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Special collections librarian vs technical services librarian

The differences between special collections librarians and technical 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 technical services librarian. Additionally, a special collections librarian has an average salary of $53,149, which is higher than the $50,657 average annual salary of a technical 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 technical services librarian are library services, collection development, and library resources.

Special collections librarian vs technical services librarian overview

Special Collections LibrarianTechnical Services Librarian
Yearly salary$53,149$50,657
Hourly rate$25.55$24.35
Growth rate6%6%
Number of jobs14,416118,696
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 46%Bachelor's Degree, 53%
Average age4848
Years of experience22

Special collections librarian vs technical services librarian salary

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

Special Collections LibrarianTechnical Services Librarian
Average salary$53,149$50,657
Salary rangeBetween $36,000 And $77,000Between $36,000 And $69,000
Highest paying City-Charlottesville, VA
Highest paying state-Alaska
Best paying company-Yale University
Best paying industry-Professional

Differences between special collections librarian and technical services librarian education

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

Special Collections LibrarianTechnical Services Librarian
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 46%Bachelor's Degree, 53%
Most common majorBusinessLibrary Science
Most common collegeUniversity of Southern CaliforniaNew York University

Special collections librarian vs technical services librarian demographics

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

Special Collections LibrarianTechnical Services Librarian
Average age4848
Gender ratioMale, 42.0% Female, 58.0%Male, 32.3% Female, 67.7%
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, 6.6% Unknown, 3.6% Hispanic or Latino, 7.9% Asian, 5.0% White, 76.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3%
LGBT Percentage16%16%

Differences between special collections librarian and technical 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.

Technical services librarian example responsibilities.

  • Manage integrated library system including OPAC, serials control, cataloging and acquisitions.
  • Proofread and edit MARC records, perform database clean-up, and maintain records in online catalog.
  • Coordinate cataloging, classification and processing of books and audiovisual materials.
  • Identify and refer items that need attention of the cataloging or conservation department
  • Open new patron accounts, provide customer support regarding account status and work with Polaris systems.

Special collections librarian vs technical 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 technical services librarian skills
  • Library Services, 9%
  • Collection Development, 7%
  • Library Resources, 5%
  • Technical Service, 5%
  • Library Materials, 4%
  • Emerging Technologies, 4%

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