What's Here? - Table of Contents
School Librarians
As a school librarian, your communication and teamwork skills must be stellar because you will be working with pupils and students from different backgrounds. You will also need to get along perfectly with other staff members while upholding the values of the institution. Seeing the results of your hard work can be very satisfying but something more satisfying is a paycheck worthy of your status and work. The guidelines for staffing libraries in New Mexico might indicate the importance of capable hands. See pages 16 and 17 here.
How Are School Librarian Salaries Determined in New Mexico?
Schools in New Mexico set remuneration standards for all staff members based on certain factors as considered important. New Mexico is one of a few states that has benefitted from increased budget allocation to the educational sector in a bid to improve the quality of education. Salaries are usually determined in ranges and numerous factors are taken into consideration when deciding where you fall within the range.
Librarians and Media Specialists Salaries in urban areas of New Mexico
| Metro Area | # Employed | Mean Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Albuquerque, NM | 230 | $68,610 |
| Las Cruces, NM | 60 | $69,950 |
| Santa Fe, NM | 50 | $61,740 | Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics - 2023 |
Librarians and Media Specialists Salaries in rural areas of New Mexico
| Metro Area | # Employed | Mean Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Northern New Mexico nonmetropolitan area | 100 | $57,930 |
| Eastern New Mexico nonmetropolitan area | 140 | $55,310 | Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics - 2023 |
How Can One Increase Their Salary?
Librarians working in elementary and high schools have tremendous career growth opportunities moving from level advancements within the library to administrative positions. This presents one of the surest ways to get a raise.
Additionally, professional development and experience equips you to provide more value and qualifies you to move up along the salary tiers.
Are There Any Associations That Provide Help or Resources?
School librarians in New Mexico can join the New Mexico Library Association (NMLA) which is a body for all librarians in New Mexico. They engage in advocacy for equal pay and better working conditions as the satisfaction and comfort of school librarians will tell on the quality of services they render. They hold conferences and have forums where they educate members on how to execute their work better.
Public Librarians
State libraries store a more diverse range of books, DVDs, tapes, and other media. Hence, public librarians who manage these units must be knowledgeable about how to help library users with the available resources. A state librarian is more likely to deliver better quality work when they are rewarded properly.
How Are Public Librarian Salaries Determined in New Mexico?
Each public library set their remuneration standards which should allow for equity and be worthy of the professional status that the librarian has. Different factors including available resources, qualifications, working hours, and job description are taken into consideration
How Can One Increase Their Salary?
Meritorious service and improved certifications are necessary for career advancement as a librarian. These are instrumental for promotions that augment your pay and cause benefits to accrue to you. Employers are known to consider employees for a raise if they have been extremely valuable to the organization. The governing board of your preferred public library will conduct a review of your work and based on the provisions made in their rulebooks, they might consider you for a promotion. In cases where you are underpaid, action must be taken with the backing of the library association.
Are There Any Associations That Provide Help or Resources?
Public librarians are expected to be members of NMLA and Mountain Plains Library Association. Both organizations provide relevant training and networking opportunities for public librarians. Their conferences and newsletters are instrumental in equipping librarians to give their best at work. They also provide advocacy for equity in pay and favorable working conditions for members. For help concerning how to go about getting an upward salary review, contact the NMLA.
Academic Librarians
The research climate of institutions of higher education can present numerous opportunities for academic librarians. The career growth paths are numerous however, those who are strong enough to stay focused can advance confidently over time.
How Are Academic Librarian Salaries Determined in New Mexico?
Employment standards and remuneration are fixed by the governing councils of respective institutions in line with some principles, considering certain factors. The ranges can be modified as seen fit probably due to changes in the economic situation of the country.
How Can One Increase Their Salary?
Promotions offer the best potential for salary raises, as they are normal and expected. Demonstration of value and excellence in service are some of the factors that are looked at when considering an employee for a promotion. The board also expects that you have been working with the institution for a minimum number of years.
How Can an Academic Librarian Get Tenured and How Does This Affect Their Lifetime Earning Potential?
Academic librarians look forward to getting tenure because it gives them job security and opens them up to other opportunities. Here is the College of University Libraries and Learning Sciences set of guidelines for promotion and tenure evaluation. This is the standard used in New Mexico University. Teaching and librarianship are important for tenure and promotion to the rank of Assistant Professor. However, scholarly contributions are also included for promotion to the rank of Professor. The parameters used in the evaluation are outlined in that guideline.
Are There Any Associations That Provide Help or Resources?
Academic librarians are also welcome members of the NMLA which represents all librarians in the state and advocates for their welfare whilst providing valuable information for professional growth. For information and help on how to increase your pay, you can contact them here.