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Special library librarian vs youth services librarian

The differences between special library librarians and youth services 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 youth services librarian. Additionally, a special library librarian has an average salary of $52,343, which is higher than the $49,971 average annual salary of a youth services librarian.

The top three skills for a special library librarian include library services, professional development and library resources. The most important skills for a youth services librarian are social work, mental health, and community outreach.

Special library librarian vs youth services librarian overview

Special Library LibrarianYouth Services Librarian
Yearly salary$52,343$49,971
Hourly rate$25.16$24.02
Growth rate6%6%
Number of jobs12,47755,418
Job satisfaction--
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 youth services librarian do?

Youth services librarians are people who plan and conduct the library's programs and services for children. The librarians execute their tasks under the supervision of a library director. They communicate with teachers, parents, homeschoolers, and community members for library service improvement. Their job includes assisting library patrons in search of the necessary material in answering reference questions and offering reader advisory. Also, they uphold patrons' confidentiality rights and their records.

Special library librarian vs youth services librarian salary

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

Special Library LibrarianYouth Services Librarian
Average salary$52,343$49,971
Salary rangeBetween $37,000 And $72,000Between $34,000 And $71,000
Highest paying CitySan Francisco, CAWest Sacramento, CA
Highest paying stateAlaskaAlaska
Best paying companyNorthern California Power AgencyUniversity of California, Berkeley
Best paying industry-Education

Differences between special library librarian and youth services librarian education

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

Special Library LibrarianYouth Services Librarian
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 57%Bachelor's Degree, 56%
Most common majorLibrary SciencePsychology
Most common collegeUniversity of Maryland - College ParkUniversity of Washington

Special library librarian vs youth services librarian demographics

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

Special Library LibrarianYouth Services Librarian
Average age4848
Gender ratioMale, 35.4% Female, 64.6%Male, 27.1% Female, 72.9%
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 youth services 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.

Youth services librarian example responsibilities.

  • Manage integrated library system including OPAC, serials control, cataloging and acquisitions.
  • Cataloge books using OCLC database.
  • Cataloge printed and non-print materials with OCLC.
  • Reorganize the entire children's picture book and fiction collections.
  • Develop, organize, cataloge and maintain library's serials collection.
  • Order and catalogue children's picture books, videos, DVDs, and parenting collections or other materials as needed.
  • Show more

Special library librarian vs youth services 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 youth services librarian skills
  • Social Work, 19%
  • Mental Health, 16%
  • Community Outreach, 7%
  • Library Services, 6%
  • Collection Development, 5%
  • Library Materials, 4%

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