What's Here? - Table of Contents
Standing as the only statewide Public Library Organization, the Hawaii State Public Library System has 51 branches spread over 6 islands of Hawaii – Big Island ofHawaiʻi, Kauaʻi, Lānaʻi, Maui, Molokaʻi and Oʻahu.
The Library System caters to the entire population of Hawaii, comprising of almost 1.4 million people. Having an annual budget of around $40 million, the system is known to have more than 947,000 registered card-holders, employing a staff of over 500 employees to manage and administer the various branches of the library.
Role of Libraries in Society
Even though books are the backbone for the functioning of any library, in the 21st century, libraries are more than just books. They provide a community space for growth, learning, and new experiments, having a significant impact on personal and intellectual growth of Hawaiians.
The Library System of Hawaii
The library facilitates citizens’ progression by providing them access to computer systems, private study spaces, toddler children story-times, learning programs, and access to resources for people who are in a transitioning phase applying for jobs. Additionally, the online portal and applications of the library add to the convenience of Hawaiians, making the browsing of books and searching for information much simpler.
What is the job of the Librarian?
The role of a librarian cannot be understated. With the primary responsibility to create and use databases of library materials, classifying and cataloging reference materials, providing easy access to information to the library patrons, and social and technical programming services when needed, Librarians keep themselves one step ahead to fulfill the informational needs of everyone.
Apart from daily operations, they work to demystify reference books, search for new acquisitions and are proficient in researching new information to be able to answer inquiries.
What is the Average Salary of Librarians in Hawaii?
To serve the residents of Hawaii, there are hundreds of librarians working diligently in the libraries of Hawaii. Their role in the social and educational growth of society is pivotal, assisting students, teachers, researchers, doctors, and professionals from all walks. It is therefore crucial for librarians to be compensated well.
The median annual salary of Librarians in Hawaii is $65,010 (Bureau of Labor Statistics - 2023). The lower 10th percentile lies at $50,760, whereas the upper range at the 90th percentile lies at $88,270. The pay rate defined is exclusive of financial benefits, health insurance and 401(k) contributions.
The salary of the Librarian depends on various factors such as experience level, certification and education level of the Librarian.
Librarians and Media Specialists Salaries in urban areas of Hawaii
| Metro Area | # Employed | Mean Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Urban Honolulu, HI | 260 | $65,720 | Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics - 2023 |
Librarians and Media Specialists Salaries in rural areas of Hawaii
| Metro Area | # Employed | Mean Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Hawaii / Kauai nonmetropolitan area | 40 | $61,510 | Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics - 2023 |
What is the Average Salary of an Archivist in Hawaii?
The primary role of an archivist working in a library is to preserve, catalog, and retrieve important documents and records that would be accessible to the organization for future use. The archivist needs to possess analytical and organizational skills in order to coordinate and archive documents efficiently.
In Hawaii, the median annual salary of an archivist is . The annual salaries of archivists typically range between and .
Currently, Hawaii ranks as the second state nationwide in terms of Archivist salaries.
What is the Median Salary of Science Teachers?
The role of the Library and Information Sciences teachers in the operations of the libraries is fundamental. They provide theoretical and practical knowledge on aspects such as collection development, abstracting and archival methods. Furthermore, by training young individuals to become passionate and conscientious librarians and continue to work on improving the institution of the library to expand the horizons of their patrons; library science teachers put in immense effort.
The median annual salary of Library Science teachers in Hawaii is . Typically, the average salary range lies between and in Hawaii.
Salaries of Library Technicians and Assistants
Usually, library assistants and technicians work under the supervision of the librarian, providing assistance in all aspects of library operations. Having numerous responsibilities, including sorting and shelving materials, maintaining periodicals, loaning and assisting patrons with library materials, collecting returned materials, and various other clerical and administrative responsibilities. The role of these personnel is vital to the organization and systematic functioning of the library.
In Hawaii, Library Technicians and Assistants have a median annual salary of $45,980 (Bureau of Labor Statistics - 2023). On average, the salaries range between $36,420 and $58,260.
However, the average annual salary of Library Assistants and Technicians is lower than the general pay rate. It is imperative to compensate them well since their services cannot be trivialized, as they contribute massively to the functioning of the libraries.
Even though librarians do not fall amongst the highest paid professions in Hawaii, it is crucial to pay them well since they have the responsibility to provide vital resources needed to train and educate future generations and underserved populations.