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$29K

$67.7K

$120.5K

How much do adjunct reference librarian jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for adjunct reference librarian in the United States is $67,707.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $45,000.00 and $84,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an adjunct reference librarian?

Adjunct Reference Librarians are part-time or temporary library professionals who assist patrons with research, answer reference questions, and support library services, often in academic or public library settings. They typically hold a master's degree in library science and work flexible hours based on the institution’s needs. Their duties may include teaching library instruction sessions, helping users find resources, and contributing to collection development, but they generally do not have the same range of responsibilities or job security as full-time librarians.

How does an adjunct reference librarian typically collaborate with full-time staff and faculty to support student research needs?

As an Adjunct Reference Librarian, you will frequently work alongside full-time librarians and faculty to provide research assistance, develop instructional materials, and support information literacy initiatives. Collaboration often involves participating in reference desk shifts, co-teaching library workshops, and contributing to collection development based on course needs. Open communication and teamwork are key, as adjuncts are integrated into ongoing projects and are expected to adapt to the library's evolving priorities. This role offers valuable experience in academic librarianship and opportunities to build professional relationships within the institution.

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

To thrive as an Adjunct Reference Librarian, you need a master's degree in library science (MLS/MLIS) and strong research, information literacy, and reference service skills. Familiarity with online databases, integrated library systems (ILS), and citation management tools is typically required. Excellent communication, customer service, and instructional abilities set candidates apart in this role. These skills and qualities ensure efficient information access, effective user support, and positive learning experiences for library patrons.

What is the difference between Adjunct Reference Librarian vs Part-Time Reference Librarian?

AspectAdjunct Reference LibrarianPart-Time Reference Librarian
CredentialsMaster's degree in Library Science (MLS or MLIS)Master's degree in Library Science (MLS or MLIS)
Work EnvironmentAcademic libraries, often in colleges or universitiesPublic, academic, or special libraries, often in community settings
Employment StatusContract or temporary, often semester-basedPart-time, with flexible hours
Job ResponsibilitiesProviding reference services, assisting users, supporting library programsSimilar reference duties, often with less administrative responsibility

Both roles typically require a Master's in Library Science and involve providing reference services. The main difference lies in employment status and work setting, with adjunct reference librarians often working in academic environments on a contractual basis, while part-time reference librarians may work across various library types with flexible hours.

More about Adjunct Reference Librarian jobs

What job categories do people searching Adjunct Reference Librarian jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Adjunct Reference Librarian jobs are:

Adjunct Reference Librarian jobs near you
Infographic showing various Adjunct Reference Librarian job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $67,707 per year, or $32.6 per hour.

Adjunct Reference Librarian

Yakima Valley College

Yakima, WA • On-site

$920/wk

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 25 days ago

Job description

Salary: See Position Description
Location : Yakima, WA
Job Type: Part-Time Faculty
Job Number: PTF16-001
Division: Library and Media Services
Opening Date: 01/28/2016
Closing Date: Continuous
Description
Our Mission Statement:
As a federally designated Hispanic-serving Institution residing on the traditional homelands of the 14 Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation, Yakima Valley College cultivates equity and a culture of innovative and inclusive teaching and learning.
Yakima Valley College serves all students holistically, supports all students' learning goals, and fosters achievement within career and educational pathways.
We strengthen our communities by providing opportunities for personal enrichment, economic mobility, and sociocultural engagement.
We invite you to consider joining Yakima Valley College (YVC), an innovative and equity-focused designated Hispanic-serving institution that is committed to the pursuit of equitable student learning outcomes for its diverse students.
Adjunct Reference Librarian
Part-Time, Non-Tenure
Anticipated Start Date: ASAP
Salary:
$920 per Instructional Unit
Up to 10 IU's/Quarter
Yakima Valley College is accepting applications for an adjunct Reference Librarian in the Instructional and Student Services Division - Library and Media Services. This is a part-time position.
The adjunct Reference Librarian will be committed to community college students and their success. The successful applicant will be accomplished and active in their discipline, committed to participating in a multicultural, interdisciplinary learning environment, and skilled in the technology of learning and research.
Essential Tasks
JOB PROFILE:
  • Provide reference assistance and willing to work a flexible schedule of mid-day Monday through Thursday, and Friday early morning to mid-afternoon
  • Provide reference services to students, staff and the community at-large as well as to remote users, including eLearning students and students at our Grandview campus

