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How much do federal librarian jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for federal 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 federal librarian?

Federal Librarians are professionals who manage, organize, and provide access to information resources within federal government agencies, departments, or institutions. They support government employees and the public by facilitating research, maintaining collections, and ensuring the security and accessibility of information. Federal Librarians may specialize in areas such as law, science, or military history, and are responsible for adhering to federal standards and policies regarding information management. Their work helps advance government missions by ensuring that accurate and relevant information is available when needed.

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

To thrive as a Federal Librarian, you need a master's degree in library science (MLS/MLIS) from an ALA-accredited program, strong research abilities, and knowledge of information management practices. Familiarity with federal information systems, integrated library systems (ILS), cataloging standards, and possibly a security clearance are typically required. Exceptional organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to communicate and collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders are vital soft skills. These abilities are crucial for managing sensitive government information, ensuring regulatory compliance, and providing accurate, accessible resources to federal employees and the public.

How do federal librarians typically collaborate with other government agencies and departments?

Federal Librarians often work closely with various government agencies to provide access to information, develop specialized collections, and support research initiatives. Collaboration can involve interlibrary loans, joint digital resource projects, and participation in working groups or committees that focus on information sharing and policy development. These collaborations are essential for ensuring that federal employees and the public have timely access to accurate and relevant information. Building strong professional relationships and maintaining clear communication are key aspects of this collaborative environment.

Are federal librarians still in demand?

Federal librarians are still in demand due to ongoing needs for information management, research support, and digital archiving in government agencies. They often require strong research skills, familiarity with library management systems, and relevant certifications, with employment prospects influenced by government funding and policy priorities.
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Federal Librarian jobs near you
Infographic showing various Federal Librarian job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $65,193 per year, or $31.3 per hour.

Cataloging and Metadata Librarian (Part-Time)

Library Systems & Services LLC

Gaithersburg, MD • On-site

$35 - $48/hr

Part-time

Retirement, PTO

Posted 17 days ago

Job description

Job Type
Part-time
Description
LAC Federal is seeking an experienced Cataloging and Metadata Librarian to support a major federal research library. This part-time remote position supports one of the nation's premier scientific research organizations by performing advanced cataloging and metadata services for technical reports, archival collections, digital objects, museum materials, and scientific publications. The successful candidate will help maintain the integrity of more than 130,000 bibliographic records while supporting digital repositories, metadata quality initiatives, and the Library's cloud-based library services platform. This position is ideal for an experienced technical services librarian with extensive MARC, RDA, authority control, and Ex Libris Alma expertise who enjoys working in a collaborative federal research environment.
Responsibilities
  • Perform original and complex cataloging using MARC21 for technical reports, archival materials, government publications, and other library resources.
  • Perform copy cataloging utilizing established metadata standards and authority records.
  • Create, edit, and maintain bibliographic and holdings records within the Ex Libris Alma library services platform.
  • Apply current cataloging standards including RDA, AACR2, BIBFRAME concepts, Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH), and Library of Congress Name Authority File (LCNAF).
  • Catalog museum objects, photographs, archival materials, and historical NIST resources.
  • Prepare digital publications, images, and associated metadata for ingestion into digital repositories.
  • Conduct quality control reviews of bibliographic records and metadata to ensure accuracy and consistency.
  • Support maintenance and ongoing operation of the library's integrated library system and metadata environment.
  • Assist with metadata cleanup, enhancement, and other cataloging-related projects as assigned.
  • Collaborate closely with NIST library staff to prioritize work and meet project objectives.
  • Prepare monthly progress reports summarizing completed work, hours worked, project status, and issues requiring attention.
  • Follow established federal library policies, technical standards, quality assurance procedures, and project plans.

Requirements
  • MLS degree from accredited institution or equivalent library experience
  • At least 5 years of experience with metadata work and technical services
  • Demonstrate experience with Ex Libris Alma ILS
  • Ability to consistently apply cataloging rules and standards, including RDA, Bibframe, AACR2, and authorities including LCSH and LCNAH
  • Experience with various metadata formats including MARC21, XML, MARCXML
  • Experience with cataloging tools such as OCLC Records Manager and Connexion, MarcEdit, bibliographic formats and standards, and authority files
  • Experience with an online integrated library system and the OCLC WorldCat and Worldshare systems.
  • Experience with command line scripting, batch scripting, XSLT transformations, and regular expressions
  • Previous original and copy cataloging experience, or course work.
  • Excellent organizational and time management skills.
  • Ability to communicate clearly and effectively.
  • Good knowledge of professional library theories, issues and trends.
  • Ability to problem-solve issues in cataloging.
  • Good judgment based on logical reasoning and cataloging principles is necessary.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience cataloging scientific, technical, engineering, or government publications.
  • Experience supporting federal libraries, research libraries, or academic research institutions.
  • Experience working with digital repositories and digital asset management systems.
  • Familiarity with metadata transformation workflows and bulk metadata remediation.
  • Experience cataloging archival collections, museum collections, or special collections.
  • Working knowledge of linked data initiatives within libraries.
  • Experience using OpenRefine or other metadata normalization tools.
  • Familiarity with APIs, metadata harvesting, or repository ingest workflows.
  • Experience working independently in a fully remote environment while meeting production deadlines.
  • Demonstrated commitment to continuous professional development in cataloging and metadata standards.

Physical Requirements
  • Work is performed in a remote office environment requiring prolonged periods of sitting, frequent use of a computer, keyboard, and mouse, and sustained visual focus while creating, reviewing, and editing bibliographic and metadata records.
  • Requires the ability to maintain attention to detail and perform repetitive cataloging and metadata tasks for extended periods, including reviewing complex bibliographic records, digital assets, and metadata for accuracy and consistency.
  • Must be able to communicate effectively and collaborate in a virtual environment using video conferencing, email, and other online collaboration tools, while meeting production deadlines and participating in remote team meetings.

Benefits
  • Tuition Reimbursement (after 30 days of employment)
  • 401(k) Plan, 19+ years old
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Employee Referral Bonus Program
  • Bucketlist Awards
  • Sick leave
  • Vacation leave - Yearly accrual up to 40 hours.
  • Holiday Pay at 4 hours

EEO Statement
The company and its subsidiaries are an equal opportunity employer and celebrate the population of differences and does not discriminate in its hiring/hiring practices, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Nothing in this job specification restricts management's right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.
Critical features of this job are described under various headings above. They may be subject to change at any time due to reasonable accommodation or other reasons. The above statements are strictly intended to describe the general nature and level of the work being performed. They are not intended to be construed as a complete list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of employees in this position.
This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee(s) incumbent in this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related duties requested by any person authorized to give instructions or assignments. All duties and responsibilities are essential functions and requirements and are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities.
To perform this job successfully, the incumbents will possess the skills, aptitudes, and abilities to perform each duty proficiently.
Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health or safety of themselves or others. The requirements listed in this document are the minimum levels of knowledge, skills, or abilities. This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an "at will" relationship.
Salary Description
$35.00 - $48.00

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