Special library librarian vs library manager

The differences between special library librarians and library managers 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 library manager. Additionally, a library manager has an average salary of $58,586, 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 library manager are library services, library policies, and collection development.

Special library librarian vs library manager overview

	Special Library Librarian	Library Manager
Yearly salary	$52,343	$58,586
Hourly rate	$25.16	$28.17
Growth rate	6%	6%
Number of jobs	12,477	1,739
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 57%	Bachelor's Degree, 65%
Average age	48	48
Years of experience	2	2

Special library librarian vs library manager salary

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

	Special Library Librarian	Library Manager
Average salary	$52,343	$58,586
Salary range	Between $37,000 And $72,000	Between $41,000 And $82,000
Highest paying City	San Francisco, CA	San Francisco, CA
Highest paying state	Alaska	California
Best paying company	Northern California Power Agency	Amd
Best paying industry	-	Health Care

Differences between special library librarian and library manager education

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

	Special Library Librarian	Library Manager
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 57%	Bachelor's Degree, 65%
Most common major	Library Science	Business
Most common college	University of Maryland - College Park	New York University

Special library librarian vs library manager demographics

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

	Special Library Librarian	Library Manager
Average age	48	48
Gender ratio	Male, 35.4% Female, 64.6%	Male, 38.1% Female, 61.9%
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, 6.3% Unknown, 3.6% Hispanic or Latino, 7.7% Asian, 4.8% White, 77.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3%
LGBT Percentage	16%	16%

Differences between special library librarian and library manager 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.

Library manager example responsibilities.

Provide continuous cataloging training for library staff.
Operate library cataloging system efficiently by providing unique identification code to the newly purchase books.
Provide safety and security oversight of the library, training and updating evacuation/plot plans and extinguishment methods.
Research using LEXIS-NEXIS and WestLaw databases for legal, business, and newspaper research.
Utilize Lexis and Westlaw extensively to locate articles and case law relate to the topic.
Record retention.SecurityDuties include enforcing the rules and regulations of TDCJ.

Special library librarian vs library manager 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 library manager skills

Library Services, 18%
Library Policies, 11%
Collection Development, 9%
Local Community, 8%
Electronic Resources, 7%
Library Materials, 4%

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Special Library Librarian vs Library Manager

Updated January 8, 2025

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