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Special library librarian vs librarian

The differences between special library librarians and 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 librarian. Additionally, a librarian has an average salary of $53,096, 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 librarian are library services, customer service, and library materials.

Special library librarian vs librarian overview

Special Library LibrarianLibrarian
Yearly salary$52,343$53,096
Hourly rate$25.16$25.53
Growth rate6%6%
Number of jobs12,4771,264
Job satisfaction-5
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 57%Bachelor's Degree, 56%
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 librarian do?

Librarians are trained in the field of information science so they can assist people in search of information. They direct and develop information systems and programs for the public. It is their job to make sure that the data is well-organized to meet every library user's needs. Their library work focuses on three main aspects, including user services, administrative services, and technical services. Typically, librarians work in schools, government, or local libraries.

Special library librarian vs librarian salary

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

Special Library LibrarianLibrarian
Average salary$52,343$53,096
Salary rangeBetween $37,000 And $72,000Between $38,000 And $73,000
Highest paying CitySan Francisco, CASan Francisco, CA
Highest paying stateAlaskaAlaska
Best paying companyNorthern California Power AgencyMeta
Best paying industry-Education

Differences between special library librarian and librarian education

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

Special Library LibrarianLibrarian
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 57%Bachelor's Degree, 56%
Most common majorLibrary ScienceLibrary Science
Most common collegeUniversity of Maryland - College ParkNew York University

Special library librarian vs librarian demographics

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

Special Library LibrarianLibrarian
Average age4848
Gender ratioMale, 35.4% Female, 64.6%Male, 31.3% Female, 68.7%
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 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.

Librarian example responsibilities.

  • Plan and manage weekly toddler programs and activities.
  • Recruit, train, and manage volunteers, teen ambassadors, book buddies, elderly volunteers, and teen tech assistants.
  • Manage adult non-fiction materials and coordinate staff.
  • Manage and maintain inventory of NAVAIR technical documentation.
  • Manage integrated library system including OPAC, serials control, cataloging and acquisitions.
  • Achieve proficiency cataloging electronic materials (audio records, video recordings, and streaming video) and continuing resources/serials.
  • Show more

Special library librarian vs 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 librarian skills
  • Library Services, 11%
  • Customer Service, 10%
  • Library Materials, 8%
  • Collection Development, 7%
  • Library Resources, 6%
  • Reference Services, 5%

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