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Assistant Reference Librarian Jobs in Oregon (NOW HIRING)

Research Librarian

Portland, OR · On-site +1

$105K - $111K/yr

Participate in local and national professional development activities * Assist with various ... of legal reference and research experience, preferably in a law or corporate library * Master ...

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Assistant Reference Librarian information

What is an assistant reference librarian?

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.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be an assistant reference librarian?

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.

How does an assistant reference librarian 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 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 the most commonly searched types of Reference Librarian jobs in Oregon?

The most popular types of Reference Librarian jobs in Oregon are:

What are popular job titles related to Assistant Reference Librarian jobs in Oregon?

For Assistant Reference Librarian jobs in Oregon, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Assistant Reference Librarian jobs in Oregon look for?

The top searched job categories for Assistant Reference Librarian jobs in Oregon are:

Infographic showing various Assistant Reference Librarian job openings in Oregon as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution.

Part Time Faculty Interest Pool - Library

Portland Community College

Portland, OR • On-site

Part-time

Retirement

Re-posted 10 days ago


Portland Community College rating

6.5

Company rating: 6.5 out of 10

Based on 11 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

516th of 622 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Join our Team at Portland Community College
Please Note: PCC currently limits employment to individuals residing in Oregon and Washington. Employment offers are contingent upon the ability to establish residence in Oregon or Washington. Portland Community College will also ensure that applicants requiring reasonable accommodation for the hiring process are provided for. If reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact the PCC Talent Acquisition Team at pccjobs@pcc.edu.
Portland Community College is the largest post-secondary institution in Oregon and 19th largest in the nation, serving approximately 80,000 full- and part-time students. With four comprehensive campuses, five workforce training and education centers, and 200 community locations in the Portland metropolitan area, our unique role is to make high-quality education accessible to everyone, creating opportunities for our students and contributing to the economic development of our community.
Portland Community College is accepting applications to be considered for Part-Time and On-Call Reference Librarians for the Cascade, Rock Creek, Southeast, and Sylvania Campuses. The Department will review applications in this pool as the need arises for new part-time faculty in this area.
This is NOT an announcement of a specific open position, but a Part-time Faculty Interest Pool, from which the department will identify applicants based on course assignment needs during the Academic Year. Your application may be considered for substitute assignments as well as full term class assignments.
If this sounds like a learning community that you would like to be a part of, and an important role that you would like to play at PCC, please complete your application today to be considered.
Our Program and Who We Are Looking For
Job Summary
Under the supervision of the library dean, part-time reference librarian will assist students in using the tools of research, provide expertise and assistance in answering reference questions, staff the research help desk, including phone, email, chat, and teach information literacy classes, with guidance from the department chair.
Work Environment and Physical Requirements
Work is performed in a library or office environment, with frequent interruptions. Frequent reaching, sitting, walking, and standing may be required. No special coordination beyond that used for normal mobility and handling of everyday objects and materials is needed to perform the job. Flexibility in scheduling, must be able to work evening, weekend and short-notice substitute hours.
Instructor Qualifications
  • A Masters of Library Science or equivalent from an ALA-accredited library school or foreign equivalent
  • One year of teaching experience.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Demonstrated knowledge and utilization of culturally-responsive teaching and learning practices

Primary Duties and Responsibilities
  • Work as a member of a team with the goal of excellent customer service.
  • Provide direct research and reference assistance to the college community.
  • Teach library instruction and information literacy classes to individuals and groups.
  • Participate in the creation of instructional materials and research guides.
  • Contribute to ongoing work on special projects within the Reference department in coordination with the department chair.

See the PCC Instructor Qualifications webpage for more information.
Why You'll Love Working Here
The PCC district encompasses a 1,500-square-mile area in northwest Oregon and offers two-year degrees, one-year certificate programs, short-term training, alternative education, pre-college courses and life-long learning. As part of our College community, you'll enjoy:
  • A collaborative and inspiring campus community
  • Opportunities for learning and professional development

Portland Community College embraces equity and inclusion as a priority. We are committed to building a community with a variety of backgrounds, skills, views, and life experiences. The more we value equity and inclusion, the more we will add value to the work we do and how we serve our students, engage with each other, and the Oregon Community that we serve. Creating a culture that honors equity and inclusion is our objective and the smart path forward.
Note Regarding Academic Credentials
  • Official transcripts are required to be submitted within 2 weeks of offer date for degrees required in the stated Instructor Qualifications.
  • Instructors shall have earned required academic credentials at a regionally accredited US institution or a foreign institution having the equivalent of regional accreditation. Instructors with credentials from other countries will have their transcripts evaluated by agencies that have good standing with the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services to establish fulfillment of this standard. (for more information see http://www.pcc.edu/hr/employment/faculty-information.html)
  • For more information on PCC's General Instructor Qualifications Policy I301 visit: http://catalog.pcc.edu/handbook/i301-instructorqualifications/

These positions are included in the bargaining agreement between Portland Community College and the Portland Community College Faculty Federation Employees.
See the PCC Instructor Qualifications webpage for more information.
Total Rewards Package / What We Offer
As a new Part-Time Faculty employee, you may be eligible for certain benefits through PCC, such as Oregon Sick Leave and retirement savings plans.
More detailed information on the benefits plans, who is eligible, and how to enroll or make changes can be found at pcc.edu/hr/benefits. Please email PCCBenefits@pcc.edu if you have any questions.
Part-time Faculty Compensation at PCC
Newly hired Part-time Faculty at PCC will generally start at Step 1 of the current salary schedule.
Hourly rates are determine based upon the type of course taught (Lecture, Lab, or Lecture/Lab).
For more information please review the Part-time Faculty Salary Schedule on PCC's Compensation page:
https://www.pcc.edu/hr/compensation/
Oregon Veterans' Preference in Public Employment
Portland Community College complies with the Oregon Veterans' Preference in Public Employment law which provides qualifying veterans and disabled veterans with preference in employment. You will be given instructions during the application process to claim Veterans' Preference in the recruitment of this position, and to provide the documents required for verification of eligibility. Please do not send your documentation to the hiring manager directly. For verification of eligibility, please submit the following documentation:
  • Veterans: DD214
  • Disabled Veterans: DD214 and Letter from the Department of VA

Notice of the Availability of the Annual Security Report
Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act (Clery Act), you may view Portland Community College's (PCC) most recent Annual Security Report (ASR) on the Department of Public Safety website. The ASR contains current security and safety-related policy disclosure statements, emergency preparedness and evacuation information, crime prevention and sexual assault prevention information and resources, and drug and alcohol prevention programming. The ASR also contains crime statistics for Clery Act crimes which occurred on PCC properties for the last three calendar years. Paper copies of the ASR are available upon request at all Department of Public Safety offices.
PCC Employment Offers are Contingent Upon the Successful Completion of a Criminal Background Check
Please note that Portland Community College is not currently able to provide visa (e.g. H1-B Visa) sponsorship for potential employees.
Contact PCC at pccjobs@pcc.edu if you have questions

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