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Senior library assistant vs assistant librarian

The differences between senior library assistants and assistant librarians can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, an assistant librarian has an average salary of $53,764, which is higher than the $34,518 average annual salary of a senior library assistant.

The top three skills for a senior library assistant include library materials, library patrons and library policies. The most important skills for an assistant librarian are library materials, reference services, and library services.

Senior library assistant vs assistant librarian overview

Senior Library AssistantAssistant Librarian
Yearly salary$34,518$53,764
Hourly rate$16.60$25.85
Growth rate-4%-4%
Number of jobs1,0991,617
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 62%Bachelor's Degree, 55%
Average age4747
Years of experience--

What does a senior library assistant do?

As a senior library assistant, you have to look after the day-to-day operations of the library. You are in charge of the entire library. So, you have to answer the desk questions of the readers who come to the library. You have to issue the library cards to readers as well. In addition to this, you also need to collect the money given by the readers and maintain the library record. Moreover, you also have to respond to the reader's request for books as well as locate and reserve the books at the right place. To be a senior library assistant, a bachelor's degree is a must.

What does an assistant librarian do?

The main responsibilities and duties of an assistant librarian are to help librarians in acquiring, preparing, and organizing materials. Assistant librarians help in checking in and out as well as in the circulation of library materials. They execute transaction activities and patron registration. It is their job to process new books, make reservations on requested books, and maintain circulation records. They weed the collection of obsolete and worn-out materials whenever necessary. It is also part of their job to greet and attend to the needs of library users.

Senior library assistant vs assistant librarian salary

Senior library assistants and assistant librarians have different pay scales, as shown below.

Senior Library AssistantAssistant Librarian
Average salary$34,518$53,764
Salary rangeBetween $26,000 And $44,000Between $40,000 And $71,000
Highest paying City-Hayward, CA
Highest paying state-Alaska
Best paying company-Kent Daniels & Associates
Best paying industry-Health Care

Differences between senior library assistant and assistant librarian education

There are a few differences between a senior library assistant and an assistant librarian in terms of educational background:

Senior Library AssistantAssistant Librarian
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 62%Bachelor's Degree, 55%
Most common majorEnglishBusiness
Most common collegeNew York UniversityNew York University

Senior library assistant vs assistant librarian demographics

Here are the differences between senior library assistants' and assistant librarians' demographics:

Senior Library AssistantAssistant Librarian
Average age4747
Gender ratioMale, 31.6% Female, 68.4%Male, 31.5% Female, 68.5%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 11.1% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 14.2% Asian, 6.3% White, 62.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%Black or African American, 9.6% Unknown, 4.8% Hispanic or Latino, 14.9% Asian, 6.3% White, 63.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%
LGBT Percentage11%11%

Differences between senior library assistant and assistant librarian duties and responsibilities

Senior library assistant example responsibilities.

  • Collect data, compile bibliographies, manage current contents and perform copy cataloging functions.
  • Train patrons on Westlaw, Lexis and general reference computer system.
  • Direct and train library staff in receiving, shelving, researching, cataloging, and equipment use.
  • Collect data, compile bibliographies, manage current contents and perform copy cataloging functions.
  • Assess and discard non-fiction collections as assigned.

Assistant librarian example responsibilities.

  • Manage yearly budget for DVDs.
  • Cataloge new book, reclassify, original updates using OCLC.
  • Help patrons with computers, word processing, and PowerPoint.
  • Provide customer service through assisting the patrons with their research topics and general questions through OCLC library information system.
  • Create PowerPoint presentations for orientation.
  • Provide opportunities for students to use the library for class-relate research, individual investigation, independent reading, and personal inquiry.
  • Show more

Senior library assistant vs assistant librarian skills

Common senior library assistant skills
  • Library Materials, 12%
  • Library Patrons, 11%
  • Library Policies, 9%
  • Library Operations, 6%
  • Student Assistants, 6%
  • Library System, 6%
Common assistant librarian skills
  • Library Materials, 11%
  • Reference Services, 6%
  • Library Services, 6%
  • Circulation Desk, 5%
  • Collection Development, 5%
  • Library Resources, 5%

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