Special library librarian vs circulation director

The differences between special library librarians and circulation directors 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 circulation director. Additionally, a circulation director has an average salary of $59,920, which is higher than the $52,343 average annual salary of a special library librarian.

The top three skills for a special library librarian include library services, professional development and library resources. The most important skills for a circulation director are audience development, newspapers, and independent contractors.

Special library librarian vs circulation director overview

	Special Library Librarian	Circulation Director
Yearly salary	$52,343	$59,920
Hourly rate	$25.16	$28.81
Growth rate	6%	6%
Number of jobs	12,477	5,074
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 57%	Bachelor's Degree, 72%
Average age	48	48
Years of experience	2	2

Special library librarian vs circulation director salary

Special library librarians and circulation directors have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Special Library Librarian	Circulation Director
Average salary	$52,343	$59,920
Salary range	Between $37,000 And $72,000	Between $30,000 And $119,000
Highest paying City	San Francisco, CA	-
Highest paying state	Alaska	-
Best paying company	Northern California Power Agency	-
Best paying industry	-	-

Differences between special library librarian and circulation director education

There are a few differences between a special library librarian and a circulation director in terms of educational background:

	Special Library Librarian	Circulation Director
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 57%	Bachelor's Degree, 72%
Most common major	Library Science	Business
Most common college	University of Maryland - College Park	Stanford University

Special library librarian vs circulation director demographics

Here are the differences between special library librarians' and circulation directors' demographics:

	Special Library Librarian	Circulation Director
Average age	48	48
Gender ratio	Male, 35.4% Female, 64.6%	Male, 68.5% Female, 31.5%
Race ratio	Black 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 Percentage	16%	16%

Differences between special library librarian and circulation director 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.

Circulation director example responsibilities.

Manage vendor relationships for BPA audits, reader service, international mail, subscription telemarketing & corporate compliance for USPS standards.
Manage records of circulation and materials, maintain inventory, and correct cataloging errors.
Insure adherence to ABC rules and regulations.
Establish completely fund NIE program at both papers.
Analyze and compare marketing campaigns, marketing briefs, and BPA statements.
Possess ABC, postal audit, statement of ownership, etc., knowledge.

Special library librarian vs circulation director 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 circulation director skills

Audience Development, 19%
Newspapers, 13%
Independent Contractors, 11%
Expense Budget, 10%
ABC, 4%
Strategic Plan, 4%

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Special Library Librarian vs Circulation Director

Updated January 8, 2025

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