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Bibliography Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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.

Cataloger

Washington, DC ยท 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 ...

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Metadata Librarian

Rockville, MD ยท 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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$12

$21

$29

How much do bibliography jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 1, 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 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 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.

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 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.

Infographic showing various Bibliography job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, and 14% 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.

Associate Bibliographer

J. Paul Getty Trust, The

Los Angeles, CA โ€ข On-site

$85K - $113K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 17 days ago


Job description

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.