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Assistant Reference Librarian Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

Indiana University

Assistant Librarian

Bloomington, IN · On-site

Posting Details Position Details Title Assistant Librarian Specific Title Research Data Librarian ... Participates in a team approach to providing prompt and effective reference, consultation, and ...

Purdue University

Library Assistant

Westville, IN · On-site

$15/hr

Provide reference service to the patrons, assist with social media postings, resolve patron complaints, provide clerical support to library staff, prepare reports and correspondence. The library ...

Purdue University

Library Assistant

Westville, IN · On-site

$15/hr

Provide reference service to the patrons, assist with social media postings, resolve patron complaints, provide clerical support to library staff, prepare reports and correspondence. The library ...

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Assistant Reference Librarian information

What is the difference between Assistant Reference Librarian vs Reference Librarian?

AspectAssistant Reference LibrarianReference Librarian
Required CredentialsMaster's degree in Library Science (MLS or MLIS)Master's degree in Library Science (MLS or MLIS)
Work EnvironmentPublic, academic, or special libraries assisting patrons with researchPublic, academic, or special libraries providing reference services and research support
Job ResponsibilitiesSupporting reference services, helping patrons locate resources, and assisting with researchLeading reference services, conducting research consultations, and managing information resources

The main difference is that Assistant Reference Librarians typically support reference services and assist patrons under supervision, while Reference Librarians often take on more independent roles, managing complex research inquiries and leading reference activities. Both roles require a Master's in Library Science and are common in similar library settings.

What are Assistant Reference Librarians?

Assistant Reference Librarians are library professionals who help patrons locate information, conduct research, and use library resources effectively. They support reference librarians by answering questions, providing guidance on using catalogs and databases, and assisting with research projects. Their duties often include organizing materials, teaching users about library technology, and sometimes planning educational programs. They play a key role in ensuring that library visitors have a positive and productive experience.

How does an Assistant Reference Librarian typically collaborate with other library staff to support patrons?

Assistant Reference Librarians work closely with librarians, circulation staff, and technical services teams to ensure patrons receive comprehensive support. They often coordinate to locate resources, develop instructional materials, and assist with research queries. Regular communication and teamwork help maintain seamless service, especially during busy periods or when handling complex information requests. This collaboration not only enhances the patron experience but also provides valuable opportunities for learning and professional development within the library system.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Assistant Reference Librarian, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Assistant Reference Librarian, you need a solid understanding of research methods, information retrieval, and a degree in library science or a related field. Familiarity with library management systems, online databases, and digital cataloging tools is typically required. Excellent communication, problem-solving, and customer service skills help you effectively assist patrons and collaborate with colleagues. These competencies ensure efficient access to information, high-quality patron support, and the smooth operation of library services.
What are the most commonly searched types of Reference Librarian jobs in Indiana? The most popular types of Reference Librarian jobs in Indiana are:
What are popular job titles related to Assistant Reference Librarian jobs in Indiana? For Assistant Reference Librarian jobs in Indiana, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Assistant Reference Librarian jobs in Indiana look for? The top searched job categories for Assistant Reference Librarian jobs in Indiana are:
Assistant Reference Librarian jobs near you
Infographic showing various Assistant Reference Librarian job openings in Indiana as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Assistant Librarian: Reference Archivist/Curator

Indiana University Academic Positions

Kokomo, IN

Other

Posted 17 days ago

Job description

Position Details
Title Assistant Librarian: Reference Archivist/Curator Appointment Status Tenure Track Department IU Northwest Library Location Northwest Position Summary
The Assistant Librarian with the additional title as Reference Archivist/Curator is a 12-month, tenure-track position reporting to the Executive Director of Library Services. This position is responsible for advancing the mission of the IU Northwest Archives & Special Collections. The successful candidate will provide high-quality reference support and services to students, faculty, researchers, and community members. They will cultivate and sustain partnerships and donor relations both locally and abroad through outreach efforts, and develop exhibitions, displays, and public-facing projects that highlight the richness of our collections and the history of the Calumet Region. Working closely alongside the Digital Processing Archivist and library faculty, they will work to ensure seamless operations across public services, archival operations, and collection stewardship. This position has liaison responsibilities to academic departments, teaches information literacy sessions, general library reference duties, and participates in collection development activities for the library.
Responsibilities
  1. Serves as lead for archival reference services and inquiries, offering research support, contextual information, and patron assistance for campus and community users, and additionally provides general research assistance to Anderson Library patrons.
  2. Coordinates archival research appointments; and ensures timely, high-quality patron services.
  3. Conducts archival community engagement and donor relations, cultivating partnerships with local organizations, historical societies, and regional stakeholders to strengthen the Archives' role in Northwest Indiana.
  4. Works in tandem with the Digital Processing Archivist to meet the needs of the Archives through coordinated communication, shared documentation, and support for repository and its daily functions.
  5. Develops and implements public programs, including exhibits, displays, workshops, digital storytelling projects, and historical instructional sessions for community groups, and provides library tours and orientations.
  6. Provides historical expertise and contextualization for campus initiatives, faculty projects, public inquiries, and collaborative community efforts involving regional history, and contributes to general library instruction sessions as needed.
  7. Strengthens the visibility and relevance of the Archives, elevating awareness of collections through outreach strategies, marketing collaboration, social media storytelling, and campus/community engagement.
  8. Works collaboratively with library faculty and staff to align archival services with student success, campus engagement, and community-focused goals, and provides weekly support through reference and chat services.
  9. Provides joint supervision and mentorship of student workers and interns in collaboration with the Digital Processing Archivist, assisting in training them on archival tasks, reference procedures, scanning workflows, and related project work.
  10. Some evenings and weekends as required. Other duties as assigned.
ABOUT THE JOHN W. ANDERSON LIBRARY

