| Aspect | Research Services Librarian | Academic Librarian |
|---|
| Credentials | Master's in Library Science (MLS) or equivalent | Master's in Library Science (MLS) or equivalent |
| Work Environment | Specialized research support, often in academic or research institutions | General library services across academic institutions |
| Primary Focus | Providing research assistance, data management, and information literacy | Managing collections, user services, and general library operations |
The main difference is that Research Services Librarians focus specifically on supporting research activities, data management, and providing specialized research assistance, whereas Academic Librarians handle broader library functions, including collection management and user services across academic settings.