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Bibliographer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Cataloger

Washington, DC · On-site

$16.21/hr

Review and edit MARC21 bibliographic records to ensure completeness, consistency, and compliance with provided standards. * Add, modify, or validate required MARC fields, including fixed fields ...

Create full-level bibliographic records in accordance with RDA and local practices. * Catalog and assign descriptive metadata to images of museum objects, photographs, and other archival materials.

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Metadata Librarian

Rockville, MD · On-site

$40 - $55/hr

Create, edit, and maintain bibliographic and authority records within the Ex Libris Alma Integrated Library System (ILS). * Prepare digital publications, image files, and associated metadata for ...

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Bibliographer information

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$26

$61

How much do bibliographer jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for bibliographer in the United States is $26.34, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.14 and $30.77 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a bibliographer?

A bibliographer is responsible for researching, cataloging, and organizing information about books, articles, and other publications. They compile detailed bibliographies, ensuring accuracy and completeness to aid researchers, libraries, and academic institutions. Bibliographers may specialize in specific subjects or work with rare and historical collections. Their role often involves evaluating sources, verifying publication details, and maintaining databases for easy reference.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of a bibliographer?

A bibliographer’s daily tasks often involve researching, evaluating, and cataloging a wide range of publications or resources according to specific criteria. They may compile annotated bibliographies, update database records, review new materials for inclusion, and ensure bibliographic data remains accurate and accessible. Collaboration with librarians, researchers, publishers, and subject matter experts is also common to maintain the quality and relevance of bibliographic resources. Depending on the organization, bibliographers might also train staff or support special projects such as digital collections or historical archives. This role is well-suited for detail-oriented professionals who enjoy both independent research and cooperative teamwork.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the bibliographer position, and why are they important?

A successful bibliographer typically holds a degree in library science or a related field, with expertise in research methodologies and information organization. Familiarity with cataloging systems (such as MARC), bibliographic databases, and reference management software is often required. Strong analytical thinking, meticulous attention to detail, and effective written communication are important soft skills. These abilities are crucial to ensure the accurate compilation, evaluation, and organization of bibliographic information for libraries, publishers, and researchers.

What does a bibliographer do?

A bibliographer researches, catalogs, and organizes information about books, publications, and other printed materials. They often work in libraries, archives, or research institutions, using tools like bibliographic databases and citation standards to ensure accurate documentation and classification of resources.
More about Bibliographer jobs
Infographic showing various Bibliographer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, and 20% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $54,791 per year, or $26.3 per hour.

Associate Bibliographer

The J. Paul Getty Trust

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

$85K - $113K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 3 days ago

New


Job description

Associate Bibliographer
Job Family Library
Type Regular Full-Time
Position Status Getty Center
Workplace Type Hybrid/Partially Remote
Salaried/Hourly Salaried
Hiring Pay Scale $85,422 - $113,185 Annually
Salary Commensurate with experience and internal equity
Program/Department Research Institute - 0419-Library
Requisition Number 2026-4830
Getty is committed to creating a welcoming workplace that reflects the various backgrounds of the communities we serve. We value differences in the pursuit of inquiry and knowledge, mutual understanding, respect, trust, transparency, and cooperation. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, citizenship or immigration status, color, disability, ethnicity, familial status, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other protected status.
Job Summary

The Getty Research Institute (GRI) Collections & Discovery division seeks a knowledgeable, collaborative, and forward-thinking candidate to fill the role of Associate Bibliographer (Collection Development Librarian III) for the GRI's Library. Responsible for most of the ongoing development of the GRI's renowned and distinctive general library collections, the ideal candidate will have a strong foundation in art history, a knowledge of current trends in the field, and a passion for the intricacies involved in the bibliographic work of selection and assessment. The GRI Library is among the world's most comprehensive art research libraries, consisting of over 1.7 million volumes of published materials, including books, serials, auction sales catalogs, and myriad electronic resources, all available for use by researchers from around the world. It includes titles in over 50 languages published in 127 countries, focusing primarily on the arts, architecture, and visual culture. Reporting to the Manager of Library Collection Development & Acquisitions, the Associate Bibliographer works with the Collection Development unit staff, a cross-departmental Bibliography team, and in close collaboration with GRI librarians, curators, and other stakeholders across Getty. Externally, the position nurtures and evaluates existing relationships while developing new ones with professional peers, donors, and vendors locally and around the world, contributing directly to the GRI's mission of cultivating advanced knowledge of art and its varied histories.

Major Job Responsibilities
    Serves as an overall subject expert in determining the ongoing bibliographic scope and coverage for a wide range of art-related topics, consulting with stakeholders as appropriate
  • Reviews incoming material from approval plans to ensure relevance
  • Regularly reviews existing approval plans for gaps in coverage and proposes refinements to profiles, working with others as needed
  • Collaborates on establishing new approval plans or other methods of acquisitions based on geographic coverage
  • Assists in tracking expenditures and maximizing the library acquisitions budget
  • Collaborates on establishing and cultivating new vendor and donor relationships globally
  • Selects individual titles that are outside of the scope and budget of current approval plans
  • Reviews notifications from vendors and submits ordering selections according to evolving criteria and budgetary guidelines
  • Notes gaps (lacunae) and considers future collecting goals both for antiquarian and newly published material
  • Revises the Library Collection Development policy in accordance with evolving GRI priorities and budget
  • Supplies content for the GRI communication channels and other Getty social media outlets
  • Actively participates in relevant professional organizations and considers new models for potential coordinated collection development
  • May conduct research, present, exhibit, and publish in areas of responsibility and expertise
  • Promotes Getty's principles of having a welcoming and inclusive environment
Qualifications
  • Master's or PhD in Art History and/or MLIS preferred

  • Minimum 5 years relevant professional experience

  • Requires special subject knowledge, foreign languages, and/or technical expertise

  • May require related supervisory experience and/or project management experience

Please note: This position is not eligible for employer-based immigration sponsorship. Applicants must have authorization to work for Getty in the United States without the need for sponsorship, currently or in the future.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
  • Reading/bibliographic knowledge of at least 2 foreign languages
  • Current knowledge of relevant discipline and research methods
  • Knowledge of library management systems
  • Solid understanding of bibliographic metadata structure and principles
  • Project management skills
  • Advanced specialized knowledge of the art book and/or electronic resource trade preferred
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, interpersonal skills, and attention to detail
  • Ability to meet deadlines, apply policies and procedures consistently, conduct research, and present recommendations
  • Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively
Benefits and Perks

Here are just some examples that Getty offers/provides for full-time employees:

  • Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance coverage, starting on date of hire. Getty pays 75%-95% of the premium, depending on the plan selected.
  • 403(b) Employee Investment retirement plan - with up to 5% Getty Match
  • Getty contribution of 6%, on behalf of employee, to 401(a) retirement account
  • Educational Assistance and professional development
  • Paid Vacation, Sick, and Personal Days
  • 12 Paid Holidays
  • Many positions have bi-weekly off-Fridays
  • On-Site Fitness Center at Getty Center
  • Community service opportunities

To learn more about our comprehensive benefits and long list of perks, go to Getty HR.