The John W. Anderson Library serves a diverse population and is seeking applicants with excellent communication skills, previous reference experience and the ability to work well with various populations. The John W. Anderson Library serves undergraduate and graduate students and Indiana community residents.
The Library provides access to multiple information sources and services in support of student learning, faculty research, and community engagement. The library houses a collection of nearly half a million books and 200,000 government publications. The library has access to 350 online abstract or full-text journal databases, an online catalog of all IU libraries, online catalogs of local public and university libraries, 50,000 electronic journals, 230,000 e-books and audio books, online encyclopedias, and biography and statistical databases.
The Indiana University Northwest John W. Anderson Library is part of a nine-campus system. Through the Library, students have access to the 7 million volumes and 25 million other materials of the other IU libraries. Books and journal articles in Bloomington, Indianapolis and other regional campus libraries can be obtained quickly for students and faculty through the IU Northwest Library Interlibrary Loan Office.
ABOUT INDIANA UNIVERSITY NORTHWEST

One of nine campuses of Indiana University, IU Northwest is located in metropolitan Northwest Indiana, approximately 30 miles southeast of Chicago and 10 miles from the Indiana Dunes National Park. The campus has a student population of approximately 3,200 degree-seeking students and more than 30,000 alumni, most of whom remain in the Northwest Indiana region, and has been recognized by the Department of Education as a minority and Hispanic serving institution. The campus offers Associate, Baccalaureate, and Master's degrees from the College of Arts and Sciences, the College of Health and Human Services, the School of Business and Economics, the School of the Arts, and the School of Education. The campus is also home to IU School of Medicine-Northwest-Gary, the region's only four-year medical doctorate program. As a student-centered campus, IU Northwest is committed to academic excellence characterized by a love of ideas and achievement in learning, discovery, creativity, research and community engagement.
Indiana University is an equal opportunity employer and provider of ADA services and prohibits discrimination in hiring.
Basic Qualifications
Required:

  • ALA-accredited M.L.S. or M.A. U.S. History, Archival Studies or Preservation Management
  • Minimum of two years experience in archives, manuscripts repository, or special collections
  • Knowledge of current and emerging trends, issues, workflows, and best practices in an archival environment
  • Basic knowledge of archival preservation and techniques
  • Good interpersonal skills
  • Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team environment, and to provide high-quality service to students and patrons
  • Ability to meet the requirements of a tenure-track appointment by exhibiting excellence in job performance and satisfactory performance in professional development/research and service
  • Formal training in archival theory and best practices
  • Experience in teaching information literacy and one-on-one instruction.

Preferred:

  • Knowledge of Northwest Indiana/ Calumet area history
  • Experience with community outreach, communications, or media creation (such as social media management, digital storytelling, or public-facing content)
  • Knowledge of archival restoration, repair, and stabilization techniques.
  • Experience in creating or installing physical displays or museum exhibits
  • Knowledge of American history and historiography
  • Academy of Certified Archivists certification
  • Experience with grant-seeking and fundraising opportunities.
Department Contact for Questions
Questions regarding the position or application process can be directed to the search committee chair: Nicholas A. Casas, Assistant Librarian for Teaching & Learning, John W. Anderson Library IU Northwest Library Services, 3400 Broadway, Gary, IN 46408, ncasas@iu.edu

Additional Qualifications
All candidates must be eligible to work in the United States as of the position start date. The department is unable to sponsor visas for this position. For questions about work eligibility, the search committee can connect you with the IU Office of International Services.
Salary and Rank Salary is commensurate with experience and education. Special Instructions
Interested candidates should review and complete the online applications that require uploading: 1) curriculum vitae; 2) letter of application; 3) statement of librarianship philosophy (listed as other); and (4) list of three references with contact information to include mailing address, e-mail address, and telephone numbers at https://indiana.peopleadmin.com/postings/32718
Review date begins May 15, 2026: (Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee).

Final date: May 29, 2026: Applications will continue to be accepted until this date, but those received after the review date will only be considered if the position has not yet been filled.
For Best Consideration Date Expected Start Date 07/01/2026 Posting Number IU-101536-2026

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