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Librarian Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

Librarian - Adult Services

Aurora, CO · On-site

$54K - $68K/yr

The Library and Cultural Services Departments vision is to empower an environment of lifelong learning and cultural enrichment by stimulating learning and literacy, inspiring creativity, and ...

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Librarian information

See Colorado salary details

$32.6K

$68.6K

$107.8K

How much do librarian jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for librarian in Colorado is $68,552.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $54,200.00 and $78,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a librarian do?

A librarian is responsible for managing library resources, assisting patrons in finding information, and promoting literacy and learning within the community. Their duties include organizing and cataloging books and digital materials, providing research assistance, planning educational programs, and maintaining a welcoming environment. Librarians also help users navigate databases, recommend reading materials, and often teach information literacy skills. They play a vital role in connecting people with information and supporting lifelong learning.

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

To thrive as a Librarian, you need expertise in information organization, research methods, and a relevant degree such as a Master’s in Library and Information Science (MLIS). Familiarity with library management systems (LMS), digital cataloging tools, and classification standards like Dewey Decimal or Library of Congress is essential. Excellent communication, customer service, and problem-solving skills help librarians engage with diverse patrons and support their needs. These skills ensure efficient information access, a positive user experience, and the effective management of library resources.

What are some common challenges librarians face in balancing traditional tasks with emerging technologies?

Librarians often navigate the challenge of integrating new digital resources and technologies while maintaining traditional library services like cataloging, reference assistance, and collection management. Adapting to evolving user expectations—such as supporting e-books, digital archives, and information literacy—requires ongoing professional development and flexibility. Additionally, librarians must collaborate closely with IT staff and educators to provide seamless access to both physical and digital resources, ensuring the library remains a relevant and valued community hub.

What is the difference between Librarian vs Archivist?

AspectLibrarianArchivist
Required CredentialsMaster's degree in Library Science (MLS)Bachelor's or Master's degree in History, Archival Science, or related field
Work EnvironmentPublic, academic, or special librariesArchives, museums, or historical repositories
Industry UsageManaging collections, assisting patrons, organizing resourcesPreserving, appraising, and cataloging historical records

While both librarians and archivists work with collections and require similar educational backgrounds, librarians focus on providing access to library resources and assisting users, whereas archivists specialize in preserving and managing historical records and documents. Their work environments and daily tasks differ, but both roles are essential in information management and preservation.

Can you become a librarian with no experience?

Becoming a librarian typically requires at least a master's degree in library science or information studies. While prior experience is not always mandatory, having skills in organization, research, and familiarity with library management systems can improve job prospects; some entry-level positions may be available to candidates with relevant education and skills. Internships or volunteer work can also help gain experience for those new to the field.

Is a librarian a well-paying job?

Librarians typically earn a median annual salary that varies by location and experience, with many positions requiring a master's degree in library science. While salaries can be moderate compared to other professions, specialized skills and certifications can lead to higher pay, especially in academic or research libraries.

Is it hard to get hired as a librarian?

Getting hired as a librarian can be competitive, often requiring a master's degree in library science or a related field and relevant experience. Strong organizational skills, familiarity with library management systems, and certification can improve job prospects, but demand varies by region and type of library.

What qualifications do you need for a librarian?

Librarians typically need a master's degree in library science or information studies from an American Library Association-accredited program. Relevant skills include knowledge of cataloging systems, information management, and proficiency with library software; certification is not usually required but can enhance job prospects.

What are the most commonly searched types of Librarian jobs in Colorado?

The most popular types of Librarian jobs in Colorado are:

What are popular job titles related to Librarian jobs in Colorado?

For Librarian jobs in Colorado, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities in Colorado are hiring for Librarian jobs?

Cities in Colorado with the most Librarian job openings:

Infographic showing various Librarian job openings in Colorado as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 77% Full Time, and 23% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $68,552 per year, or $33 per hour.

Reference Librarian, Davies

Arapahoe Libraries

Deer Trail, CO • On-site

$55K - $69K/yr

Full-time

Posted 16 days ago


Job description

Reference Librarian, Davies Library
Empower Rural Communities and Programs Through Service and Support
Are you a community-focused librarian who enjoys connecting people with ideas, resources, and one another? Do you love working with all ages and creating welcoming spaces that reflect and serve the local community?
Arapahoe Libraries is hiring a Reference Librarian to support the Davies branch. In this role, you will help ensure our services are responsive, inclusive, and rooted in connection.
This is a people-centered position that focuses on relationships, service, teamwork, and creating meaningful experiences in our libraries.
About the Role
This position supports the Davies Library in Deer Trail and is collocated with the Deer Trail School district. Davies Library is a small footprint with a huge impact. With a robust after-school crowd, this position will facilitate youth and intergenerational programming and services, as well as build relationships, programming, and services with adult and older adult patrons. Davies Library serves as a vital hub for surrounding rural communities, acting as both the Deer Trail School District school library and a public library. You will collaborate with staff, volunteers, and local partners as a public librarian to deliver programs and services that reflect the community's needs. You will also help keep daily operations running smoothly, mentor staff, and step in as Person in Charge (PIC) when needed.
Key Responsibilities
Programming, Outreach, and Volunteer Support
  • Plan and lead programs that bring people together and reflect the interests of your community
  • Support evening and weekend events and help connect our library with schools and partner organizations
  • Work with staff to build strong relationships with teachers and school leaders
  • Help coordinate and support teen volunteers

