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The differences between special library librarians and library media specialists can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 1-2 years to become a special library librarian, becoming a library media specialist takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, a special library librarian has an average salary of $52,343, which is higher than the $41,529 average annual salary of a library media specialist.
The top three skills for a special library librarian include library services, professional development and library resources. The most important skills for a library media specialist are professional development, library materials, and K-12.
| Special Library Librarian | Library Media Specialist | |
| Yearly salary | $52,343 | $41,529 |
| Hourly rate | $25.16 | $19.97 |
| Growth rate | 6% | 6% |
| Number of jobs | 12,477 | 9,216 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 57% | Bachelor's Degree, 54% |
| Average age | 48 | 48 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 4 |
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.
A Library Media Specialist is in charge of managing and handling a library's media resources and providing visitors and staff assistance. They may work for public libraries, learning institutions, or other facilities with libraries. Their responsibilities usually include helping visitors locate media materials, preparing and processing resources, arranging items according to protocols, and overseeing computer equipment to ensure that they are in good condition. They may also maintain the cleanliness of libraries and implement its policies and regulations.
Special library librarians and library media specialists have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Special Library Librarian | Library Media Specialist | |
| Average salary | $52,343 | $41,529 |
| Salary range | Between $37,000 And $72,000 | Between $31,000 And $55,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | Walnut Creek, CA |
| Highest paying state | Alaska | Hawaii |
| Best paying company | Northern California Power Agency | Montgomery County Public Schools |
| Best paying industry | - | Government |
There are a few differences between a special library librarian and a library media specialist in terms of educational background:
| Special Library Librarian | Library Media Specialist | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 57% | Bachelor's Degree, 54% |
| Most common major | Library Science | Library Science |
| Most common college | University of Maryland - College Park | University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill |
Here are the differences between special library librarians' and library media specialists' demographics:
| Special Library Librarian | Library Media Specialist | |
| Average age | 48 | 48 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 35.4% Female, 64.6% | Male, 14.7% Female, 85.3% |
| 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, 7.1% Unknown, 3.4% Hispanic or Latino, 8.2% Asian, 5.3% White, 75.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3% |
| LGBT Percentage | 16% | 16% |