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Federal Library Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

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Federal Library information

See Washington salary details

$32.3K

$82.7K

$140.4K

How much do federal library jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for federal library in Washington is $82,661.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $64,600.00 and $96,800.00 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.
What are popular job titles related to Federal Library jobs in Washington? For Federal Library jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in Washington are hiring for Federal Library jobs? Cities in Washington with the most Federal Library job openings:
Library Technician

Library Technician

Library Systems & Services LLC

Silver Spring, MD โ€ข On-site

$24.49 - $26/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 12 days ago


Job description

Description

LAC Federal is seeking a reliable and detail-oriented Library Technician / Paraprofessional to support a federal scientific library in providing library operations, collection maintenance, circulation, document delivery, and customer service support within a federal scientific library environment. This position supports researchers, scientists, analysts, and staff by ensuring that library collections, records, and public service operations remain organized, accessible, and responsive to user needs. The successful candidate will assist with physical collection maintenance, circulation services, interlibrary loan support, digitization activities, inventory control, and general library operations.


Duties and Responsibilities

  • Process physical library materials including barcodes, spine labels, security tags, and property stampsย 
  • Shelve, shift, and maintain library collections using Library of Congress Classification (LCC) or local filing systemsย 
  • Conduct shelf-reading and collection maintenance activities to ensure filing accuracy and retrievabilityย 
  • Create and update patron records using the government-provided integrated library system (ILS)ย 
  • Perform circulation activities including check-in, check-out, renewals, recalls, and holdsย 
  • Support interlibrary loan (ILL) and document delivery services by processing requests, retrieving materials, scanning ย ย ย ย ย documents, and coordinating shipmentsย 
  • Assist with inventory control and collection tracking activities using government-provided databases and systemsย 
  • Support digitization projects by preparing materials, scanning documents, creating tracking lists, and performing quality checks on digital filesย 
  • Assist with archival processing, records management, and metadata support activities as assignedย 
  • Provide front-line customer service and assist users with locating materials and accessing library resourcesย 
  • Support library outreach activities, exhibits training sessions, and events as neededย 
  • Assist with opening and closing library facilities and maintaining orderly public and staff spacesย 
  • Track and report circulation, usage, and service statisticsย 
  • Identify and report facilities, equipment, or electronic access issues to federal staffย 
  • Support emergency response and collection protection activities during facility or environmental incidentsย 
  • Assist with physical inventory of library equipment and propertyย 

Requirements

  • Associate's degree from a recognized college or technical school; May substitute experience for degree
  • Minimum of one (1) year of relevant library, archives, records management, or information services experienceย 
  • Experience using library systems, databases, or inventory tracking systemsย 
  • Strong organizational skills and attention to detailย 
  • Strong customer service and communication skillsย 
  • Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a professional environmentย 
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and standard office softwareย 
  • Ability to follow detailed procedures and maintain accurate recordsย 

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience supporting scientific, technical, academic, or federal librariesย 
  • Familiarity with Library of Congress Classification (LCC)ย 
  • Experience with integrated library systems (ILS) and circulation operationsย 
  • Experience supporting interlibrary loan, digitization, or archival activitiesย 
  • Familiarity with metadata or document management systemsย 
  • Experience supporting inventory or property accountability functionsย 
  • Familiarity with Section 508 accessibility requirements

Physical Requirements

  • Ability to sit, stand, walk, bend, stoop, reach, and use hands and fingers for extended periods of time in a library or office environment.ย 
  • Ability to frequently lift, carry, move, shelve, and transport books, boxes, files, library materials, and equipment weighing up to 30 pounds.ย 
  • Ability to travel throughout library, storage, and office areas, including pushing carts, retrieving materials, and operating standard office and scanning equipment for prolonged periods.

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

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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.ย 

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.ย 

To perform this job successfully, the incumbents will possess the skills, aptitudes, and abilities to perform each duty proficiently.ย 

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.