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Special collections librarian vs law librarian

The differences between special collections 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 special collections librarian and a law librarian. Additionally, a special collections librarian has an average salary of $53,149, which is higher than the $51,708 average annual salary of a law librarian.

The top three skills for a special collections librarian include customer accounts, collection development and outbound calls. The most important skills for a law librarian are library services, collection development, and reference services.

Special collections librarian vs law librarian overview

Special Collections LibrarianLaw Librarian
Yearly salary$53,149$51,708
Hourly rate$25.55$24.86
Growth rate6%6%
Number of jobs14,4161,813
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 46%Bachelor's Degree, 55%
Average age4848
Years of experience22

Special collections librarian vs law librarian salary

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

Special Collections LibrarianLaw Librarian
Average salary$53,149$51,708
Salary rangeBetween $36,000 And $77,000Between $35,000 And $76,000
Highest paying City-Philadelphia, PA
Highest paying state-Alaska
Best paying company-Northeastern University
Best paying industry-Professional

Differences between special collections librarian and law librarian education

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

Special Collections LibrarianLaw Librarian
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 46%Bachelor's Degree, 55%
Most common majorBusinessHistory
Most common collegeUniversity of Southern CaliforniaNew York University

Special collections librarian vs law librarian demographics

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

Special Collections LibrarianLaw Librarian
Average age4848
Gender ratioMale, 42.0% Female, 58.0%Male, 32.4% Female, 67.6%
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, 6.4% 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 special collections librarian and law 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.

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.

Special collections librarian vs law 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 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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