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Federal Government Library Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

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Librarian

Rockville, MD · On-site

$75K - $85K/yr

Experience supporting Federal Government library or cataloging projects. * Familiarity with Library of Congress cataloging practices. * Experience supporting the National Library Service (NLS) or ...

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Be Seen First

Librarian

Rockville, MD · On-site

$75K - $85K/yr

Experience supporting Federal Government library or cataloging projects. * Familiarity with Library of Congress cataloging practices. * Experience supporting the National Library Service (NLS) or ...

New

German Area Librarian

Washington, DC · On-site +1

$70K - $91K/yr

The Library is part of the Federal Government and abides by federal law, so regardless of individual state or District of Columbia laws, marijuana use is illegal, considered criminal activity, and ...

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Federal Government Library information

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$10

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How much do federal government library jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for federal government library in Washington is $21.16, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.16 and $23.94 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.
What cities in Washington are hiring for Federal Government Library jobs? Cities in Washington with the most Federal Government Library job openings:
Infographic showing various Federal Government Library job openings in Washington as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $44,011 per year, or $21.2 per hour.

IT Consultant - Symphony ILS Migration

Softthink Solutions Inc

Washington, DC • Remote

Part-time

Re-posted 14 days ago


Job description

Job Title: Remote IT Consultant – Symphony ILS Migration
Location: Remote
Work Authorization: US Citizen
Work Mode: part time

Overview
STSI is seeking an experienced IT consultant to support a federal government library with a Symphony Integrated Library System (ILS) migration. Due to strict security protocols, the consultant will work entirely in an advisory and coaching capacity via remote screen-sharing — Library staff will perform all direct system actions. The consultant will provide real-time guidance, troubleshooting, and technical instructions throughout the engagement.
Key Responsibilities
  • Guide Library staff through fresh installation of the Symphony application and Microsoft SQL Server (MSSQL) on a STIG-hardened Linux server
  • Advise on version alignment between the new installation and the existing production environment
  • Identify and advise on STIG-related security exceptions, permission adjustments, and configuration settings required for Symphony and MSSQL to function properly
  • Consult on Oracle legacy database export procedures and configuration backup execution
  • Provide toolset and step-by-step guidance for ANSEL-to-Unicode character set conversion
  • Assist Library staff with database restoration and import of converted Unicode data into the new MSSQL instance
  • Support smoke testing and initial system validation on the new server
  • Advise network engineers on DNS record updates to redirect library traffic to the new environment
  • Guide Enterprise discovery layer configuration for connectivity verification
Required Qualifications
  • Hands-on experience with Symphony ILS (installation, configuration, migration)
  • Proficiency with Microsoft SQL Server (MSSQL) — installation, database import/restore
  • Experience with Oracle database export and legacy data extraction
  • Familiarity with STIG-hardened Linux environments and working within security-constrained configurations
  • Knowledge of ANSEL-to-Unicode data conversion for bibliographic/library records
  • Experience with DNS configuration and enterprise discovery layer connectivity
  • Strong communication skills — ability to coach and guide staff remotely in real time
  • Comfortable working via MS Teams or equivalent screen-sharing tools

This is a remote position.