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Academic Library Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Journal Sales Partner

Thousand Oaks, CA · On-site

$18.25 - $24/hr

At Sage, our Journals Sales team partners with academic libraries and research institutions across North America to ensure broad access to high-quality scholarly content. We play a critical role in ...

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Academic Library information

What is an academic library?

Academic libraries are specialized libraries located within colleges, universities, and other academic institutions. They primarily serve students, faculty, and staff by providing access to scholarly resources such as books, journals, databases, and research materials. In addition to offering traditional print collections, academic libraries often provide digital resources, research assistance, study spaces, and information literacy instruction. Their main goal is to support the educational and research needs of their academic community.

What are academic library jobs?

Academic library jobs provide administrative support and customer service to students at a college or university. In this role, you may advise students on where to research particular topics, help patrons choose study books, or assist students with accessing resources on the internet. Academic library jobs are usually faculty positions and involve staying up-to-date with new sources of information and book releases. Some roles may require additional training or expertise beyond those of a standard library to handle a university library’s old or rare books, as well as resources stored on unusual mediums like tapes. This position is often advertised under different titles, such as campus librarian or university librarian. Academic libraries typically differ from public school libraries, which tend to have fewer resources and do not usually contain rare items.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an academic librarian, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Academic Librarian, you need a master's degree in library and information science, strong research abilities, and a solid understanding of information organization. Familiarity with integrated library systems (ILS), digital databases, and citation management tools is typically required. Excellent communication, instructional skills, and a collaborative mindset help librarians effectively support students and faculty. These competencies are crucial for ensuring access to resources, promoting information literacy, and facilitating academic success.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in an academic library setting?

Professionals in academic libraries often encounter challenges such as adapting to rapidly evolving information technologies, supporting a diverse population of students and faculty with varying research needs, and balancing multiple responsibilities like reference services, instruction, and collection management. Additionally, they may need to collaborate closely with academic departments to develop relevant resources and programs while navigating budget constraints. Effective communication, flexibility, and a commitment to ongoing professional development are key to thriving in this dynamic environment.

What is the difference between Academic Library vs Public Librarian?

AspectAcademic LibraryPublic Librarian
Required CredentialsMaster's in Library Science (MLS) or Library and Information Science (MLIS)Master's in Library Science (MLS) or Library and Information Science (MLIS)
Work EnvironmentUniversities, colleges, academic institutionsPublic libraries, community centers
Employer & IndustryEducational institutions, academiaPublic sector, community service
Common Search & ComparisonAcademic Library vs Public Librarian

Academic librarians primarily work in educational settings, focusing on supporting students and faculty with research and academic resources. Public librarians serve the general community, providing access to information, literacy programs, and community services. While both roles require similar credentials, their work environments and target audiences differ significantly.

What are the most commonly searched types of Academic Library jobs in California?

The most popular types of Academic Library jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Academic Library jobs?

Cities in California with the most Academic Library job openings:

Infographic showing various Academic Library job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 56% Full Time, 38% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 69% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 30% Remote job distribution.

Head Librarian, Branner Earth Sciences Library & Map Collections

Palo Alto, CA • On-site

Other

Posted 12 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Manage the facility, budget, and staff of the Earth Sciences Library.

  • Select library materials and information resources related to earth sciences, environmental sciences, energy science, oceanography, and sustainability.

  • Assist patrons and staff with reference and research inquiries.


Job description

The position is dual posted at Librarian 2 and 3.

Stanford University Libraries is seeking a full-time Head Librarian to lead the Branner Earth Sciences library & Map Collections. The Libraries values are rooted in a commitment of mutual respect, the idea that every member of the staff has something to contribute, and that learning is constant.

About Stanford Libraries:

Stanford University Libraries are a dynamic network of resources, spaces and subject experts assembled with the mission to stimulate intellectual curiosity, sustain academic research and support teaching and learning. With over 12 million items, 50 subject specialists and 20 campus libraries, the opportunities for contributing to and transforming scholarship are infinite. By joining Stanford University Libraries, you will become a part of a vibrant, learning community of dedicated professionals who are committed to the important work of advancing scholarship.

About the Position:

The Stanford Libraries’ Branner Earth Sciences Library & Map Collections are at the forefront in providing innovative support for scholarship, teaching, and learning in the various subdisciplines in earth, energy, sustainability, and environmental sciences as practiced at Stanford. To match the scale and urgency of climate change and sustainability, the Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability was established in 2022. The school brings together seven academic departments, two research institutes, and the Sustainability Accelerator, to draw on the interdisciplinary expertise required to understand and address complex environmental changes and sustainability. The library is well-positioned to support this major initiative with world-class collections, dedicated staff, and innovative technological solutions. The Head Librarian will be involved in the redesign of the library in a myriad of ways to meet the needs of the expanded School.

