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Associate Librarian Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Folger Shakespeare Library

Cataloger

Washington, DC · On-site

$68K - $72K/yr

Under the direction of the Associate Librarian for Collection Description and Imaging, and in close collaboration with the Senior Cataloger for printed books and other Collections staff, the ...

Zimmerman Associates

Senior Library Clerk

Washington, DC · On-site

$22/hr

Senior Library Clerk Library of Congress | Washington, DC Pay Rate: $22.00 per hour + $5.09 per hour Health & Welfare (H&W) Benefit Zimmerman Associates, Inc. is seeking a Senior Library Clerk to ...

Zimmerman Associates

Library Clerk

Washington, DC · On-site

$21.22/hr

Library Clerk Washington, DC (Library of Congress Project) Pay Rate: $21.22 per hour + $5.09 per hour Health & Welfare (H&W) Benefit ZAI is seeking Library Clerks for our work at a prominent federal ...

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All JobsAssociate Librarian JobsAssociate Librarian Jobs in Washington

Associate Librarian information

See Washington salary details

$29.4K

$70.3K

$113.8K

How much do associate librarian jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for associate librarian in Washington is $70,285.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $56,100.00 and $82,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an associate librarian?

Associate Librarians are professional staff members in libraries who assist with a wide range of services, including helping patrons locate materials, managing collections, and supporting library programs. They often work under the supervision of a senior librarian and may have specialized roles such as reference, cataloging, or instruction. Associate Librarians typically hold a degree in library science or a related field and play a key role in ensuring library operations run smoothly. Their responsibilities can vary depending on the size and type of the library.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an associate librarian?

To thrive as an Associate Librarian, you need a solid understanding of information organization, research methodologies, and library science principles, often supported by a master's degree in library science or information studies. Familiarity with integrated library systems (ILS), digital cataloging tools, and database management is typically required. Excellent communication, customer service, and problem-solving skills help associate librarians engage effectively with patrons and colleagues. These competencies are essential for delivering accurate information, supporting diverse user needs, and maintaining efficient library operations.

What are some of the main challenges an associate librarian might face during a typical week?

Associate Librarians often juggle a variety of responsibilities, such as assisting patrons with research, managing collections, and supporting library programs. One common challenge is balancing time between direct patron service and behind-the-scenes tasks like cataloging or developing digital resources. Additionally, adapting to rapidly changing technology and ensuring equitable access to information can be demanding. Collaboration with colleagues in outreach or instructional initiatives is frequent, requiring strong communication and organizational skills.

What is the difference between Associate Librarian vs Librarian?

AspectAssociate LibrarianLibrarian
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; entry to mid-level rolesPublic, academic, or special libraries; more experienced roles
Employer UsageOften an entry-level or supporting role within librariesFull professional role with broader responsibilities
Common Search/ComparisonYesYes

The main difference between an Associate Librarian and a Librarian lies in experience and responsibilities. Associate Librarians typically hold entry to mid-level positions requiring a master's degree in library science, focusing on supporting library operations. Librarians usually have more experience and take on broader, more complex responsibilities within the library. Both roles require similar credentials and work in comparable environments, but the Librarian role often involves greater independence and decision-making authority.

What are the most commonly searched types of Librarian jobs in Washington?

The most popular types of Librarian jobs in Washington are:

What cities in Washington are hiring for Associate Librarian jobs?

Cities in Washington with the most Associate Librarian job openings:

Associate Librarian jobs near you
Infographic showing various Associate Librarian job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 68% Full Time, 23% Part Time, 3% Temporary, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $70,285 per year, or $33.8 per hour.

Cataloger

Folger Shakespeare Library

Washington, DC • On-site

$68K - $72K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 29 days ago

Job description

The Folger Shakespeare Library knows that an exceptional staff is the backbone of any great organization. We hire exceptionally qualified individuals who are committed to the mission, vision, and values of our organization. Our recruitment process strives to be interactive, accessible, and responsive. Once employed, the Folger provides a generous compensation, leave, and benefits package, as well as many opportunities for personal and professional growth.
Job Description:
The Folger Shakespeare Library, located on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC, is seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Cataloger to join the Collection Description and Imaging group. Under the direction of the Associate Librarian for Collection Description and Imaging, and in close collaboration with the Senior Cataloger for printed books and other Collections staff, the Cataloger performs original and copy cataloging of rare books and special collections materials, with a focus on the Folger's early modern printed holdings. This position contributes to the creation and maintenance of high-quality bibliographic and authority records, supports departmental documentation and workflow, and participates in institutional collaboration and service. This is an excellent opportunity for a mid-career cataloging professional with an interest in rare materials to develop advanced skills through hands-on work and mentorship from senior colleagues.
Successful candidates will be detail-oriented, intellectually curious, and eager to expand their cataloging expertise in the context of rare and early modern materials. They will demonstrate strong analytical and organizational skills, a commitment to accuracy and consistency, and an openness to collaborative peer review. They will show initiative in learning new standards and technologies and will communicate effectively with colleagues across the Collections division. A successful candidate will value inclusive and ethical description practices, professional growth, and active engagement with the rare-materials cataloging community.
The standard schedule for this role is Monday-Friday, 9:00am-5:00pm, which is a 35-hour workweek. Occasional evening and weekend hours may be required for special projects. This position is on-site with the potential of remote work 1-2 days a week. The selected candidate will need to be within a commutable distance to the DC office (DC, MD, VA) by their start date. Please note that the Folger Shakespeare Library can only accept applicants that are already authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. and will not need sponsorship in the future. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa at this time.
Compensation:
  • This is a salaried position with an annual pay of $68,000-$72,000.
  • Total compensation includes an extensive benefits plan, including fully-covered health, dental, and vision insurance for the individual and a generous 403b contribution and match, outlined at https://www.folger.edu/employee-benefits.

