Reference librarian vs tape librarian

The differences between reference librarians and tape 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 tape librarian. Additionally, a tape librarian has an average salary of $51,962, 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 tape librarian are disaster recovery, mainframe systems, and tape library system.

Reference librarian vs tape librarian overview

	Reference Librarian	Tape Librarian
Yearly salary	$50,409	$51,962
Hourly rate	$24.24	$24.98
Growth rate	6%	6%
Number of jobs	1,058	1,005
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 56%	Bachelor's Degree, 45%
Average age	48	48
Years of experience	2	2

Reference librarian vs tape librarian salary

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

	Reference Librarian	Tape Librarian
Average salary	$50,409	$51,962
Salary range	Between $35,000 And $70,000	Between $35,000 And $75,000
Highest paying City	Anchorage, AK	-
Highest paying state	Alaska	-
Best paying company	Yale University	-
Best paying industry	Education	-

Differences between reference librarian and tape librarian education

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

	Reference Librarian	Tape Librarian
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 56%	Bachelor's Degree, 45%
Most common major	Library Science	Business
Most common college	New York University	Stanford University

Reference librarian vs tape librarian demographics

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

	Reference Librarian	Tape Librarian
Average age	48	48
Gender ratio	Male, 33.3% Female, 66.7%	Male, 58.3% Female, 41.7%
Race ratio	Black 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, 76.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3%
LGBT Percentage	16%	16%

Differences between reference librarian and tape 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.

Tape librarian example responsibilities.

Achieve proficiency cataloging electronic materials (audio records, video recordings, and streaming video) and continuing resources/serials.
Monitor and support UNIX, VAX, NT, AS400, and MVS systems for accurate hourly results.
Perform limited MVS console operator functions.
Catalogue tapes in TSO system.
Maintain and aid in modification of TMS.
Work extensively with 16mmfilm and DVD formatting.

Reference librarian vs tape 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 tape librarian skills

Disaster Recovery, 16%
Mainframe Systems, 8%
Tape Library System, 6%
Unix, 5%
Management System, 5%
Media Management, 4%

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Reference Librarian
Reference Librarian vs Tape Librarian

Updated January 8, 2025

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