Patron Services
  • Welcome visitors and offer helpful, friendly support at service desks and on the floor
  • Assist patrons with technology, research, and selecting materials
  • Pitch in on district-wide initiatives like Summer Reading and help your team deliver excellent day-to-day service
  • Easily transition between supporting the school library and leading the public library

Team Support and Mentoring
  • Serve as a steady presence at the branch by opening and closing the library and helping with scheduling and coverage
  • Offer guidance and support to your coworkers by sharing your knowledge and encouraging professional growth
  • Help create a positive team environment by modeling great service and supporting one another

Professional Development
  • Stay curious and connected by learning about new tools, trends, and ideas in the library world
  • Share what you learn with your team to help us all grow and improve

What You Will Bring
A Heart for Service: You enjoy working with people and making a difference in your community.
Flexibility and Professional Judgment: You adapt easily when plans change, respond calmly to unexpected situations, and continue delivering thoughtful, reliable service in a dynamic environment.
Respectful Service to All: You provide welcoming, unbiased service to people from all backgrounds and perspectives, supporting intellectual freedom and equitable access to information for everyone.
Tech Confidence: You are comfortable using and teaching everyday technology and open to learning new tools.
Curiosity and Care: You take initiative, stay organized, and are thoughtful about meeting the needs of others.
Connection to ALD Core Values: You believe in collaboration, equity, and innovation as part of your daily work.
Qualifications
Required:
  • Master's degree in library and information science, or at least two years of library-related experience and a plan to earn your MLIS within three years (application required within six months of hire)
  • Bachelor's degree
  • Experience providing great customer service and working with a variety of people and tasks
  • Intermediate skills using Microsoft 365 (Word, Excel, Outlook), familiarity with Microsoft Teams, and a willingness to learn and apply new technologies
  • Ability to work independently, manage time well, and support teams across the Arapahoe Library District

Preferred:
  • Experience offering reference, technology, or advisory services in a library setting
  • Spanish language skills

Who We Are
At Arapahoe Libraries, we are a welcoming, forward-thinking organization that believes in the power of curiosity and connection. Our values of collaboration, equity, and innovation shape everything we do. We believe libraries should reflect and uplift the people they serve, and we are always learning together. "Let's Find Out" is more than our motto. It is how we approach our work every day.
Let's Find Out Together
If you care about helping people, building strong relationships, and being part of a supportive and creative team, we would love to meet you. Join us in serving the Deer Trail and surrounding communities, where your work will make a real difference every single day. Apply today! **Please provide a cover letter with your application**
Inclusion and diversity are part of our values at Arapahoe Libraries.
Qualified applicants who can support the communities we serve are encouraged to apply.

ARAPAHOE LIBRARIES logo

About ARAPAHOE LIBRARIES

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Arapahoe Libraries was established in April 1966 to provide public library service to all residents of Arapahoe County, except those living in the cities of Littleton, Englewood and Aurora. Residents of these cities are served by libraries established prior to 1966 that are funded and maintained by their respective city governments. All Arapahoe County residents, however, are free to use any of the libraries in the county. Residents can also participate in the Colorado Library Card Program, which allows them to borrow items from any participating academic, school and public library in Colorado. Arapahoe Libraries serves a diverse and varied population covering the rural areas of Byers and Deer Trail, the cities of Bow Mar, Centennial, Cherry Hills Village, Columbine, Glendale, Greenwood Village and Sheridan, and the unincorporated areas of Arapahoe County. Arapahoe Libraries is also a major resource for elementary and high school students of the Littleton, Cherry Creek, Sheridan, Byers and Deer Trail School Districts, as well as for those receiving private and home schooling, and students attending local colleges and universities. This map of the Arapahoe Libraries legal service area provides exact boundaries. Funding is provided through a 4.9 property tax mill levy. Any increase in the mill levy must be approved by a vote of the people. Other revenue sources include income from specific ownership tax, grants and interest on investments. A non-profit Arapahoe Library Friends Foundation was established in 1990 to raise additional money from the private sector and to serve as an advocacy group for Arapahoe Libraries. The Foundation and its partner, The Friends of Arapahoe Libraries, which was established in 1995, support a variety of library programs and services.

Industry

Libraries and archives

Company size

201 - 500 Employees

Headquarters location

Englewood, CO, US

Year founded

1966

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