Duties:
Cataloging and Bibliographic Description
  • Creates original and enhances MARC 21 catalog records for rare books, including detailed copy-specific notes, in accordance with RDA, DCRM(B)/DCRMR, and local practice.
  • Assigns authorized subject and genre/form headings using Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH) and RBMS and other controlled vocabularies.
  • Conducts authority work by establishing, revising, and maintaining authorized name headings in the LC/NACO Authority File, following NACO policies and local practice.
  • Contributes to database maintenance, reconciliation, and retrospective conversion projects as assigned.

Quality Assurance, Documentation, and Workflow Development
  • Participates in peer review and internal quality-control workflows to ensure accuracy, consistency, and completeness of catalog records.
  • Participates in the development of cataloging policies, procedures, and workflows.
  • Participates in the creation and maintenance of Team documentation.
  • Standards Awareness and Professional Engagement
  • Monitors current and emerging cataloging standards, trends, and best practices; evaluates their relevance to the Folger's rare materials cataloging.
  • Maintains active professional engagement through participation in relevant organizations (e.g., RBMS) and seeks ongoing professional development opportunities such as training, workshops, and conferences.
  • Participates in team and Collections-wide policy discussions.

Public Service, Collaboration, and Institutional Support
  • Provides reference and subject area support to staff and researchers in areas of expertise.
  • Serves on exhibition, program, or organization-wide committees as assigned.
  • Participates in Reading Room desk coverage on a rotational basis as needed.
  • Performs other cataloging-related duties as assigned.

Education and Experience:
Required
  • Master's degree in Library and Information Science from an ALA-accredited institution or foreign equivalent), OR equivalent experience in bibliographic description and rare materials cataloging.
  • Minimum of four years of standard MARC cataloging experience, including original cataloging.
  • Demonstrated experience with OCLC Connexion and an Integrated Library System (ILS); TIND ILS a plus.

Preferred
  • Experience working with early-modern printed materials or other special collections.
  • Participation in NACO.
  • Familiarity with linked data concepts and emerging bibliographic frameworks, such as the Art and Rare Materials (ARM) BIBFRAME ontology extension.
  • Understanding ways in which libraries create pathways of discoverability for collections.

Knowledge and Skills:
  • Working knowledge of MARC 21, RDA, and principles of descriptive cataloging; familiarity with DCRM(B) or DCRMR is a plus.
  • Working knowledge of LCSH and genre/form controlled vocabularies. Strong attention to detail, analytical thinking, and commitment to maintaining high cataloging standards.
  • Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team-based environment.
  • Effective written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to document work clearly.
  • Commitment to ongoing learning, professional growth, and participation in relevant professional communities.
  • Ability to interpret and apply cataloging rules, local practices, and controlled vocabularies consistently.
  • Interest in developing or expanding expertise in early modern bibliography, book history, and provenance research.
  • Bibliographic facility with European languages; reading knowledge of at least one European language other than English desirable.
  • Familiarity with early modern British or European culture and printing history desirable.

Working Conditions:
This job operates in a professional office and library environment. The employee may be exposed to various components of an office environment such as fluorescent lighting, pollen, dust, recycled air, cooling fans, semi-enclosed areas, central heating, seasonal warmer temperatures, and office noise. The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
  • This is a full-time (35 hour) position with hours normally worked Monday-Friday between 9am-5pm, with some flexibility about start and end times. This position requires a regular schedule of attendance onsite.
  • Ability to lift and carry items up to 20 lbs.
  • Work occasionally requires spending up to 90 minutes in spaces cooled to 55 degrees Fahrenheit .
  • Capacity to communicate in person, or using video, phone, or electronic communication methods, in a manner which can be understood by others.
  • Willingness and capacity to work in an office environment at a workstation, and to come and go repeatedly throughout the day as is necessary, to perform various responsibilities. Ability to work at a computer for an extended period, with accuracy. Desk includes sit-stand options.

Interested individuals should submit their cover letter and resume. Incomplete applications cannot be accepted. No phone calls please.
The Folger is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
To learn more about our benefits, please click here.

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