The Head Librarian of the Earth Sciences Library provides a full range of high-quality library services for the faculty and students in the Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability (SDSS) and to other interested faculty, students, and staff of the University. The Head Librarian is also a member of the Science and Engineering Resource Group in the Stanford Libraries. In addition to subject expertise in a relevant discipline, the Head Librarian must have proven managerial ability and be capable of contributing to the programs and projects of the Libraries in general as well as to the University.

Core Duties*:
  • Manages the facility, budget, and staff of the Earth Sciences Library.
  • Manages and evaluates the staff of the Earth Sciences Library, direct reports include librarians, library specialists, and hourly employees.
  • Evaluates and makes recommendations to management on programs, plans, operations and policies for the Earth Sciences Library.
  • Earnestly and constantly tries to understand the research and curricular programs of the departments and, within departments, each of the professors and instructors in order to match the Library’s collection development and services programs in direct support of these academic personnel.
  • Develop outreach strategies to promote library services and resources, and to establish relationships with users in SDSS and across Stanford. Actively manages the library web space and oversees the social media outreach.
  • Convenes and leads the Branner Earth Sciences Library Committee and works with faculty and staff at the School to align library goals for the immediate term and as the research and scholarship evolve within SDSS.
  • Select library materials and information resources in areas related to the Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability scholarship (e.g., earth sciences, environmental sciences, energy science, oceanography, and sustainability), including responsibility for collection management and preservation decision-making.
  • Stays abreast of current developments and trends in earth, energy, sustainability and environmental resources librarianship through active participation in appropriate professional organizations.
  • Assist patrons and staff with reference and research inquiries.
  • Make recommendations for the upgrade of electronic and manual resource tools.
  • Analyze the technical and access needs for a unit of the library system, including the environmental conditions of storage and workspaces.
  • Participates as appropriate in the development activities of the Libraries, working closely with the Library Development Officer and the Associate University Librarian for Sciences and Engineering Resources. Encourages and cultivates close relations with donors of funds and materials relating to SDSS collections.
  • Teach classes, lead tours and/or give demonstrations of library resources.
  • May approve and make arrangements for loaning repository items to external organizations for exhibit, including the negotiation terms of the loan.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTSEducation and Experience:Librarian 2

Advanced Degree in Library Science or a relevant academic discipline with demonstrated understanding of academic libraries and two or more years of relevant experience in a relevant library setting or a combination of education and relevant experience.

Librarian 3

Advanced Degree in Library Science or a relevant academic discipline with demonstrated understanding of academic libraries and five years of experience in a relevant library setting with evidence of capacity to work at a high level of responsibility or a combination of education and relevant experience.

Minimum Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:Librarian 2 (Demonstrated experience)
  • Experience with relevant aspects of library operations including management/supervision and understanding of contemporary library practices, trends and emerging technologies.
  • Demonstrated understanding of the broad scope of library operations with ability to understand how their role interacts with the rest of the organization.
  • Experience working effectively in a team environment and negotiate issues with people from different parts of the library.
  • Experience identifying challenges and opportunities, engage others in their resolution and recommend appropriate courses of action.
  • Experience evaluating online resources in terms of content quality, functionality and user interface issues.
  • Experience independently performing complex job functions such as collection management reviews, preparation of major exhibits, developing policies for business practices.
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills.
To be considered at the Librarian 3 level, these additional qualifications apply.Librarian 3 (Demonstrated experience)
  • Deep understanding and engagement with the range of library operations, including management/supervision, trends and practices.
  • Evidence of professional contribution and achievement beyond the library may be expected at this rank.
  • Demonstrated success in engaging with colleagues across the University and beyond in a collaborative and construction fashion.
  • Demonstrated experience managing and bringing innovation to projects, policy development and driving library initiatives across functional lines.
  • Experience with successful collaborations across all levels internal and external to the organization
  • Understanding of software development life cycle and ability to represent and influence the technical needs of the Earth Sciences Library and SDSS
  • Demonstrated success in independently performing complex job functions such as collection management reviews, preparation of major exhibits, developing policies for business practices.
  • Evidence of engagement in relevant professional or academic communities.
  • Consistent display of excellent verbal and written communication skills, including strong presentation skills.
  • Demonstrated success in managing and completing complex projects to include hiring project staff, project budget management, communicating with project stakeholders, and meeting project deadlines.
  • Experience in donor relations and providing information on terms of donated collections.
Other Relevant Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities May Include:
  • Demonstrated success in managing and completing complex projects to include hiring project staff, project budget management, communicating with project stakeholders, and meeting project deadlines.
  • Experience in donor relations and providing information on terms of donated collections.
Stanford University Libraries budgeted salary is:

The expected pay range for Librarian 2 level is up to $119,000 per annum.

The expected pay range for Librarian 3 level is up to $135,000 per annum.

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