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Special library librarian vs law librarian

The differences between special library librarians and law 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 law librarian. Additionally, a special library librarian has an average salary of $52,343, which is higher than the $51,708 average annual salary of a law librarian.

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

Special library librarian vs law librarian overview

Special Library LibrarianLaw Librarian
Yearly salary$52,343$51,708
Hourly rate$25.16$24.86
Growth rate6%6%
Number of jobs12,4771,813
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 57%Bachelor's Degree, 55%
Average age4848
Years of experience22

Special library librarian vs law librarian salary

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

Special Library LibrarianLaw Librarian
Average salary$52,343$51,708
Salary rangeBetween $37,000 And $72,000Between $35,000 And $76,000
Highest paying CitySan Francisco, CAPhiladelphia, PA
Highest paying stateAlaskaAlaska
Best paying companyNorthern California Power AgencyNortheastern University
Best paying industry-Professional

Differences between special library librarian and law librarian education

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

Special Library LibrarianLaw Librarian
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 57%Bachelor's Degree, 55%
Most common majorLibrary ScienceHistory
Most common collegeUniversity of Maryland - College ParkNew York University

Special library librarian vs law librarian demographics

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

Special Library LibrarianLaw Librarian
Average age4848
Gender ratioMale, 35.4% Female, 64.6%Male, 32.4% Female, 67.6%
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, 6.4% Unknown, 3.6% Hispanic or Latino, 7.7% Asian, 4.9% White, 77.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3%
LGBT Percentage16%16%

Differences between special library librarian and law 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.

Law librarian example responsibilities.

  • Manage integrated library system including OPAC, serials control, cataloging and acquisitions.
  • Supervise cataloging and processing of all materials.
  • Perform library technical services, including cataloging, processing, and acquisitions.
  • Review monthly Lexis and Westlaw usage to identify users needing additional training in cost-effective research techniques.
  • Open new patron accounts, provide customer support regarding account status and work with Polaris systems.

Special library librarian vs law 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 law librarian skills
  • Library Services, 11%
  • Collection Development, 9%
  • Reference Services, 9%
  • Research Services, 8%
  • Legal Resources, 6%
  • Legal Reference, 6%

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