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Librarian Of Congress Jobs (NOW HIRING)

German Area Librarian

Washington, DC · On-site +1

$70K - $91K/yr

Summary The Library of Congress shares its vast collections of books, manuscripts, photographs, maps, audiovisual materials, and priceless artifacts to cultivate curiosity and spark imagination. We ...

Division Administrator

Washington, DC · On-site +1

$63K - $83K/yr

Summary The Library of Congress shares its vast collections of books, manuscripts, photographs, maps, audiovisual materials, and priceless artifacts to cultivate curiosity and spark imagination. We ...

Library Clerk

Washington, DC · On-site

$21.22/hr

Library Clerk Washington, DC (Library of Congress Project) Pay Rate: $21.22 per hour + $5.09 per hour Health & Welfare (H&W) Benefit ZAI is seeking Library Clerks for our work at a prominent federal ...

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Librarian Of Congress information

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$31K

$65.2K

$102.5K

How much do librarian of congress jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for librarian of congress 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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Librarian of Congress, and why are they important?

To thrive as the Librarian of Congress, you need advanced expertise in library and information science, a strong background in leadership, and often an advanced degree in a relevant field. Familiarity with digital cataloging systems, copyright management systems, and experience overseeing large-scale library technology initiatives is essential. Exceptional communication, visionary leadership, and the ability to collaborate with diverse stakeholders are soft skills that set top candidates apart. These skills ensure effective stewardship of the nation's largest library, support innovation, and preserve access to knowledge for future generations.

What is the difference between Librarian Of Congress vs Archivist?

AspectLibrarian Of CongressArchivist
Required CredentialsMaster's degree in Library Science or related fieldBachelor's or Master's in Archival Studies, History, or Library Science
Work EnvironmentNational library, government institution, administrative settingArchives, museums, government agencies, historical institutions
Employer & Industry UsageU.S. Congress, national library, governmentHistorical records, government agencies, cultural institutions

The Librarian Of Congress manages the U.S. Library of Congress, overseeing collections and services. An Archivist focuses on preserving and organizing historical records and documents. While both roles require library or archival credentials and work in information management environments, the Librarian Of Congress has a broader administrative and policy role, whereas the Archivist specializes in preservation and archival processes.

What is a Librarian of Congress?

The Librarian of Congress is the head of the Library of Congress, which is the national library of the United States and the largest library in the world. This position oversees the library’s vast collections, manages its operations, and sets strategic priorities for its future. The Librarian of Congress is appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate, and also serves as the chief steward of the nation’s cultural and literary heritage. Additionally, the Librarian plays a key role in promoting literacy, preserving historical documents, and supporting research for Congress and the public.

What are some of the unique challenges faced by the Librarian of Congress in managing such a vast and diverse collection?

As the Librarian of Congress, one of the biggest challenges is overseeing the preservation, digitization, and accessibility of millions of items spanning various formats and languages. Coordinating efforts across specialized divisions, balancing public access with security concerns, and adapting to technological advancements all require strategic leadership. Additionally, the role involves fostering collaborations with other libraries and cultural institutions to ensure the Library of Congress remains a leading resource for researchers and the public.
More about Librarian Of Congress jobs
What cities are hiring for Librarian Of Congress jobs? Cities with the most Librarian Of Congress job openings:
What states have the most Librarian Of Congress jobs? States with the most job openings for Librarian Of Congress jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Librarian Of Congress jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Librarian Of Congress jobs are:
Infographic showing various Librarian Of Congress job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 10% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 70% Nights, and 3% Summer. Highlights an 35% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 64% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $65,193 per year, or $31.3 per hour.
German Area Librarian

