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Special library librarian vs children's librarian

The differences between special library librarians and children's 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 a children's librarian. Additionally, a special library librarian has an average salary of $52,343, which is higher than the $49,900 average annual salary of a children's librarian.

The top three skills for a special library librarian include library services, professional development and library resources. The most important skills for a children's librarian are reference services, collection development, and youth services.

Special library librarian vs children's librarian overview

Special Library LibrarianChildren's Librarian
Yearly salary$52,343$49,900
Hourly rate$25.16$23.99
Growth rate6%6%
Number of jobs12,4779,834
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 57%Bachelor's Degree, 60%
Average age4848
Years of experience22

What does a special library librarian do?

A special library librarian is responsible for the library which contains specialized materials for commercial and government organizations. They select and order library books and protect audio-video materials, periodical journals, and magazines from damage. They are responsible for locating, filing, and cataloguing.

What does a children's librarian do?

A Children's Librarian involves reading stories to young library users/patrons and returning books to their respective shelves. These librarians coordinate library references and services for caregivers and children. They choose age-appropriate and high-quality reading material, develop library initiatives, and conduct outreach programs. This position may be regarded as a stepping stone for a good career as the librarians may pursue graduate degrees. Librarians should have a sense of humor, the ability to accept failure, and be very flexible.

Special library librarian vs children's librarian salary

Special library librarians and children's librarians have different pay scales, as shown below.

Special Library LibrarianChildren's Librarian
Average salary$52,343$49,900
Salary rangeBetween $37,000 And $72,000Between $35,000 And $70,000
Highest paying CitySan Francisco, CA-
Highest paying stateAlaska-
Best paying companyNorthern California Power Agency-
Best paying industry--

Differences between special library librarian and children's librarian education

There are a few differences between a special library librarian and a children's librarian in terms of educational background:

Special Library LibrarianChildren's Librarian
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 57%Bachelor's Degree, 60%
Most common majorLibrary ScienceLibrary Science
Most common collegeUniversity of Maryland - College ParkUniversity of Maryland - College Park

Special library librarian vs children's librarian demographics

Here are the differences between special library librarians' and children's librarians' demographics:

Special Library LibrarianChildren's Librarian
Average age4848
Gender ratioMale, 35.4% Female, 64.6%Male, 10.6% Female, 89.4%
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, 6.3% Unknown, 3.6% Hispanic or Latino, 7.7% Asian, 4.8% White, 77.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3%
LGBT Percentage16%16%

Differences between special library librarian and children's 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.

Children's librarian example responsibilities.

  • Achieve proficiency cataloging electronic materials (audio records, video recordings, and streaming video) and continuing resources/serials.
  • Provide opportunities for students to use the library for class-relate research, individual investigation, independent reading, and personal inquiry.
  • Open new patron accounts, provide customer support regarding account status and work with Polaris systems.

Special library librarian vs children's 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 children's librarian skills
  • Reference Services, 12%
  • Collection Development, 12%
  • Youth Services, 9%
  • Library Services, 7%
  • Teen, 6%
  • Public Library, 5%

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