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Library Research Assistant Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Hampton University Faculty

Librarian

Hampton, VA · On-site

$45K - $50K/yr

... and research assistance related to government publications. * Stay informed about changes in government publishing and access policies and adapt library services accordingly. * Assist in the ...

NewGen

Sr. Research Operations Specialist

Herndon, VA · On-site

Submit requests to the scanning team to scan any documents needed for research * Assist with the ... Prefer someone with degrees or experience in Information Management, Library Sciences or Records ...

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Library Research Assistant information

What is the difference between Library Research Assistant vs Library Technician?

AspectLibrary Research AssistantLibrary Technician
Required CredentialsAssociate's degree or relevant courseworkAssociate's degree or certification in library technology
Work EnvironmentAcademic, public, or research librariesPublic, academic, or special libraries
Job ResponsibilitiesAssisting with research, data collection, and resource organizationManaging cataloging, circulation, and technical services
Common UsageResearch support and information gatheringTechnical and operational library tasks

The main difference between a Library Research Assistant and a Library Technician lies in their focus and responsibilities. Library Research Assistants primarily support research activities and assist users with information gathering, while Library Technicians handle technical tasks like cataloging and managing library systems. Both roles are essential in library settings and often require similar educational backgrounds, but their day-to-day duties differ based on their focus areas.

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

To thrive as a Library Research Assistant, you need strong research, information retrieval, and organizational skills, often supported by coursework or experience in library science or a related field. Familiarity with library databases, cataloging systems, and digital research tools like JSTOR or ProQuest is typically required. Attention to detail, effective communication, and customer service skills help you collaborate with library staff and assist patrons efficiently. These abilities ensure accurate information delivery and foster a supportive learning environment for library users.

What does a Library Research Assistant do?

A Library Research Assistant supports librarians and library users by helping with research tasks, locating resources, and organizing materials. They often assist patrons in finding books, articles, or data, and may help with cataloging or maintaining digital collections. Research assistants may also support academic projects, gather information for faculty or students, and help manage interlibrary loans. Their work ensures library services run smoothly and users have access to the information they need.

What are some common challenges faced by Library Research Assistants when supporting patrons with research inquiries?

Library Research Assistants often encounter challenges such as locating credible and up-to-date resources across diverse subjects, especially when patrons have complex or interdisciplinary research needs. Balancing multiple requests during peak periods can also be demanding, requiring strong organizational and time management skills. Additionally, they may need to guide users who are unfamiliar with library databases or digital tools, which calls for patience and clear communication. Successful Library Research Assistants are adaptable and resourceful, often collaborating closely with librarians and academic staff to ensure patrons get the most accurate and relevant information.
What are popular job titles related to Library Research Assistant jobs in Virginia? For Library Research Assistant jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Library Research Assistant jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Library Research Assistant jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Library Research Assistant jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Library Research Assistant job openings:
Library Research Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Library Research Assistant job openings in Virginia as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% As Needed, 53% Full Time, 26% Part Time, 3% Temporary, and 15% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution.
Digital Products Librarian

Digital Products Librarian

Library Systems & Services LLC

Fort Belvoir, VA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 22 days ago

Job description

Job Type
Full-time
Description
LAC Federal is seeking a Librarian to support a library focused on military and engineering history by managing and enhancing access to historical collections. This role supports a multidisciplinary federal environment that integrates library science, archival processing, and digital collections management. The selected candidate will perform cataloging, metadata creation, and collection analysis for print and digital historical materials, enabling discoverability and long-term preservation of United States military history. This position requires strong attention to detail, knowledge of metadata standards, and the ability to work within structured federal workflows. Some travel may be required to locations in Maryland, Washington, DC., Virginia, and Missouri.
Duties and Responsibilities
  • Perform original and copy cataloging for monographs, reports, and historical publications
  • Create, edit, and maintain metadata for digital and digitized collections
  • Apply metadata standards (e.g., MARC21, Dublin Core) to ensure consistency and interoperability
  • Support accessioning and organization of historical library and research collections
  • Conduct collection analysis, including relevance assessment and weeding recommendations
  • Collaborate with archivists and historians to align cataloging with archival description practices
  • Ensure compliance with federal and institutional cataloging standards and best practices
  • Support digitization workflows by preparing and validating metadata for ingestion into digital repositories
  • Perform quality control reviews of catalog records and metadata outputs
  • Assist with development and refinement of controlled vocabularies and subject headings
  • Provide documentation and reporting on cataloging activities and collection status
  • Coordinate with project leadership to support multiple concurrent task orders and deadlines

Requirements
  • Master's degree in Library and Information Science (MLIS/MLS) from an ALA-accredited institution
  • Minimum 2 years of experience in cataloging and metadata creation in a variety of formats, including monographs, audio and visual formats, maps, manuscripts, rare books, etc.
  • Minimum 1 one year's experience with development and/or maintenance of metadata files and the ability to identify errors in metadata
  • Demonstrated experience with MARC21 and standard library cataloging practices
  • Experience applying metadata schemas such as Dublin Core or MODS
  • Familiarity with integrated library systems (ILS) or library services platforms (EOS.Web preferred)
  • Experience working with digital collections and/or digitization workflows
  • Knowledge of controlled vocabularies (e.g., LCSH, LCNAF)
  • Strong attention to detail and ability to perform quality control on metadata records
  • Ability to work on-site in the Washington, DC metro area
  • U.S. citizenship and ability to obtain a Public Trust clearance
  • Be able to lift materials weighing up to 20 pounds.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience supporting federal libraries, archives, or cultural heritage organizations
  • Familiarity with archival standards (e.g., DACS, EAD) and hybrid library/archives environments
  • Knowledge of digitization standards and digital preservation concepts
  • Experience working with historical, government, or military collections
  • Familiarity with linked data concepts or emerging metadata frameworks
  • Experience contributing to or managing digital repositories or content management systems
  • Strong written communication skills, including documentation and reporting
  • Ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary team (librarians, archivists, historians)
  • Experience supporting federal contract environments or task order-based work

Physical Requirements
  • Ability to sit or stand for extended periods while performing detailed cataloging, metadata entry, and computer-based work
  • Ability to lift, carry, and move library materials (e.g., books, archival boxes) up to approximately 25 pounds and handle physical collections as needed
  • Ability to travel occasionally and move between office, library, and archival environments, including accessing shelving and storage areas requiring bending, reaching, or light climbing

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.

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