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Research librarian vs law librarian

The differences between research 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 research librarian and a law librarian. Additionally, a law librarian has an average salary of $51,708, which is higher than the $51,263 average annual salary of a research librarian.

The top three skills for a research librarian include research support, library services and collection development. The most important skills for a law librarian are library services, collection development, and reference services.

Research librarian vs law librarian overview

Research LibrarianLaw Librarian
Yearly salary$51,263$51,708
Hourly rate$24.65$24.86
Growth rate6%6%
Number of jobs45,8281,813
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 60%Bachelor's Degree, 55%
Average age4848
Years of experience22

Research librarian vs law librarian salary

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

Research LibrarianLaw Librarian
Average salary$51,263$51,708
Salary rangeBetween $35,000 And $74,000Between $35,000 And $76,000
Highest paying CityPhiladelphia, PAPhiladelphia, PA
Highest paying stateAlaskaAlaska
Best paying companyHarvard UniversityNortheastern University
Best paying industryProfessionalProfessional

Differences between research librarian and law librarian education

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

Research LibrarianLaw Librarian
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 60%Bachelor's Degree, 55%
Most common majorLibrary ScienceHistory
Most common collegeNew York UniversityNew York University

Research librarian vs law librarian demographics

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

Research LibrarianLaw Librarian
Average age4848
Gender ratioMale, 35.7% Female, 64.3%Male, 32.4% Female, 67.6%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 6.3% Unknown, 3.6% Hispanic or Latino, 7.7% Asian, 4.8% White, 77.2% 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 research librarian and law librarian duties and responsibilities

Research librarian example responsibilities.

  • Manage integrated library system including OPAC, serials control, cataloging and acquisitions.
  • Order materials and perform literature searches using OCLC.
  • Utilize Microsoft SharePoint to create and maintain the library intranet portal.
  • Advise clients using factual data in the Lexis Nexis computer system.
  • Train staff for ILS use.
  • Provide web content via LibGuides.
  • 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.

Research librarian vs law librarian skills

Common research librarian skills
  • Research Support, 13%
  • Library Services, 9%
  • Collection Development, 8%
  • Research Services, 6%
  • Library Resources, 6%
  • Research Projects, 6%
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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