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
  • Working knowledge of basic reference sources, electronic information resources and systems, and electronic databases
  • Knowledge of confidentiality laws, copyright laws, regulations, policies and ethics regarding libraries and materials
  • Understanding of and commitment to the mission and educational role of a community college
  • Ability to work with non-traditional patrons
  • Interpersonal skills and ability to provide excellent customer service
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills

Qualifications
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
  • ALA accredited Master's Degree in Library Science (MLS, MSLS, MLIS) or equivalent
  • Minimum of two years full-time professional reference experience, or equivalent
  • Demonstrated computer literacy skills
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Experience with ExLibris Voyager OPAC and circulation module
  • Ability to use a variety of software applications
  • Experience in an academic library environment

Supplemental Information
Application Instructions:
To apply for this position, you MUST submit a complete YVC Online Employment Application, and include the following REQUIRED attachments:
  • A cover letter describing how you meet the qualifications of this position (a generic cover letter will not be accepted)
  • A current resume (a resume will not substitute for the "work experience" section of the online application)
  • Three (3) professional references (personal references do not count as professional)
  • Unofficial transcripts for confirmation of degree (if minimum qualifications require a degree). The successful candidate will be required to submit official transcripts at time of hire
  • Certifications/Credentials as required for fulfillment of the minimum qualifications.
  • Supplemental Question: The college requires a Diversity and Inclusion response as part of its application materials. The statement is found in the supplemental question area of the application. Please respond (NO MORE than two pages in length) in the text box area provided or upload the document to your application as an attachment.

Please note: Failure to follow the above application instructions will lead to disqualification. Please do not include any attachments other than the ones requested above. E-mailed documents will not be accepted after the closing of the recruitment or in lieu of attaching your documents to the online application.
Supplemental Information:Those applicants invited to interview may be required to complete a skills test.
Candidates will be subject to a Criminal History Background Check as a condition for consideration of employment.
"In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire."
Yakima Valley College does not discriminate against any person based on their race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation and/or gender identity, age, marital status, the presence of any sensory, mental or physical disability, the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability, honorably discharged veteran or military status, genetic information, or any other prohibited basis in admission, treatment, or participation in its programs, services and activities, or in employment. All inquiries regarding compliance should be directed to Alma Ramirez, Chief Human Resources Officer, Yakima Valley College, 1015 South 16th Avenue, Yakima, Washington, 98902; email aramirez@yvcc.edu; telephone 509.574.4671.
Yakima Valley College's Annual Safety and Fire Report is available online at https://www.yvcc.edu/services/safety-security, containing mandated information about current campus policies concerning safety and security issues, required statistics, and other related information for the past three calendar years. To obtain a paper copy of the report, please call 509.574.4610.
Applicants with disabilities who require assistance with the recruitment process will be accommodated to the extent reasonably possible.
All positions are subject to funding.
Yakima Valley College offers a selection of health and retirement plans allowing you to take advantage of the plans that work for you. We also offer paid leave, development and career opportunities, and other compensation benefits. Benefit packages are a key component of our Total Compensation Model.
Insurance Benefits
Yakima Valley College offers medical (including vision), and dental. There are several medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state. Employees are also covered by basic life and long term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts. To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the
Retirement and Deferred Compensation
State Employees can elect to participate in the Teachers Retirement System (TRS) Plan 3 or the State Board Retirement Plan (SBRP) through TIAA. For additional information, check out the ' web site. Employees can elect to participate in the Washington State Board Retirement Plan instead, check out the plan vendor at for more information.
Employees also have the ability to participate in the (DCP), a supplemental retirement savings program that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.
Please refer to the for more detailed information.
01
The college requires a Diversity and Inclusion response as part of its application materials, which is a response to the following statement. Please respond (NO MORE than two pages in length) in the text box area below or upload the document to your application as an attachment.What personal and professional work have you done, or would you do, to incorporate culturally responsive pedagogy and inclusive curricula in your work with students?How do these equitable and inclusive practices affect instructor and student roles, and the outcomes of teaching/learning, if the goal is to increase overall student performance?
Required Question

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