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Reference librarian vs music librarian

The differences between reference librarians and music 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 music librarian. Additionally, a music librarian has an average salary of $54,159, 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 music librarian are library database, music library, and wind ensemble.

Reference librarian vs music librarian overview

Reference LibrarianMusic Librarian
Yearly salary$50,409$54,159
Hourly rate$24.24$26.04
Growth rate6%6%
Number of jobs1,0583,548
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 56%Bachelor's Degree, 72%
Average age4848
Years of experience22

Reference librarian vs music librarian salary

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

Reference LibrarianMusic Librarian
Average salary$50,409$54,159
Salary rangeBetween $35,000 And $70,000Between $37,000 And $77,000
Highest paying CityAnchorage, AK-
Highest paying stateAlaska-
Best paying companyYale University-
Best paying industryEducation-

Differences between reference librarian and music librarian education

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

Reference LibrarianMusic Librarian
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 56%Bachelor's Degree, 72%
Most common majorLibrary ScienceMusic
Most common collegeNew York UniversityStanford University

Reference librarian vs music librarian demographics

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

Reference LibrarianMusic Librarian
Average age4848
Gender ratioMale, 33.3% Female, 66.7%Male, 42.0% Female, 58.0%
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, 7.8% Asian, 4.9% White, 76.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3%
LGBT Percentage16%16%

Differences between reference librarian and music 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

Music librarian example responsibilities.

  • Achieve proficiency cataloging electronic materials (audio records, video recordings, and streaming video) and continuing resources/serials.
  • Dust and clean CDs and shelving as needed.
  • Replace lost/damage CDs and honor patron requests if possible.
  • Provide opportunities for students to use the library for class-relate research, individual investigation, independent reading, and personal inquiry.
  • Provide opportunities for students to use the library for class-relate research, individual investigation, independent reading, and personal inquiry.

Reference librarian vs music 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 music librarian skills
  • Library Database, 20%
  • Music Library, 13%
  • Wind Ensemble, 9%
  • Sheet Music, 9%
  • Collection Development, 8%
  • Electronic Resources, 7%

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