German Area Librarian

Library of Congress

Washington, DC • On-site, Remote

$70K - $91K/yr

Full-time

Posted 7 days ago


Job description

Summary
The Library of Congress shares its vast collections of books, manuscripts, photographs, maps, audiovisual materials, and priceless artifacts to cultivate curiosity and spark imagination. We engage, inspire, and inform Congress and the American people with a universal and enduring source of knowledge and creativity.
We seek highly talented professionals to join a vibrant and collaborative community. Your work here will have lasting impact on the Library and its users well into the future.
Learn more about this agency
Duties
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This position serves as a German Area Librarian, in the Latin American, Caribbean and European Division, General and International Collections Directorate, with the Researcher and Collections Services (RCS) service unit at the Library of Congress.
As the German Area Librarian, you will:
  • Review various brochures, catalogs, journals, and other sources of items for possible acquisition to develop collections in areas of subject of geographic responsibility. Use standard methods, techniques, concepts, and principles to perform assignments, which may involve materials in multiple languages and writing systems.
  • Provide reference and instruction to individual researchers and groups where needs are relatively easy to determine from client interviews in person or over the telephone, or from written requests, and the bibliographic source materials are of limited technical complexity and are readily-accessible, i.e., found in the Library's collection or can be located within a database by use of standard search procedures.
  • Coordinate the acquisition of items of limited technical complexity, or those easily acquired. Consult acquisition policies to determine whether items are appropriate for purchase, copyright claim, exchange, gift, or other type of acquisition. Examine recommendations to identify processing and custodial requirements and to identify out-of-scope materials.
  • Assist in preparing research guides and finding aids on specific topics of recognized client interest using standard search strategies. Assist senior librarians in revising or updating research materials.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.
  • The position description number for this position is 447805.
  • The salary range indicated reflects the locality pay adjustments for the Washington, D.C., Metropolitan area.
  • The incumbent of this position will work a Flexitime work schedule.
  • This is a non-supervisory, bargaining unit position.
  • Relocation expenses will not be authorized for the person(s) selected under this vacancy announcement.

Requirements
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Conditions of employment
Conditions of Employment
Library of Congress employees are prohibited from using illegal drugs, including marijuana. The Library is part of the Federal Government and abides by federal law, so regardless of individual state or District of Columbia laws, marijuana use is illegal, considered criminal activity, and can affect your employment at the Library. In addition, past or current drug use and activities (e.g., selling or distributing) may deem you ineligible for employment.
Qualifications
Applicants must have had progressively responsible experience and training sufficient in scope and quality to furnish them with an acceptable level of the following knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the duties of the position without more than normal supervision.
Knowledge of the history, politics, and literature of Germany.**
Ability to communicate in English and German.**
Ability to provide reference and research services.**
Ability to develop and manage collections.
Ability to use integrated library systems, applications, or other information technologies.
Ability to communicate in writing.
Ability to provide consultation and/or liaison duties.
Ability to communicate effectively other than in writing.
Education
This job does not have an education qualification requirement.
Additional information
Although it is the Library's policy to afford the maximum pay benefit to employees when setting rates of pay, a new appointee who has had no previous Federal service will generally be paid at step one of the grade.
The Library of Congress is an equal opportunity employer.
Applicants must submit a complete application package that is received by the closing date of this announcement.
Appointment/retention is subject to a favorable evaluation of an appropriate personnel security/suitability investigation. For more information, please see:Vetting Process
This agency provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please email ADA@loc.gov. The decision on granting reasonable accommodation will be determined on a case-by-case basis.
Applicants with disabilities may be considered under special hiring procedures and must submit an appropriate certificate of eligibility when applying for this position. The proof or disability/certification may be issued by the State Vocational Rehabilitation Office, Disability Services or Career Services office of the applicant's college or university, or the Department of Veterans Affairs. The letter must verify that the applicant has a severe disability and must be dated within three years of the date of the application. Certification from health care providers are not accepted. For more information contact the Library's Office of Equal Employment Opportunity at 202-707-6024 or email spp@loc.gov. FAILURE TO SUBMIT YOUR CERTIFICATION WILL CAUSE YOUR APPLICATION TO NOT BE CONSIDERED UNDER THE SELECTIVE PLACEMENT PROGRAM.
The Library of Congress is the national library of the United States and is part of the Legislative Branch of the Federal government. As such, all positions are in the excepted service.
The Library reserves the right to fill a lesser or greater number of vacancies indicated during the life of this vacancy announcement.
Initial permanent appointments to the Library of Congress require completion of a one-year probationary period. Probationary periods served at other Federal agencies do not count toward this requirement.
The Library of Congress may offer repayment for all or part of federally insured student loans. However, not all service units within the Library of Congress participates in the repayment of federally insured student loans. Therefore, determination to repay a federally insured student loan is subject to approval by the appropriate service unit.
Are you a veteran? Please indicate the type of veterans' preference you are claiming in your application materials and/or applicant profile and provide the appropriate supporting documentation to validate your claim. Those applying for 5-point preference must submit Member Copy 4 of your DD 214. Those applying for 10-point preference must fill out an SF-15 (click here for the form) and provide the required documentation listed on the back of the form. If required supporting documentation is not attached, Veterans' Preference will not be considered in the application process.
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Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
Benefits
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A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Review our benefits
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.