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College Librarian Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Whitman College

Systems Librarian

Walla Walla, WA · On-site

$30.60 - $34.20/hr

WHITMAN COLLEGE Located in the historic community of Walla Walla, Whitman's vibrant and beautiful ... POSITION PURPOSE The Systems Librarian leads the development and support of technology solutions ...

Whitman College

Systems Librarian

Walla Walla, WA · On-site

$30.60 - $34.20/hr

WHITMAN COLLEGE Located in the historic community of Walla Walla, Whitman's vibrant and beautiful ... POSITION PURPOSE The Systems Librarian leads the development and support of technology solutions ...

Whitman College

Systems Librarian

Walla Walla, WA · On-site

$30.60 - $34.20/hr

WHITMAN COLLEGE Located in the historic community of Walla Walla, Whitman's vibrant and beautiful ... POSITION PURPOSE The Systems Librarian leads the development and support of technology solutions ...

Bay College

Library Assistant

Escanaba, MI · On-site

$16.30/hr

Supervision Exercised Work-Study Students Supervision Received Works under the general supervision of the College Librarian Work Environment Work environment characteristics described here are ...

Glendale Community College

Librarian Adjunct

Glendale, CA · On-site

$66.03 - $99.96/hr

Continuous Description Glendale Community College Library is currently accepting applications for part-time, hourly faculty positions for in-person with remote options. GCC is seeking adjunct ...

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College Librarian information

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$31K

$65.2K

$102.5K

How much do college librarian jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for college librarian in the United States is $65,193.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $51,500.00 and $75,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a college librarian?

College librarians are information professionals who manage and organize the resources of a college library, helping students, faculty, and staff access books, digital media, and academic resources. They assist with research, teach information literacy skills, and often curate collections to support the institution’s academic programs. College librarians also maintain library technology systems and may coordinate events or workshops to enhance learning and scholarship within the college community.

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

To thrive as a College Librarian, you need a master's degree in library science (MLS/MLIS), strong research skills, and expertise in information organization and retrieval. Familiarity with integrated library systems (ILS), digital databases, and cataloging tools like MARC and OCLC is typically required. Excellent interpersonal, instructional, and communication skills help librarians support students and faculty effectively. These skills and qualifications are crucial for managing resources, facilitating information literacy, and enhancing the academic community’s access to knowledge.

What are some common challenges faced by college librarians when supporting both students and faculty, and how can they be addressed?

College librarians often navigate the challenge of meeting diverse information needs from both students and faculty, which can include staying current with evolving research trends, new technology, and digital resources. Balancing instructional duties, reference support, and collection development requires strong time management and adaptability. Effective communication and proactive collaboration with academic departments help librarians anticipate and respond to users' needs, while ongoing professional development ensures they remain knowledgeable about emerging library tools and best practices.

What is the difference between College Librarian vs School Librarian?

AspectCollege LibrarianSchool Librarian
Required CredentialsMaster's degree in Library Science (MLS or MLIS)Master's degree in Library Science or Education (MLS or MLIS)
Work EnvironmentAcademic libraries in colleges and universitiesK-12 school libraries in elementary, middle, or high schools
Employer & IndustryHigher education institutionsPrimary and secondary education institutions
Common Search & ComparisonCollege Librarian vs School Librarian

Both roles require a master's degree in Library Science and involve managing library resources. However, College Librarians work in higher education settings, supporting college students and faculty, while School Librarians serve K-12 students in school libraries. The work environment, target audience, and specific responsibilities differ, but the foundational qualifications are similar.

More about College Librarian jobs

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Cities with the most College Librarian job openings:

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What states have the most College Librarian jobs?

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College Librarian jobs near you
Infographic showing various College Librarian job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, and 50% Part Time. Highlights an 96% In-person, 2% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $65,193 per year, or $31.3 per hour.

College Librarian and Director of Schaffer Library

Union College

Schenectady, NY • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 16 days ago

