Post job

Technical services librarian vs public services librarian

The differences between technical services librarians and public 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 technical services librarian and a public services librarian. Additionally, a technical services librarian has an average salary of $50,657, which is higher than the $49,867 average annual salary of a public 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 public services librarian are library services, collection development, and reference services.

Technical services librarian vs public services librarian overview

Technical Services LibrarianPublic Services Librarian
Yearly salary$50,657$49,867
Hourly rate$24.35$23.97
Growth rate6%6%
Number of jobs118,69662,620
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 53%Bachelor's Degree, 46%
Average age4848
Years of experience22

Technical services librarian vs public services librarian salary

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

Technical Services LibrarianPublic Services Librarian
Average salary$50,657$49,867
Salary rangeBetween $36,000 And $69,000Between $35,000 And $70,000
Highest paying CityCharlottesville, VASanta Rosa, CA
Highest paying stateAlaskaAlaska
Best paying companyYale UniversityYale University
Best paying industryProfessionalEducation

Differences between technical services librarian and public services librarian education

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

Technical Services LibrarianPublic Services Librarian
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 53%Bachelor's Degree, 46%
Most common majorLibrary ScienceLibrary Science
Most common collegeNew York UniversityNew York University

Technical services librarian vs public services librarian demographics

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

Technical Services LibrarianPublic Services Librarian
Average age4848
Gender ratioMale, 32.3% Female, 67.7%Male, 41.9% Female, 58.1%
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, 7.8% Asian, 4.9% White, 77.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3%
LGBT Percentage16%16%

Differences between technical services librarian and public services 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.

Public services librarian example responsibilities.

  • Manage integrated library system including OPAC, serials control, cataloging and acquisitions.
  • Perform original and copy cataloging of new acquisitions.
  • Perform various technical services including cataloging, weeding, and authority control.
  • Provide opportunities for students to use the library for class-relate research, individual investigation, independent reading, and personal inquiry.
  • Provide client services such as inter-library loans, ordering of new materials and instruction on use of library OPAC.

Technical services librarian vs public services 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 public services librarian skills
  • Library Services, 15%
  • Collection Development, 10%
  • Reference Services, 9%
  • Library Policies, 8%
  • Technical Publications, 7%
  • Technical Manuals, 6%

Browse education, training, and library jobs