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Federal Library Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Zimmerman Associates Inc.

Library Clerk

Washington, DC · On-site

$16.75 - $21.50/hr

ZAI is seeking Library Clerks for our work at a prominent federal library in Washington, DC. Qualified candidates will be working as part of a team responsible for providing collections maintenance ...

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How much do federal library jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for federal library in the United States is $72,983.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $57,000.00 and $85,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in a federal library, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in federal libraries often encounter challenges such as adapting to evolving government information policies, managing large and diverse collections, and meeting the varied needs of federal employees and the public. Navigating strict security protocols and handling sensitive or classified materials may also be part of the job. Building strong communication skills, staying current with library technology, and participating in ongoing professional development can help address these challenges and ensure effective service delivery.

What is a Federal Library?

A Federal Library is a library that is operated or funded by a federal government agency. These libraries provide information resources and services primarily to government employees, researchers, and sometimes the public, depending on the library's mission. Federal Libraries support the work of government agencies by offering specialized collections, research support, and access to digital and physical materials. Examples include the Library of Congress, the National Library of Medicine, and the National Agricultural Library.

What is the difference between Federal Library vs Public Library?

AspectFederal LibraryPublic Library
Required CredentialsMaster's degree in Library Science (MLS) or equivalent, specialized knowledge of federal collectionsMLS or equivalent, focus on community services
Work EnvironmentGovernment buildings, federal agencies, specialized collectionsCommunity centers, city or town facilities, public spaces
Employer & Industry UsageFederal government agencies, national archives, military, government researchLocal government, city or county governments, community outreach
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding federal library roles, job requirements, and career pathsLearning about local library jobs, services, and community engagement

Federal libraries serve government agencies and national collections, requiring specialized credentials and working within federal institutions. Public libraries focus on serving local communities, with a broader emphasis on public access and community programs. While both roles involve library science skills, their work environments, employer types, and user focus differ significantly.

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

To thrive as a Federal Librarian, you need a master's degree in library science (MLS/MLIS), strong research abilities, and knowledge of information organization and retrieval. Familiarity with integrated library systems (ILS), digital databases, government document management tools, and cataloging standards like MARC is typically required. Excellent communication, attention to detail, and customer service skills help librarians effectively serve diverse users and collaborate with colleagues. These skills ensure accurate information access, regulatory compliance, and high-quality support for federal agency missions.
More about Federal Library jobs
What cities are hiring for Federal Library jobs? Cities with the most Federal Library job openings:
What states have the most Federal Library jobs? States with the most job openings for Federal Library jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Federal Library jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Federal Library jobs are:
Federal Library jobs near you
Library Technician (Metadata and Digitization Support)

Library Technician (Metadata and Digitization Support)

Library Systems & Services LLC

Bethesda, MD • On-site

$24.49 - $33/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 17 days ago

Job description

Job Type
Full-time
Description
LAC Federal is seeking a detail-oriented Library Technician to support a federal library in Bethesda, Maryland. The Library Technician will assist with large-scale metadata cleanup, catalog maintenance, digitization support, data entry, and collections management activities supporting biomedical and scientific library collections. This position supports the accessibility, discoverability, and long-term management of library and archival resources in one of the world's leading biomedical research libraries. The ideal candidate will possess strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and experience working with library metadata, digitization workflows, and technical services operations in a library, archives, or research environment.
Duties and Responsibilities
  • Perform bibliographic record maintenance, metadata cleanup, and data entry activities in integrated library systems and databases.
  • Update, edit, and verify bibliographic, holdings, and item records according to established procedures and metadata standards.
  • Support digitization projects by preparing materials for scanning, conducting quality control review, and tracking digitized content.
  • Assist with inventory, shelf reading, shifting, labeling, and physical organization of library and archival collections.
  • Create and maintain spreadsheets, logs, tracking systems, and project documentation related to metadata and digitization projects.
  • Perform authority control support and metadata normalization activities under librarian supervision.
  • Assist with retrospective conversion, record migration, and collection remediation initiatives.
  • Handle library materials carefully in accordance with preservation and special collections handling procedures.
  • Support scanning, file naming, image quality review, and basic digital asset management workflows.
  • Conduct database searching and verification activities using library catalogs, OCLC, and related systems.
  • Assist with packaging, rehousing, and preparation of materials for preservation or digitization activities.
  • Prepare monthly productivity reports and status updates related to assigned project activities.

Requirements
Mandatory Qualifications
  • Associate degree or higher in Library Science, Information Management, History, Digital Humanities, Archives Management, or a related field; OR equivalent combination of education and relevant library technical services experience.
  • Minimum of one (1) year of experience working in a library, archives, museum, records management, or information services environment.
  • Experience performing data entry, metadata cleanup, catalog maintenance, or database support activities.
  • Demonstrated attention to detail and ability to perform repetitive tasks with a high degree of accuracy.
  • Basic familiarity with library metadata standards or library systems, including MARC records or integrated library systems.
  • Experience using Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel and Word.
  • Ability to organize, prioritize, and complete assigned tasks in a deadline-driven environment.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills.
  • Ability to lift and move library materials, boxes, or carts weighing up to approximately 40 pounds as part of collections support activities.
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a Public Trust clearance and NIH badge.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Library and Information Science, History, Archives, Museum Studies, or related discipline.
  • Experience working in a biomedical, academic, research, or federal library environment.
  • Familiarity with Ex Libris Alma, OCLC Connexion, CONTENTdm, ArchivesSpace, or similar systems.
  • Experience supporting digitization, scanning, or digital collections projects.
  • Knowledge of MARC21, Dublin Core, metadata cleanup, or authority control concepts.
  • Experience using spreadsheet tools for metadata tracking or quality review activities.
  • Familiarity with preservation handling procedures for rare or fragile materials.
  • Experience performing quality assurance or quality control reviews on metadata or digital files.
  • Reading knowledge of one or more foreign languages helpful for metadata verification work.
  • Interest in pursuing a career in librarianship, archives, or information management.

Physical Requirements
  • Ability to lift, carry, push, and move library materials, archival boxes, carts, and collections weighing up to 40 pounds as part of collections management and digitization support activities.
  • Ability to sit or stand for extended periods while performing repetitive data entry, metadata review, scanning preparation, quality control, and computer-based technical services work.
  • Ability to perform frequent bending, reaching, shelving, sorting, and handling of library and archival materials while maintaining careful attention to preservation and organizational procedures.

Benefits
  • Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision)
  • Retirement Plan (401k, IRA)
  • Life Insurance (Basic, Voluntary & AD&D)
  • Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick & Public Holidays)
  • Family Leave (Maternity, Paternity)
  • Short Term & Long-Term Disability
  • Training & Development

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
$24.49 - $33.00 per hour

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