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Bibliography 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 ...

Salary Range: $85,000-$105,000 + Benefits About the RoleDo you enjoy digging into complex bibliographic data, tracking down inconsistencies, and finding better ways to organize information at scale?

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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Bibliography information

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How much do bibliography jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for bibliography in the United States is $21.38, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.79 and $23.32 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Bibliography vs Librarian?

AspectBibliographyLibrarian
Required CredentialsNone specific, often self-taught or academic backgroundLibrary science degree or certification
Work EnvironmentAcademic, research, or publishing settingsPublic, academic, or special libraries
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in research, publishing, and academic contextsUsed in library management and public service
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared for research and citation purposesCompared for information management and user assistance

While a bibliography is a list of sources used in research or writing, a librarian is a professional who manages library resources and assists users. Both are essential in academic and research environments, but they serve different roles: one is a tool for referencing, the other a profession dedicated to information organization and access.

What is a bibliographer?

Bibliographers are professionals who specialize in the systematic description and study of books, manuscripts, and other publications. Their work involves cataloging, researching the history and details of printed works, and compiling bibliographies for scholarly or archival purposes. Bibliographers play a key role in libraries, academic institutions, and publishing, helping to organize and preserve valuable information about literature and sources.

What are some typical challenges bibliography specialists face when managing large-scale research projects?

Bibliography specialists often encounter challenges such as maintaining accuracy and consistency across extensive reference lists, adapting to various citation styles, and keeping up with evolving digital tools and databases. Collaboration with researchers and writers is frequent, requiring clear communication to clarify source details and resolve ambiguities. Additionally, tight deadlines and the need to verify the credibility of sources add pressure, making strong organizational and time-management skills essential for success in this role.

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

To thrive as a Bibliographer, you need expertise in research methods, cataloging standards, and subject-specific knowledge, often supported by a degree in library science or a related field. Familiarity with bibliographic databases, cataloging systems like MARC, and reference management tools is typically required. Attention to detail, organizational skills, and analytical thinking are crucial soft skills for compiling accurate and comprehensive bibliographies. These skills ensure the creation of reliable bibliographic records that support academic research and information access.
Infographic showing various Bibliography job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, and 17% Part Time. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $44,460 per year, or $21.4 per hour.

Bibliographic Assistant VII

Columbia University

New York, NY • On-site

$28.32/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 5 days ago


Job description

  • Job Type: Support Staff - Union
  • Bargaining Unit: 1199 Clerical
  • Regular/Temporary: Regular
  • End Date if Temporary:
  • Hours Per Week: 35
  • Standard Work Schedule: Monday-Friday: 9AM-5PM
  • Building: Butler Library
  • Salary Range: $28.32 - $28.32 per hour entry rate ($29.19 - $29.19 per hour minimum rate)

The salary of the finalist selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to departmental budgets, qualifications, experience, education, licenses, specialty, and training. The above hiring range represents the University's good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting.
Position Summary
Columbia University Libraries is currently seeking applicants for the position of Bibliographic Assistant VII in the department of Collections Acquisition & Metadata Services. Columbia University Libraries is a globally-recognized academic research library, serving one of the world's most important centers of research and learning. The Libraries' collection includes resources in more than 450 languages and primary source materials that span over 4,000 years of human thought. The collections include over 15 million volumes, with access to over 7 million online electronic resource titles, nearly 300,000 linear feet of manuscripts and archives, over 150,000 maps, and over 1.2 million graphic and audio-visual materials. Through an extensive global network of library partnerships, Columbia Libraries also facilitates access to collections at academic, research, and public libraries across the country and the world.
The Bibliographic Assistant in this position will work mainly with monograph material from countries primarily located in the Mid-East and process the material for discovery in the Libraries catalog. The incumbent will perform all phases of bibliographic editing for monographic materials received from acquisitions departments.
Test: Language tests will be given the day of the interview.
Responsibilities
  • Provides original and copy cataloging support for monograph material.
  • Assigns library locations to newly acquired material.
  • Identifies new and added volumes of serials and process according to local practices.
  • Enters invoices in the Libraries local system for payment.
  • Corresponds with vendors on missing and defective items and invoice errors.
  • Checks-in materials, adds them to existing holdings, and routes them to appropriate departments.
  • Pays invoices for continuing resources material.
  • Corresponds and interacting with CUL's subject liaisons on matters related to books received in the department.
  • Opens a high volume of material from several different vendors.
  • Performs quality control on material received.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications
  • High school diploma and/or its equivalent and one year of related experience required.
  • Strong knowledge of two Mid East languages - one in the Arabic alphabet.
  • Ability to quickly learn complex tasks and systems and deploy this knowledge in a dynamic and diverse academic library environment with minimal oversight.
  • Ability to prioritize and organize work in an effective manner.
  • Ability to determine the research value and subject discipline of library materials for purposes of cataloging and classification.
  • Strong computer skills to interact with numerous online vendor platforms and transfer this information to the Libraries internal system.
  • Ability to communicate effectively with internal Libraries' staff and external vendors, producers and creators.
  • Ability to interact with a diverse group of colleagues and library users.
  • Ability to push, pull, and lift up to 40lbs.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Some college preferred.
  • Previous experience in academic libraries.
  • Library acquisitions and/or book trade experience desirable.

Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran
Columbia University is committed to the hiring of qualified local residents.