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Special library librarian vs collection management librarian

The differences between special library librarians and collection management 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 collection management librarian. Additionally, a collection management librarian has an average salary of $56,311, 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 collection management librarian are collection management, library services, and collection development.

Special library librarian vs collection management librarian overview

Special Library LibrarianCollection Management Librarian
Yearly salary$52,343$56,311
Hourly rate$25.16$27.07
Growth rate6%6%
Number of jobs12,47763,441
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 57%Bachelor's Degree, 52%
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 collection management librarian do?

As a collection management librarian, one must perform the tasks associated with library services, especially in collection management. Collection management librarians monitor, analyze, and report collection management data. The librarians establish and maintain the collection management plan of the team for the rear area and conceptualize and deliver outreach opportunities with the community and city organizations promoting library services, programs, and resources. They are also skilled in electronic resources, collection development, and insurance companies.

Special library librarian vs collection management librarian salary

Special library librarians and collection management librarians have different pay scales, as shown below.

Special Library LibrarianCollection Management Librarian
Average salary$52,343$56,311
Salary rangeBetween $37,000 And $72,000Between $40,000 And $79,000
Highest paying CitySan Francisco, CA-
Highest paying stateAlaska-
Best paying companyNorthern California Power Agency-
Best paying industry--

Differences between special library librarian and collection management librarian education

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

Special Library LibrarianCollection Management Librarian
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 57%Bachelor's Degree, 52%
Most common majorLibrary ScienceBusiness
Most common collegeUniversity of Maryland - College ParkStanford University

Special library librarian vs collection management librarian demographics

Here are the differences between special library librarians' and collection management librarians' demographics:

Special Library LibrarianCollection Management Librarian
Average age4848
Gender ratioMale, 35.4% Female, 64.6%Male, 37.1% Female, 62.9%
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, 6.6% Unknown, 3.6% Hispanic or Latino, 7.9% Asian, 5.0% White, 76.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3%
LGBT Percentage16%16%

Differences between special library librarian and collection management 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.

Collection management librarian example responsibilities.

  • Prepare appeals and refunds for incorrect paid claims, resolve patient account disputes, manage AR and aging reports
  • Open and close accounts (checking, savings, IRA), managing all death and disability claims and ACH transactions.
  • Manage document delivery via Docline and consortia memberships.
  • Provide reference and instruction for undergraduate, HTML & CSS graduate, and online courses.
  • Process and post payroll for all area hospitals.
  • Implement MVC architecture for presentation and business layers.
  • Show more

Special library librarian vs collection management 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 collection management librarian skills
  • Collection Management, 16%
  • Library Services, 11%
  • Collection Development, 10%
  • Electronic Resources, 9%
  • Library Materials, 8%
  • Patient Accounts, 6%

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