
  • Local Community, 8%
  • Electronic Resources, 7%
  • Library Materials, 4%

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Updated January 8, 2025

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