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Technical services librarian vs law librarian

The differences between technical services librarians and law 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 law librarian. Additionally, a law librarian has an average salary of $51,708, which is higher than the $50,657 average annual salary of a technical services librarian.

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

Technical services librarian vs law librarian overview

Technical Services LibrarianLaw Librarian
Yearly salary$50,657$51,708
Hourly rate$24.35$24.86
Growth rate6%6%
Number of jobs118,6961,813
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 53%Bachelor's Degree, 55%
Average age4848
Years of experience22

Technical services librarian vs law librarian salary

Technical services librarians and law librarians have different pay scales, as shown below.

Technical Services LibrarianLaw Librarian
Average salary$50,657$51,708
Salary rangeBetween $36,000 And $69,000Between $35,000 And $76,000
Highest paying CityCharlottesville, VAPhiladelphia, PA
Highest paying stateAlaskaAlaska
Best paying companyYale UniversityNortheastern University
Best paying industryProfessionalProfessional

Differences between technical services librarian and law librarian education

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

Technical Services LibrarianLaw Librarian
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 53%Bachelor's Degree, 55%
Most common majorLibrary ScienceHistory
Most common collegeNew York UniversityNew York University

Technical services librarian vs law librarian demographics

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

Technical Services LibrarianLaw Librarian
Average age4848
Gender ratioMale, 32.3% Female, 67.7%Male, 32.4% Female, 67.6%
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, 6.4% Unknown, 3.6% Hispanic or Latino, 7.7% Asian, 4.9% White, 77.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3%
LGBT Percentage16%16%

Differences between technical services librarian and law 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.

Law librarian example responsibilities.

  • Manage integrated library system including OPAC, serials control, cataloging and acquisitions.
  • Supervise cataloging and processing of all materials.
  • Perform library technical services, including cataloging, processing, and acquisitions.
  • Review monthly Lexis and Westlaw usage to identify users needing additional training in cost-effective research techniques.
  • Open new patron accounts, provide customer support regarding account status and work with Polaris systems.

Technical services librarian vs law 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 law librarian skills
  • Library Services, 11%
  • Collection Development, 9%
  • Reference Services, 9%
  • Research Services, 8%
  • Legal Resources, 6%
  • Legal Reference, 6%

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