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Special library librarian vs adult services librarian

The differences between special library 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 library librarian and an adult services librarian. Additionally, a special library librarian has an average salary of $52,343, which is higher than the $49,862 average annual salary of an adult services librarian.

The top three skills for a special library librarian include library services, professional development and library resources. The most important skills for an adult services librarian are adult services, collection development, and adult programs.

Special library librarian vs adult services librarian overview

Special Library LibrarianAdult Services Librarian
Yearly salary$52,343$49,862
Hourly rate$25.16$23.97
Growth rate6%6%
Number of jobs12,47754,306
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 57%Bachelor's Degree, 47%
Average age4848
Years of experience22

Special library librarian vs adult services librarian salary

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

Special Library LibrarianAdult Services Librarian
Average salary$52,343$49,862
Salary rangeBetween $37,000 And $72,000Between $35,000 And $69,000
Highest paying CitySan Francisco, CAAnchorage, AK
Highest paying stateAlaskaAlaska
Best paying companyNorthern California Power AgencyCity of Seattle
Best paying industry-Government

Differences between special library librarian and adult services librarian education

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

Special Library LibrarianAdult Services Librarian
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 57%Bachelor's Degree, 47%
Most common majorLibrary ScienceLibrary Science
Most common collegeUniversity of Maryland - College ParkNew York University

Special library librarian vs adult services librarian demographics

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

Special Library LibrarianAdult Services Librarian
Average age4848
Gender ratioMale, 35.4% Female, 64.6%Male, 25.7% Female, 74.3%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 6.4% Unknown, 3.6% Hispanic or Latino, 7.8% Asian, 4.9% White, 77.0% 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 library librarian and adult services librarian duties and responsibilities

Special library librarian example responsibilities.

  • Achieve proficiency cataloging electronic materials (audio records, video recordings, and streaming video) and continuing resources/serials.
  • Achieve proficiency cataloging electronic materials (audio records, video recordings, and streaming video) and continuing resources/serials.
  • Provide client services such as inter-library loans, ordering of new materials and instruction on use of library OPAC.

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 library librarian vs adult services librarian skills

Common special library librarian skills
  • Library Services, 16%
  • Professional Development, 10%
  • Library Resources, 9%
  • Collection Development, 9%
  • Library Science, 8%
  • Reference Services, 7%
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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