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Contract Librarian Jobs (NOW HIRING)

$55K - $70K/yr

Participants will be appointed at the rank of Assistant Librarian (term faculty) with a two-year contract that is potentially renewable for oneadditionalyear dependent upon funding and performance.

ECAD Librarian

Parsippany, NJ · On-site

$120K - $140K/yr

ECAD Librarian We are seeking an experienced ECAD Librarian to join our team and ensure the ... Pay Range: $120,000 to 140,000 /year Many of our contracts require proof that you are a U.S ...

ECAD Librarian We are seeking an experienced ECAD Librarian to join our team and ensure the ... Pay Range: $120,000 to 140,000 /year Many of our contracts require proof that you are a U.S ...

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Contract Librarian information

See salary details

$31K

$65.2K

$102.5K

How much do contract librarian jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for contract 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 Contract Librarian job?

A Contract Librarian is a professional hired on a temporary or project-specific basis to provide library services. They may work in academic, corporate, government, or public libraries, handling tasks such as cataloging, research, reference services, or digital archiving. Their contracts vary in length and scope, depending on the library's needs. This role offers flexibility but may not include benefits or long-term job security.

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

To thrive as a Contract Librarian, you should possess a strong background in library science, information management, and organization, typically supported by an MLS or MLIS degree. Familiarity with integrated library systems (ILS), cataloging software, and digital resource platforms is highly valuable. Excellent communication, adaptability, and time management skills help you effectively collaborate with diverse patrons and teams on a project or temporary basis. These competencies are crucial since contract librarians must quickly adapt to new environments and deliver efficient information services in varying organizational contexts.

What is the typical work environment and team structure for a Contract Librarian?

As a Contract Librarian, you may work in a variety of settings, including academic, public, corporate, or special libraries, often on short-term projects or to fulfill specific needs such as cataloging, digital archiving, or research support. Team structures can range from working independently to collaborating closely with permanent library staff, IT professionals, or subject matter experts, depending on the project's scope. Flexibility is key, as assignments can vary in intensity, duration, and the degree of supervision. This role offers a unique opportunity to gain broad experience across different library environments while expanding your professional network.
What cities are hiring for Contract Librarian jobs? Cities with the most Contract 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 Contract Librarian jobs? States with the most job openings for Contract Librarian jobs include:
Infographic showing various Contract Librarian job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 73% Full Time, and 27% Part Time. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $65,193 per year, or $31.3 per hour.
Resident Librarian

$55K - $70K/yr

Full-time

Posted 10 days ago


Job description

American University is a student-centered research institution located in Washington, DC, with highly-ranked schools and colleges, internationally-renowned faculty, and a reputation for creating meaningful change in the world. Learn more about American University

Department:

University Library Faculty

Time Type:

Full time

FLSA Status:

Exempt

Job Description:

American University Library invites early career librarians to apply for its Resident Librarian Program. Participants will be appointed at the rank of Assistant Librarian (term faculty) with a two-year contract that is potentially renewable for oneadditionalyear dependent upon funding and performance. Two positions are available.The residency is designed to provide an immersion into academic librarianship, with an emphasis on information literacy instruction and research support and including opportunities to explore other areas of interest. Funding will be provided to support professional engagement at the national level. Through the experience and mentoringacquiredbyparticipatingin the Residency Librarian Program, individuals will be able todemonstrateskills at the professional level, will be able to develop a professional network, and will be prepared for future career opportunities.

The Residency Librarian Program is part of the Association of College and Research Libraries (ACRL) Residency Program. American University Library is one of the four founding institutions thatestablishedthe Diversity Alliance member universities. The purpose of the resident program is to bring entry-level librarians into the profession, to engage them in professional experience and service at American University, to provide mentorship through their residency experience and in building their research and professional service agenda, and ultimately, to prepare them for a career in academic librarianship.

