ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Federal Government Library Jobs (NOW HIRING)

US Judicial Branch

Librarian

Saint Louis, MO · On-site

$61K/yr

The library system serves all federal judges and court staff in the seven states of the Eighth ... Preferred candidates will have experience in a law, academic, or government library; experience ...

U.S. Courts

Librarian

Saint Louis, MO · On-site +1

$61K - $99K/yr

The library system serves all federal judges and court staff in the seven states of the Eighth ... Preferred candidates will have experience in a law, academic, or government library; experience ...

Cherokee Federal

Library Clerk

Crane, IN · On-site

$14.75 - $19/hr

Library Clerk Provides administrative and coordination support across environmental compliance and ... government's mission with compassion and heart. To learn more about CSS , visit cherokee-federal ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsFederal Government Library Jobs

Federal Government Library information

See salary details

$8

$18

$27

How much do federal government library jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for federal government library in the United States is $18.68, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.14 and $21.15 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Are public librarians government workers?

Public librarians are often government employees if they work for municipal, state, or federal libraries. However, some librarians work for private or nonprofit organizations. Employment status depends on the specific library's funding and ownership.

What are some common challenges faced by librarians working in a federal government library setting?

Librarians in federal government libraries often encounter challenges such as managing sensitive or classified information, adapting to evolving government regulations, and serving a diverse user base with specialized research needs. They must stay updated on compliance and security protocols while ensuring information accessibility for government employees. Additionally, they may work within structured teams and collaborate closely with policy analysts, researchers, and other government staff, making strong communication and adaptability essential skills.

What is the difference between Federal Government Library vs State Government Library?

AspectFederal Government LibraryState Government Library
CredentialsTypically requires a Master’s in Library Science (MLS) or equivalentSame as federal, often requiring MLS or equivalent
Work EnvironmentLocated within federal agencies, national institutionsLocated within state agencies, state capitals, or regional offices
Employer & Industry UsageServes federal employees, national research, and policyServes state employees, local communities, and regional research
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared for scope, funding, and jurisdictionCompared for regional focus and governance

The main difference between a Federal Government Library and a State Government Library lies in their jurisdiction, scope, and employer. Federal libraries serve national agencies and require similar credentials, while state libraries focus on state agencies and regional needs. Both roles typically require a Master’s in Library Science and work within government settings, but their audiences and operational scope differ.

What is a federal government library?

A federal government library is an information center operated by a federal agency or department to support its mission and serve the information needs of its staff, policymakers, and sometimes the general public. These libraries collect, organize, and provide access to specialized resources such as books, reports, legal documents, and databases related to government operations and research. Federal libraries can be found in various agencies, covering topics from law and health to science and defense. Some notable examples include the Library of Congress and the National Library of Medicine. Access policies and collections vary depending on the agency and the library's specific focus.

Is it hard to get hired as a librarian?

Getting hired as a librarian in a federal government library can be competitive, often requiring a relevant master's degree in library science or information studies and passing civil service exams. Strong organizational skills, familiarity with library management systems, and experience with federal hiring processes can improve chances of employment.

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

To thrive as a Federal Government Librarian, you typically need a Master of Library Science (MLS) or equivalent degree, along with expertise in information organization, research, and relevant federal regulations. Familiarity with integrated library systems (ILS), digital archives, government databases, and classification tools like MARC and LC is essential. Strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and effective communication are crucial for supporting federal missions and assisting diverse user groups. These skills ensure the accurate management, accessibility, and dissemination of vital government information.

How much do federal librarians make?

Federal librarians typically earn between $50,000 and $80,000 annually, depending on experience, education, and location within the government. Salaries are often aligned with the General Schedule (GS) pay scale, with higher grades and specialized skills leading to increased pay. Benefits include health insurance, retirement plans, and paid leave.

Can you make 6 figures as a librarian?

Federal government librarians can potentially earn six-figure salaries, especially with advanced degrees, specialized skills, and senior positions. However, most librarian roles in the public sector typically have salaries below six figures, with higher earnings often found in administrative or specialized roles. Salary levels depend on experience, location, and job responsibilities.
More about Federal Government Library jobs
What cities are hiring for Federal Government Library jobs? Cities with the most Federal Government Library job openings:
What states have the most Federal Government Library jobs? States with the most job openings for Federal Government Library jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Federal Government Library jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Federal Government Library jobs are:
Federal Government Library jobs near you
Infographic showing various Federal Government Library job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $38,859 per year, or $18.7 per hour.

Librarian

US Judicial Branch

Saint Louis, MO • On-site

$61K/yr

Other

Posted 6 days ago

Job description

ABOUT THE EIGHTH CIRCUIT LIBRARY: The library system serves all federal judges and court staff in the seven states of the Eighth Circuit. The Circuit library consists of a headquarters library in St. Louis and branch libraries. This position reports to the Branch Librarian for St. Louis, Missouri.Qualifications:REQUIREMENTS: Candidates must have a Master of Library Science (or equivalent from an ALA-accredited program) and a minimum of one year of professional library or comparable experience. Candidates must demonstrate proficiency using a wide variety of general research platforms (e.g., ERIC, EBSCOhost, ProQuest) or proficiency using a legal research platform (e.g., Lexis, Bloomberg Law, Westlaw). Candidates must have strong organizational, interpersonal, and written communication skills.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: Preferred candidates will have experience in a law, academic, or government library; experience providing user training; and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively while managing multiple concurrent projects.
Education:See "Qualifications Required" sectionEmployment Type: OTHER

Apply