Job description

Union College seeks an innovative and collaborative leader to serve as the College Librarian and Director of Schaffer Library. Reporting to the Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean of the Faculty, the Director leads a dedicated team of user-focused professional librarians and staff across Research & Engagement, Content & Digital Library Systems, and Special Collections and Archives and provides strategic direction and operational stewardship to ensure that Schaffer Library fully advances Union College's educational and scholarly mission in service of our students. The ideal candidate will combine a deep appreciation for the liberal arts tradition with the ability to collaboratively develop a forward-looking vision for how technology, data, and emerging generative AI tools can enhance undergraduate teaching, interdisciplinary research, and student learning.
College Librarian and Director of Schaffer Library
Pay Status and Classification: Exempt, Regular, Full-time. This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship.
Work Location: This position is not eligible for a hybrid schedule. This position is eligible for relocation assistance.
Supervisor: Vice President of Academic Affairs & Dean of the Faculty
Position Purpose:
Founded in 1795 as the first chartered college in New York State, Union College is a highly selective, independent liberal arts college committed to integrating arts, humanities, social sciences, science, and engineering. Schaffer Library sits at the heart of campus, providing crucial teaching and research support, a vibrant learning commons, and a core collection enhanced by Special Collections & Archives, a Permanent Collection of works of art, and the Adirondack Research Library.
Union College seeks an innovative and collaborative leader to serve as the College Librarian and Director of Schaffer Library. Reporting to the Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean of the Faculty, the Director leads a dedicated team of user-focused professional librarians and staff across Research & Engagement, Content & Digital Library Systems, and Special Collections and Archives and provides strategic direction and operational stewardship to ensure that Schaffer Library fully advances Union College's educational and scholarly mission in service of our students. The ideal candidate will combine a deep appreciation for the liberal arts tradition with the ability to collaboratively develop a forward-looking vision for how technology, data, and emerging generative AI tools can enhance undergraduate teaching, interdisciplinary research, and student learning.
Essential Responsibilities and Duties
  • Define, articulate, and advocate for a compelling vision for Schaffer Library aligned with Union's next strategic plan. Lead long-range planning and operational strategies, staying abreast of trends and innovations across small liberal arts college environments with regard to the ways in which libraries can enhance the student experience.
  • Formulate, implement, and oversee the library budget. Leverage consortial and other opportunities to shepherd resources optimally, including identification of external funding opportunities.
  • Recruit, supervise, mentor, and evaluate direct reports. Promote the professional growth of library faculty and oversee promotion applications, professional development leaves and other library personnel issues. Cultivate a user-focused, collaborative work environment across all library employees and promote diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in hiring, staffing, and public-facing services.
  • Monitor curricular changes to ensure robust library support for academic programs.
  • Oversee core library functions to help meet the teaching and research needs of students and faculty and records management needs of the college.
  • Direct physical space planning to meet student needs and the preservation of library collections.

Qualifications
  • Master's degree in Library and Information Science from an ALA-accredited program.
  • 5-7 years of progressive administrative and leadership experience in an academic library setting.
  • Demonstrated record of success in budget management and personnel development.
  • Proven leadership in supervising and supporting staff within a diverse, multicultural environment.
  • Excellent written, oral, interpersonal, analytical, and collaborative problem-solving skills.
  • Demonstrated track record of innovation, including the integration of emerging library technologies, e-resources, digital curation, and scholarly publishing. Ability to guide the College's integration of generative AI into its operations consistent with our values and goals.
  • Familiarity with or proficiency in core academic library applications, systems, and technical platforms.
  • Working knowledge of legal regulations and policies relevant to academic and research libraries, including copyright.
  • Demonstrated commitment to fostering an inclusive, equitable working and learning community and promoting a sense of belonging across students, faculty, and staff.

Compensation:
The annual salary range for this position is $170,000 to $177,000.Except for roles with a set rate of pay, the wage/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 stated hiring rate/range represents the College's good faith and reasonable estimate of the rate/range of possible compensation at the time of posting.
Location: Schenectady, NY
We know some job seekers may not apply for career opportunities unless they meet every qualification in the position description including the preferred qualifications. We are most interested in hiring the best staff and faculty colleagues, and recognize that a successful candidate may come from a less traditional career path. We encourage you to apply, even if you don't believe you meet every one of our preferred qualifications.
We offer exceptional benefits including:
  • Generous Vacation, Sick, and Personal Time
  • Winter Recess Break in Addition to Paid Holidays (in accordance with policy)
  • Healthcare: Medical (PPO & HDHP), Dental, and Vision Insurance (Flexible Spending and Dependent Care Accounts)
  • Free On-Campus Fitness Facility Access and Discounts for On-Campus Wellness Programs
  • Pre and Post Tax participation in a 403(b) Retirement Plan
  • Salary Continuation Program in the event of Disability
  • Tuition Exchange

Background Checks: In accordance with our background check policy, finalists for hire will undergo a background check that includes education, employment, and criminal convictions.
E-Verify Participation: Union College participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the United States. Learn more about E-Verify and your Right to Work (Derecho a Trabajar).

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