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Special library librarian vs school librarian

The differences between special library librarians and school 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 school librarian. Additionally, a special library librarian has an average salary of $52,343, which is higher than the $51,202 average annual salary of a school librarian.

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

Special library librarian vs school librarian overview

Special Library LibrarianSchool Librarian
Yearly salary$52,343$51,202
Hourly rate$25.16$24.62
Growth rate6%6%
Number of jobs12,47720,037
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 57%Bachelor's Degree, 58%
Average age4848
Years of experience22

Special library librarian vs school librarian salary

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

Special Library LibrarianSchool Librarian
Average salary$52,343$51,202
Salary rangeBetween $37,000 And $72,000Between $34,000 And $75,000
Highest paying CitySan Francisco, CASacramento, CA
Highest paying stateAlaskaAlaska
Best paying companyNorthern California Power AgencyPoly Prep Country Day School
Best paying industry-Education

Differences between special library librarian and school librarian education

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

Special Library LibrarianSchool Librarian
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 57%Bachelor's Degree, 58%
Most common majorLibrary ScienceLibrary Science
Most common collegeUniversity of Maryland - College ParkUniversity of Maryland - College Park

Special library librarian vs school librarian demographics

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

Special Library LibrarianSchool Librarian
Average age4848
Gender ratioMale, 35.4% Female, 64.6%Male, 16.3% Female, 83.7%
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, 6.3% Unknown, 3.6% Hispanic or Latino, 7.7% Asian, 4.8% White, 77.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3%
LGBT Percentage16%16%

Differences between special library librarian and school 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.

School librarian example responsibilities.

  • Manage and supervise a full-time media assistant, technology technicians and parent and student volunteers.
  • Volunteer to host events at annual school carnival and other PTA and school events.
  • Guide them in researching through a non fiction books, encyclopedia entry, and the elibrary BigChalk database.
  • Institute the use of computers in the library for cataloging, online searching, reference, bibliographies, and administrative functions.
  • Direct and train library staff in duties, such as receiving, shelving, researching, cataloging, and equipment use.
  • Manage and supervise a full-time media assistant, technology technicians and parent and student volunteers.
  • Show more

Special library librarian vs school 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 school librarian skills
  • Library Services, 11%
  • Library Resources, 9%
  • Library Materials, 9%
  • Library Programs, 7%
  • Collection Development, 6%
  • Library Collection, 5%

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