The Academic Library Job Market: A Content Analysis Comparing Public and Technical Services

This study analyzes the differences between public and technical services positions as described in job advertisements. Eleven hundred thirty-three jobs advertised by 480 institutions in 1988 were examined using content analysis to determine differences in the levels of computer skills, foreign-language requirements, previous work experience, educational requirements, and minimum salary offered. Analysis of the data included cross-tabulation and tests to determine statistical significance. Technical services position advertisements require more computer skills and previous work experience and are more than twice as likely to require foreign-language skills. Public services candidates are expected to have more advanced degrees. Minimum salaries advertised for the two groups are nearly equal for lower-level positions, but public services salaries rise faster as administrative responsibilities grow. These differences should be considered by persons preparing for or choosing a specialization.