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Special collections librarian vs public services librarian

The differences between special collections 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 special collections librarian and a public services librarian. Additionally, a special collections librarian has an average salary of $53,149, which is higher than the $49,867 average annual salary of a public services librarian.

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

Special collections librarian vs public services librarian overview

Special Collections LibrarianPublic Services Librarian
Yearly salary$53,149$49,867
Hourly rate$25.55$23.97
Growth rate6%6%
Number of jobs14,41662,620
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 46%Bachelor's Degree, 46%
Average age4848
Years of experience22

Special collections librarian vs public services librarian salary

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

Special Collections LibrarianPublic Services Librarian
Average salary$53,149$49,867
Salary rangeBetween $36,000 And $77,000Between $35,000 And $70,000
Highest paying City-Santa Rosa, CA
Highest paying state-Alaska
Best paying company-Yale University
Best paying industry-Education

Differences between special collections librarian and public services librarian education

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

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

Special collections librarian vs public services librarian demographics

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

Special Collections LibrarianPublic Services Librarian
Average age4848
Gender ratioMale, 42.0% Female, 58.0%Male, 41.9% Female, 58.1%
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, 7.8% Asian, 4.9% White, 77.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3%
LGBT Percentage16%16%

Differences between special collections librarian and public 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.

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.

Special collections librarian vs public 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 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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