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Associate Librarian Jobs (NOW HIRING)

$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 ...

Librarian

Tempe, AZ ยท On-site

$65K - $75K/yr

Reporting to the Associate Vice President of Program Innovation, the University Librarian partners closely with faculty, students, clinicians, and university leadership to strengthen the library ...

Librarian

Columbia, SC

$58K - $70K/yr

... to earn associate or bachelor's degrees through a combination of in-person, online or blended ... The librarian assists with evidence synthesis support, including systematic reviews, across ...

... to earn associate or bachelor's degrees through a combination of in-person, online or blended ... The librarian assists with evidence synthesis support, including systematic reviews, across ...

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Associate Librarian information

See salary details

$26K

$62.1K

$100.5K

How much do associate librarian jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for associate librarian in the United States is $62,056.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $49,500.00 and $72,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Can you make 6 figures as a librarian?

Associate librarians typically earn salaries below six figures, with median annual pay often ranging from $40,000 to $60,000 depending on location, experience, and institution. Reaching a six-figure salary usually requires advanced roles, additional certifications, or working in high-paying institutions or specialized fields within librarianship.

Is AI replacing librarians?

AI is not replacing associate librarians but is increasingly used to support tasks such as cataloging, data management, and information retrieval. Librarians continue to play a vital role in providing personalized assistance, curating collections, and developing community programs, which require human judgment and expertise. Technology tools enhance efficiency but do not eliminate the need for professional librarians.

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

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.

How much do associate librarians make?

Associate librarians typically earn a median annual salary of around $50,000 to $60,000, depending on experience, education, and location. They often work in public, academic, or special libraries and may require a master's degree in library science. Salaries can vary based on the size of the institution and regional pay scales.

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 jobs pay $400 an hour?

Associate Librarians typically do not earn $400 an hour; such high hourly rates are usually associated with specialized consulting, executive coaching, or highly experienced professionals in fields like law, medicine, or finance. These roles often require advanced degrees, certifications, or extensive expertise, and may involve freelance or contract work with high billing rates.

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 Associate Librarians?

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.
More about Associate Librarian jobs
What cities are hiring for Associate Librarian jobs? Cities with the most Associate Librarian job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Librarian jobs? The most popular types of Librarian jobs are:
What states have the most Associate Librarian jobs? States with the most job openings for Associate Librarian jobs include:
Infographic showing various Associate Librarian job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 97% Part Time, and 3% Temporary. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $62,056 per year, or $29.8 per hour.
Associate University Librarian

Associate University Librarian

Brandeis University

Waltham, MA โ€ข On-site

$119K - $123K/yr

Full-time

Posted 28 days ago


Job description

Brandeis University is looking to hire an Associate University Librarian for Scholarly Resources & Discovery in the Library Services. Reporting to the University Librarian, the Associate University Librarian leads a collaborative team setting strategic direction, developing and executing vision, and managing activities for a major portion of Library Services. This position directly manages regular employees and student workers.
The Associate University Librarian will bring a collaborative approach to setting strategic directions and managing collection activities. Areas of responsibility include oversight of the over $4,700,000 resource acquisition budget allocation, acquisition strategies and facilitating discovery through oversight of library systems, and metadata creation; optimizing physical and digital collections; resource sharing; leading vendor relationships, licensing and managing access to a rapidly growing array of digital content; building a scholarly communication program; managing and preserving digitized and born-digital materials across their life cycle. Reporting to the University Librarian, the Associate University Librarian oversees staff in Resource Management & Assessment, Interlibrary Loan, and Library Systems.
The Associate University Librarian is a member of the Library's senior management team and participates in strategic planning, program development and evaluation, budget formulation, and resource allocation. They also participate in grants and fundraising and other resource development programs, and promotes the visibility of the Library both within and outside Brandeis University. With the University Librarian and other senior leaders in the library, they are responsible for developing collaborative relationships with other Brandeis University departments, universities, and organizations; and for representing the Brandeis Library regionally, nationally, and internationally.
The Associate University Librarian for Scholarly Resources will work closely with colleagues to assess the impact of Library services, drive responsible resource allocation, demonstrate the value of the Library to the University, and develop strategic alliances with the University's academic leadership and other external partners in pursuit of shared goals.
This position manages members of the Library's collective bargaining unit, represented by the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Local 888, for purposes of wages, hours and other terms and conditions of employment standardized across the University.
At Brandeis University, we are committed to fostering a welcoming and supportive environment for all members of our community. We seek candidates who are dedicated to creating resources, opportunities, and experiences that serve the needs of a broad and varied campus population. The ideal candidate will bring a collaborative spirit and the ability to work effectively with individuals from a variety of backgrounds, experiences, learning approaches, and viewpoints.
Key Responsibilities:
  • Leads an innovative and entrepreneurial staff in developing strategies for resources and services that support Brandeis University's education and research programs that facilitate worldwide scholarly communication. This leader will also be responsible for fostering strong collaborative relationships between the acquisition and development of content, and the services that directly support access and use. 50 %
  • Oversees the resource acquisition budget allocation and acquisition strategies and facilitates discovery through oversight of library systems and metadata creation; optimizes physical and digital collections; resource sharing; leads vendor relationships, licensing and manages access to a rapidly growing array of digital content; scholarly communications; manages and preserves digitized and born-digital materials across their life cycle. 20 %
  • Participates in strategic planning, program development and evaluation, budget formulation, and resource allocation; participates in grants and fundraising and other resource development programs, and promotes the visibility of the Library both within and outside Brandeis University. With the University Librarian and other senior leaders in the library, is responsible for developing collaborative relationships with other Brandeis University departments, universities, and organizations; and for representing the Brandeis Library regionally, nationally, and internationally. 20 %
  • Other duties as required. 10%

The salary range for the position is $119.2k-$123k.
Requirements:
  • A terminal professional degree in librarianship (for example, in the United States, a Master's degree in library/information science) is required.
  • Over 8 years of total work related experience including 3-5 years of supervisory/management experience.
  • Significant experience in a research library, including strategic planning and budgeting.
  • Experience in collection development and fund management.
  • Experience leveraging consortium partnerships.
  • Demonstrated knowledge of best practices and current trends in both digital and physical resource management and operations.
  • Demonstrated success in:
    • Leading and managing organizational change.
    • Collaboration and strategic partnering.
    • Experience in designing and coordinating transformational initiatives and bringing them to timely and successful implementation. Creative integration of automated and manual technical services processes preferred.
  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to be an effective spokesperson and presenter.
  • Demonstrated ability to work successfully in diverse environments and to collaborate with people from varied professional, cultural, and educational backgrounds.
  • Commitment to contributing to an environment where all members of the community can access resources, feel respected, and thrive.
  • Record of professional contribution and engagement.

The Associate University Librarian is primarily an on-site position.
For full consideration, please submit your cover letter and resume/CV by May 11, 2026.
Pay Range Disclosure
The University's pay ranges represent a good faith estimate of what Brandeis reasonably expects to pay for a position at the time of posting. The pay offered to a selected candidate during hiring will be based on factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate's work experience and education/training, internal peer equity, and applicable legal requirements.
Equal Opportunity Statement
Brandeis University is an equal opportunity employer which does not discriminate against any applicant or employee on the basis of race, color, ancestry, religious creed, gender identity and expression, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy, age, genetic information, disability, caste, military or veteran status or any other category protected by law (also known as membership in a "protected class").