| Aspect | Instructional Librarian | Reference Librarian |
|---|
| Required Credentials | Master's in Library Science (MLS) or equivalent | Master's in Library Science (MLS) or equivalent |
| Work Environment | Academic libraries, teaching information literacy | Public, academic, or special libraries assisting with research |
| Primary Responsibilities | Designing and teaching information literacy sessions | Assisting patrons with research and reference questions |
Instructional Librarians focus on teaching students and staff how to locate and evaluate information, often through classroom instruction. Reference Librarians primarily assist library users with research and reference inquiries. While both roles require similar credentials, their daily tasks and focus areas differ, with Instructional Librarians emphasizing education and curriculum support, and Reference Librarians providing research assistance.