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Library Information Science Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Reference Librarian

Washington, DC · On-site

$48K - $58K/yr

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS: • Master's degree in library science (MLS), Library and Information Science (MLIS), or a related field from an accredited institution. • Knowledge of library services and ...

ResponsibilitiesThis work requires deep expertise in library science; data/information management and value extraction; and automation, from models through GenAI. The team member will help an op ...

This work requires deep expertise in library science; data/information management and value extraction; and automation, from models through GenAI. The team member will help an op-centric office make ...

Information Scientist

Reston, VA · On-site

$182K - $200K/yr

Responsibilities This work requires deep expertise in library science; data/information management and value extraction; and automation, from models through GenAI. The team member will help an op ...

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Library Information Science information

See Washington salary details

$9

$17

$32

How much do library information science jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 20, 2026, the average hourly pay for library information science in Washington is $17.82, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.32 and $19.86 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the highest paying library job?

The highest paying library job is typically a Library Director or Chief Librarian, with salaries often exceeding $100,000 annually, especially in large or academic institutions. These roles require extensive experience, advanced degrees, and strong leadership skills, and they oversee library operations, budgets, and strategic planning.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in Library Information Science roles?

One common challenge in Library Information Science roles is staying current with rapidly evolving digital technologies and information management systems. Professionals must continually adapt to new tools, platforms, and user expectations while ensuring that both physical and digital resources are accessible and well-organized. Balancing traditional library services with the increasing demand for digital literacy support and community engagement can also be demanding. Additionally, collaboration with educators, IT staff, and community partners is essential, requiring strong communication and project management skills.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in Library Information Science, and why are they important?

To thrive in Library Information Science, you need a solid understanding of information organization, research methods, and often a master's degree in library science (MLS or MLIS). Familiarity with integrated library systems (ILS), cataloging standards like MARC, and digital resource management tools is typically required. Strong interpersonal skills, customer service orientation, and adaptability help professionals effectively serve diverse patrons and collaborate with colleagues. These competencies ensure efficient information access, resource management, and high-quality support in library environments.

What can I do with a library and information science degree?

A library and information science degree prepares individuals for careers as librarians, archivists, information specialists, and data managers. These roles involve organizing, preserving, and providing access to information using skills in cataloging, digital tools, and research methods, often within libraries, archives, museums, or information technology settings.

What is Library Information Science?

Library Information Science is an interdisciplinary field that focuses on the management, organization, and dissemination of information in libraries and other information centers. Professionals in this field are trained in cataloging, reference services, digital resource management, and information technology. Their work supports access to information, research, and learning for a variety of users. With the rise of digital information, Library Information Science has evolved to include expertise in digital archives, database management, and user experience design.

What can you do with a library science degree?

A library science degree prepares individuals for careers as librarians, archivists, information specialists, and library administrators. Graduates can work in public, academic, or special libraries, managing collections, providing research assistance, and implementing information systems using tools like cataloging software and digital resources.

What jobs can I get with a library and information science degree?

A degree in library and information science prepares individuals for roles such as librarian, archivist, information specialist, or library technician. These positions often require skills in cataloging, research, and using library management systems, and may involve working in public, academic, or special libraries, as well as digital information environments.

What is the difference between Library Information Science vs Library Technician?

AspectLibrary Information ScienceLibrary Technician
Required CredentialsMaster's or Bachelor's degree in Library Science or Information ScienceAssociate's degree or certification in library technology
Work EnvironmentPublic, academic, or special libraries; focus on management, research, and planningAssisting with cataloging, shelving, and customer service in libraries
Employer & Industry UsageLibraries, information centers, archivesPublic and academic libraries, schools

Library Information Science professionals typically hold advanced degrees and focus on managing library operations, research, and information systems. In contrast, Library Technicians support daily library functions like cataloging and customer assistance. Both roles are essential but differ in education requirements and responsibilities.

What are popular job titles related to Library Information Science jobs in Washington? For Library Information Science jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Library Information Science jobs in Washington look for? The top searched job categories for Library Information Science jobs in Washington are:
What cities in Washington are hiring for Library Information Science jobs? Cities in Washington with the most Library Information Science job openings:
Infographic showing various Library Information Science job openings in Washington as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 72% Full Time, 24% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $37,072 per year, or $17.8 per hour.
Science Reference Librarian

$70K - $85K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 22 days ago


Job description

Description

LAC Federal is seeking a highly motivated Science Research and Reference Services Librarian to support a federal library in the North Carolina area delivering high-quality scientific, technical, and research information services to researchers, scientists, analysts, and program staff. This position supports a federal scientific library environment and plays a critical role in providing reference, research, bibliographic, and information support services. The Librarian will work collaboratively with federal staff and other contractors to support scientific research, information discovery, and user engagement activities. The position requires strong research skills, excellent customer service, and experience working with scientific, technical, or academic information resources.


Duties and Responsibilities

  • Respond to reference and research inquiries from NOAA staff using in-person, email, telephone, and virtual service channels
  • Conduct complex literature searches and information retrieval using scientific and technical databases, repositories, and library systems
  • Perform reference interviews to clarify research needs and identify appropriate resources and search strategies
  • Develop research products including literature reviews, annotated bibliographies, research summaries, and briefing materials
  • Assist with bibliometric analysis projects using tools such as Web of Science, Scopus, EndNote, and other analytical resources
  • Support information discovery and access across NOAA library collections, databases, institutional repositories, and external information sources
  • Provide training, instruction, and demonstrations on library resources, databases, and research tools
  • Create research guides, instructional materials, and outreach content promoting library services and collections
  • Track and report reference and research metrics, service activity, and customer engagement statistics
  • Support interlibrary loan and document delivery services as needed
  • Assist with collection development activities and user needs assessments
  • Maintain awareness of emerging scientific information resources, library technologies, and federal research trends
  • Ensure all work products meet applicable Section 508 accessibility requirements and NOAA standards


Requirements

  • Master's Degree in Library Science (MLS/MLIS) from an ALA-accredited institution
  • 2-3 years of equivalent full-time experience as a professional librarian
  • Experience conducting reference and research services in academic, scientific, technical, or federal library environments
  • Experience using scientific and technical databases such as Web of Science, Scopus, ProQuest, EBSCO, or similar platforms
  • Strong research, analytical, and information retrieval skills
  • Experience developing search strategies and synthesizing research findings
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills
  • Strong customer service and user engagement skills
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and common online collaboration tools
  • Experience supporting federal scientific or technical libraries
  • Experience conducting bibliometric or citation analysis
  • Experience creating instructional materials, research guides, or library training content
  • Familiarity with institutional repositories and digital library systems
  • Experience with data visualization or reporting tools such as Tableau or Power BI
  • Familiarity with Section 508 accessibility standards

Physical Requirements

  • Ability to sit, stand, walk, bend, reach, and use hands and fingers for extended periods of time in an office or library environment. 
  • Ability to operate standard office equipment and computer systems, including keyboards, monitors, telephones, printers, scanners, and other electronic equipment, for prolonged periods. 
  • Ability to occasionally lift, carry, move, and transport books, library materials, files, boxes, and equipment weighing up to 25 pounds, and travel throughout office, library, meeting, and storage areas as needed.

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.