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Special library librarian vs special collections librarian

The differences between special library librarians and special collections 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 special collections librarian. Additionally, a special collections librarian has an average salary of $53,149, 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 special collections librarian are customer accounts, collection development, and outbound calls.

Special library librarian vs special collections librarian overview

Special Library LibrarianSpecial Collections Librarian
Yearly salary$52,343$53,149
Hourly rate$25.16$25.55
Growth rate6%6%
Number of jobs12,47714,416
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 57%Bachelor's Degree, 46%
Average age4848
Years of experience22

Special library librarian vs special collections librarian salary

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

Special Library LibrarianSpecial Collections Librarian
Average salary$52,343$53,149
Salary rangeBetween $37,000 And $72,000Between $36,000 And $77,000
Highest paying CitySan Francisco, CA-
Highest paying stateAlaska-
Best paying companyNorthern California Power Agency-
Best paying industry--

Differences between special library librarian and special collections librarian education

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

Special Library LibrarianSpecial Collections Librarian
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 57%Bachelor's Degree, 46%
Most common majorLibrary ScienceBusiness
Most common collegeUniversity of Maryland - College ParkUniversity of Southern California

Special library librarian vs special collections librarian demographics

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

Special Library LibrarianSpecial Collections Librarian
Average age4848
Gender ratioMale, 35.4% Female, 64.6%Male, 42.0% Female, 58.0%
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, 6.6% Unknown, 3.6% Hispanic or Latino, 7.9% Asian, 5.0% White, 76.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3%
LGBT Percentage16%16%

Differences between special library librarian and special collections 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.

Special collections librarian example responsibilities.

  • Achieve proficiency cataloging electronic materials (audio records, video recordings, and streaming video) and continuing resources/serials.
  • Check in new journals in the database.
  • Provide reference and interlibrary loan services and instruct users on use of computers, database tools for research at the library.
  • Coordinate and prioritize cataloging and metadata for SC materials.
  • Achieve proficiency cataloging electronic materials (audio records, video recordings, and streaming video) and continuing resources/serials.
  • Collaborate with other IRC staff on special projects, publications and research for members, leaders or HQ staff.

Special library librarian vs special collections 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 special collections librarian skills
  • Customer Accounts, 27%
  • Collection Development, 12%
  • Outbound Calls, 10%
  • Problem Accounts, 9%
  • Collection Efforts, 8%
  • Reference Assistance, 8%

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