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How much do federal government library jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 12, 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.

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

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.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a federal government librarian?

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.
What are popular job titles related to Federal Government Library jobs in Washington? For Federal Government Library jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Federal Government Library jobs in Washington look for? The top searched job categories for Federal Government Library jobs in Washington are:
What cities in Washington are hiring for Federal Government Library jobs? Cities in Washington with the most Federal Government Library job openings:
Federal Government Library jobs near you
Infographic showing various Federal Government Library job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $44,011 per year, or $21.2 per hour.

LAC - Digitization Specialist

Library Systems & Services LLC

Beltsville, MD

$18 - $23.75/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 19 days ago

Job description

Description

LAC Federal is seeking an experienced full-time Digitization Specialist for a position with our client, a prestigious government library located in Beltsville, MD. The Digitization Specialist will work with the federal staff to plan and carryout a large-scale digitization project of federal agency publications. The selected candidate will work onsite in a collaborative federal research environment, supporting large-scale digitization initiatives through material preparation, metadata extraction, and quality assurance of digital assets.


The Specialist works at the intersection of library metadata, digital imaging workflows, repository configuration, and preservation storage systems to ensure long-term accessibility, integrity, and reliability of digital collections.


Responsibilities:

  • Coordinate and prepare weekly batches of library materials (books, manuscripts, photographs) for digitization in accordance with established selection criteria 
  • Evaluate the physical condition of materials and determine readiness for digitization, including identifying conservation or special handling needs 
  • Conduct research across external repositories to identify existing digital surrogates and prevent duplication of effort 
  • Prepare materials for scanning, including cleaning, minor stabilization, and organizing items for efficient digitization workflows 
  • Retrieve and extract bibliographic metadata from library systems (e.g., Ex Libris Alma) and format data for digitization vendors 
  • Identify materials lacking bibliographic records and coordinate with cataloging staff for record creation 
  • Track and manage physical and digital materials throughout the digitization lifecycle using established workflows and tracking systems 
  • Perform quality assurance reviews of digitized materials and coordinate with external vendors (e.g., Internet Archive) to resolve issues or request re-scans 
  • Submit digitized item URLs and associated metadata updates to cataloging teams for integration into library systems 
  • Monitor and respond to digitization-related inquiries and requests, escalating non-standard issues to project leadership as needed 
  • Maintain accurate production statistics and contribute to monthly reporting on digitization activities and outputs 
  • Participate in regular team meetings and collaborate with federal staff to ensure alignment with program goals and standards
  • Ability to obtain a Public Trust Clearance

Requirements

Mandatory Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's degree with 3 or more years of relevant experience; or, a Master's Degree with 1 or more years of relevant experience
  • Demonstrated familiarity with bibliographic records and the ability to interpret MARC records in order to create spreadsheets containing bibliographic information for the digitization vendor
  • Experience with metadata creation or remediation for digitized collections
  • Strong attention to detail and ability to meet quality benchmarks (error-free, standards-compliant work).
  • Ability to handle physical library materials carefully and follow established collection care procedures.
  • Knowledge of basic conservation efforts such as rehousing and minor cleaning
  • Ability to work within a framework of established policies and procedures
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills

Preferred Qualifications:

Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS) or related advanced degree

Experience supporting large-scale digitization projects in a library, archives, or research environment

Familiarity with Internet Archive workflows or similar digitization vendors

Knowledge of basic conservation techniques (rehousing, cleaning, stabilization)

Experience with metadata standards such as Dublin Core, MODS, or other structured schemas

Experience working in a federal library or research environment

Ability to manage multiple tasks in a production-oriented, deadline-driven setting

Apply