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Special collections librarian vs adult services librarian

The differences between special collections librarians and adult 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 special collections librarian and an adult services librarian. Additionally, a special collections librarian has an average salary of $53,149, which is higher than the $49,862 average annual salary of an adult services librarian.

The top three skills for a special collections librarian include customer accounts, collection development and outbound calls. The most important skills for an adult services librarian are adult services, collection development, and adult programs.

Special collections librarian vs adult services librarian overview

Special Collections LibrarianAdult Services Librarian
Yearly salary$53,149$49,862
Hourly rate$25.55$23.97
Growth rate6%6%
Number of jobs14,41654,306
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 46%Bachelor's Degree, 47%
Average age4848
Years of experience22

Special collections librarian vs adult services librarian salary

Special collections librarians and adult services librarians have different pay scales, as shown below.

Special Collections LibrarianAdult Services Librarian
Average salary$53,149$49,862
Salary rangeBetween $36,000 And $77,000Between $35,000 And $69,000
Highest paying City-Anchorage, AK
Highest paying state-Alaska
Best paying company-City of Seattle
Best paying industry-Government

Differences between special collections librarian and adult services librarian education

There are a few differences between a special collections librarian and an adult services librarian in terms of educational background:

Special Collections LibrarianAdult Services Librarian
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 46%Bachelor's Degree, 47%
Most common majorBusinessLibrary Science
Most common collegeUniversity of Southern CaliforniaNew York University

Special collections librarian vs adult services librarian demographics

Here are the differences between special collections librarians' and adult services librarians' demographics:

Special Collections LibrarianAdult Services Librarian
Average age4848
Gender ratioMale, 42.0% Female, 58.0%Male, 25.7% Female, 74.3%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 6.6% Unknown, 3.6% Hispanic or Latino, 7.9% Asian, 5.0% White, 76.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3%Black or African American, 6.5% Unknown, 3.6% Hispanic or Latino, 7.9% Asian, 5.0% White, 76.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3%
LGBT Percentage16%16%

Differences between special collections librarian and adult services librarian duties and responsibilities

Special collections librarian example responsibilities.

  • Achieve proficiency cataloging electronic materials (audio records, video recordings, and streaming video) and continuing resources/serials.
  • Check in new journals in the database.
  • Provide reference and interlibrary loan services and instruct users on use of computers, database tools for research at the library.
  • Coordinate and prioritize cataloging and metadata for SC materials.
  • Achieve proficiency cataloging electronic materials (audio records, video recordings, and streaming video) and continuing resources/serials.
  • Collaborate with other IRC staff on special projects, publications and research for members, leaders or HQ staff.

Adult services librarian example responsibilities.

  • Manage integrated library system including OPAC, serials control, cataloging and acquisitions.
  • Assist with general collection management including materials in science fiction, fantasy, health/fitness and history.
  • Train new hire employees with new EMR system
  • Form the young adult (teen) serves department, collection, and programs.
  • Evaluate, select, weed and replace materials in the adult and teen collection.
  • Cataloge new books, find and correct cataloging errors; classify and re-cataloge older non-fiction.
  • Show more

Special collections librarian vs adult services librarian skills

Common special collections librarian skills
  • Customer Accounts, 27%
  • Collection Development, 12%
  • Outbound Calls, 10%
  • Problem Accounts, 9%
  • Collection Efforts, 8%
  • Reference Assistance, 8%
Common adult services librarian skills
  • Adult Services, 14%
  • Collection Development, 10%
  • Adult Programs, 7%
  • Library Services, 7%
  • Reference Services, 5%
  • Library Patrons, 5%

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