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Technical services librarian vs children's librarian

The differences between technical services librarians and children's 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 technical services librarian and a children's librarian. Additionally, a technical services librarian has an average salary of $50,657, which is higher than the $49,900 average annual salary of a children's librarian.

The top three skills for a technical services librarian include library services, collection development and library resources. The most important skills for a children's librarian are reference services, collection development, and youth services.

Technical services librarian vs children's librarian overview

Technical Services LibrarianChildren's Librarian
Yearly salary$50,657$49,900
Hourly rate$24.35$23.99
Growth rate6%6%
Number of jobs118,6969,834
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 53%Bachelor's Degree, 60%
Average age4848
Years of experience22

What does a technical services librarian do?

A technical services librarian is responsible for overseeing the technical and circulation services at a library. Typical duties for this role include supervising the technical and circulation staff, working closely with other library services, and directing the activities on library automation. In addition, you will make technical decisions involving the use and management of bibliographic records based on accepted standards. As a technical services librarian, it is also your responsibility to assist in the preparation of the library's annual budget and contribute to collection and acquisition development initiatives.

What does a children's librarian do?

A Children's Librarian involves reading stories to young library users/patrons and returning books to their respective shelves. These librarians coordinate library references and services for caregivers and children. They choose age-appropriate and high-quality reading material, develop library initiatives, and conduct outreach programs. This position may be regarded as a stepping stone for a good career as the librarians may pursue graduate degrees. Librarians should have a sense of humor, the ability to accept failure, and be very flexible.

Technical services librarian vs children's librarian salary

Technical services librarians and children's librarians have different pay scales, as shown below.

Technical Services LibrarianChildren's Librarian
Average salary$50,657$49,900
Salary rangeBetween $36,000 And $69,000Between $35,000 And $70,000
Highest paying CityCharlottesville, VA-
Highest paying stateAlaska-
Best paying companyYale University-
Best paying industryProfessional-

Differences between technical services librarian and children's librarian education

There are a few differences between a technical services librarian and a children's librarian in terms of educational background:

Technical Services LibrarianChildren's Librarian
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 53%Bachelor's Degree, 60%
Most common majorLibrary ScienceLibrary Science
Most common collegeNew York UniversityUniversity of Maryland - College Park

Technical services librarian vs children's librarian demographics

Here are the differences between technical services librarians' and children's librarians' demographics:

Technical Services LibrarianChildren's Librarian
Average age4848
Gender ratioMale, 32.3% Female, 67.7%Male, 10.6% Female, 89.4%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 6.6% Unknown, 3.6% Hispanic or Latino, 7.9% Asian, 5.0% White, 76.6% 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, 77.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3%
LGBT Percentage16%16%

Differences between technical services librarian and children's librarian duties and responsibilities

Technical services librarian example responsibilities.

  • Manage integrated library system including OPAC, serials control, cataloging and acquisitions.
  • Proofread and edit MARC records, perform database clean-up, and maintain records in online catalog.
  • Coordinate cataloging, classification and processing of books and audiovisual materials.
  • Identify and refer items that need attention of the cataloging or conservation department
  • Open new patron accounts, provide customer support regarding account status and work with Polaris systems.

Children's librarian example responsibilities.

  • Achieve proficiency cataloging electronic materials (audio records, video recordings, and streaming video) and continuing resources/serials.
  • Provide opportunities for students to use the library for class-relate research, individual investigation, independent reading, and personal inquiry.
  • Open new patron accounts, provide customer support regarding account status and work with Polaris systems.

Technical services librarian vs children's librarian skills

Common technical services librarian skills
  • Library Services, 9%
  • Collection Development, 7%
  • Library Resources, 5%
  • Technical Service, 5%
  • Library Materials, 4%
  • Emerging Technologies, 4%
Common children's librarian skills
  • Reference Services, 12%
  • Collection Development, 12%
  • Youth Services, 9%
  • Library Services, 7%
  • Teen, 6%
  • Public Library, 5%

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