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Reference librarian vs public services librarian

The differences between reference librarians and public services 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 public services librarian. Additionally, a reference librarian has an average salary of $50,409, which is higher than the $49,867 average annual salary of a public services librarian.

The top three skills for a reference librarian include reference services, library patrons and collection development. The most important skills for a public services librarian are library services, collection development, and reference services.

Reference librarian vs public services librarian overview

Reference LibrarianPublic Services Librarian
Yearly salary$50,409$49,867
Hourly rate$24.24$23.97
Growth rate6%6%
Number of jobs1,05862,620
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 56%Bachelor's Degree, 46%
Average age4848
Years of experience22

Reference librarian vs public services librarian salary

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

Reference LibrarianPublic Services Librarian
Average salary$50,409$49,867
Salary rangeBetween $35,000 And $70,000Between $35,000 And $70,000
Highest paying CityAnchorage, AKSanta Rosa, CA
Highest paying stateAlaskaAlaska
Best paying companyYale UniversityYale University
Best paying industryEducationEducation

Differences between reference librarian and public services librarian education

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

Reference LibrarianPublic Services Librarian
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 56%Bachelor's Degree, 46%
Most common majorLibrary ScienceLibrary Science
Most common collegeNew York UniversityNew York University

Reference librarian vs public services librarian demographics

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

Reference LibrarianPublic Services Librarian
Average age4848
Gender ratioMale, 33.3% Female, 66.7%Male, 41.9% Female, 58.1%
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, 7.8% Asian, 4.9% White, 77.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3%
LGBT Percentage16%16%

Differences between reference librarian and public services 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

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.

Reference librarian vs public services 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 public services librarian skills
  • Library Services, 15%
  • Collection Development, 10%
  • Reference Services, 9%
  • Library Policies, 8%
  • Technical Publications, 7%
  • Technical Manuals, 6%

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Updated January 8, 2025

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