Responsibilities

As a member of the Research, Teaching and Learning division within AU Library, the Resident Librarians will teach information literacy classes--especially in conjunction with the Writing Studies Program--and provide generalist research and reference assistance services to a variable user population from many disciplines and backgrounds through chat and in personal research appointments. They will work with colleagues in the Research, Teaching, and Learning (RTL) Division to support the faculty and information literacy needs of the Writing Studies Program, other academic departments as requested, and research support initiatives at the University Library.Residents will learn and integratenew technologiesinto the instruction process,including addressing AI literacy,and willcontribute to collection development and collection assessment as requested. They will prepareLibGuides, onlinetutorialsand other relevant reference tools in support of the university community. As faculty members, Residents will activelyparticipatein faculty governance and service to the profession. Over the course of the academic year, some evening and weekend hours will berequired.

Requirements

  • American Library Association (ALA) accredited master's degree awarded between December2024to August 2026

  • Demonstrated potential to developexpertiseas a reference and instruction librarian (through coursework, pre-professional experience, etc.)

  • Ability to communicate clearly and effectively

  • Ability to work in a collaborative environment as well as independently

  • Commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion

  • Demonstrated understanding of the educational mission of a research university

Preferred Experiences

  • Public service experience

  • Experience in a research-oriented environment

Salary

$55,000 - $70,000

American University Library

American University Libraryserves the AU community through a collection of more than 1,700,000 print and electronic book titles and 180,000 media and sound recordings. Notable collections include a branch music library, a strong visual media collection, special collections and university archives, a K-12 curriculum materials center, and partner collections across campus including the Career Center, the Center for Language Exploration, Acquisition, and Research, and the Visual Resource Center. AU Libraryhasaffiliate collections at the Washington College of Law and at the Wesley Theological Seminary. The AU Library collection totals over 184,000 journal subscriptions in all subjects. TheLibraryhas15library faculty,63full-time staff and other professionals, and about 120student assistants. The library's budget is about $20million. The American University Library is an active member of the Washington Research Library Consortium (WRLC), and it holds membership in SPARC, the Patriot League LibrariesGroupand the University Libraries Group.American University Library is a Founding Member of the Association of College and Research Libraries Diversity Alliance.

American University

Chartered by Congress in 1893 andlocatedin Washington, D.C., American University is a student-centeredR-1research institution with highly ranked schools and colleges, internationally renowned faculty, and anemphasis on creating meaningful change in the world.AU'sstudents distinguish themselves by their service, leadership, and ability to rethink global and domestic challenges and opportunities. The University offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs, many with an international focus, to over11,300students. Its proximity to centers of technology, politics, justice, world affairs, communication, science, business, and the arts in the Washington, D.C. area enhances the learning environment.Learn more about American University atwww.american.eduand about the University Library atwww.american.edu/library

Should you have any questions, please reach out to the Search Chair,Shaunda Vasudev<svasudev@american.edu>. Reviewof applications will beginimmediatelyand continue until the position is filled.

Benefits

AU offers a competitive benefits package.Click here to learn about American University's unique benefit options.

Other Details

  • Hiring offers for this position are contingent on successful completion of a background check.

  • Employees in staff positions at American University must deliver their services to the university from either the District of Columbia, Maryland, or Virginia, or perform work on-site at the university.

  • Please note this job announcement is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

  • American University is an E-Verify employer.

Current American University Employees

American University current employees must apply through their employee Workday account. If you are a current employee at American University, please log intoWorkdayand select the Find Jobs report which will take you to our internal career listings.

Contact Us

For more information or assistance with the American University careers site, emailtheworkline@american.edu.

American University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action institution that operates in compliance with applicable laws and regulations. The university does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex (including pregnancy), age, sexual orientation, disability, marital status, personal appearance, gender identity and expression, family responsibilities, political affiliation, source of income, veteran status, an individual's genetic information or any other bases under federal or local laws (collectively "Protected Bases") in its programs and activities.