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Research librarian vs public services librarian

The differences between research 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 research librarian and a public services librarian. Additionally, a research librarian has an average salary of $51,263, which is higher than the $49,867 average annual salary of a public services librarian.

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

Research librarian vs public services librarian overview

Research LibrarianPublic Services Librarian
Yearly salary$51,263$49,867
Hourly rate$24.65$23.97
Growth rate6%6%
Number of jobs45,82862,620
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 60%Bachelor's Degree, 46%
Average age4848
Years of experience22

Research librarian vs public services librarian salary

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

Research LibrarianPublic Services Librarian
Average salary$51,263$49,867
Salary rangeBetween $35,000 And $74,000Between $35,000 And $70,000
Highest paying CityPhiladelphia, PASanta Rosa, CA
Highest paying stateAlaskaAlaska
Best paying companyHarvard UniversityYale University
Best paying industryProfessionalEducation

Differences between research librarian and public services librarian education

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

Research LibrarianPublic Services Librarian
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 60%Bachelor's Degree, 46%
Most common majorLibrary ScienceLibrary Science
Most common collegeNew York UniversityNew York University

Research librarian vs public services librarian demographics

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

Research LibrarianPublic Services Librarian
Average age4848
Gender ratioMale, 35.7% Female, 64.3%Male, 41.9% Female, 58.1%
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, 7.8% Asian, 4.9% White, 77.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3%
LGBT Percentage16%16%

Differences between research librarian and public services 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

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.

Research librarian vs public services 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 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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