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Library Research Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Library Manager

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$54K - $64K/yr

  • Medical

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

More than 50,000 students are enrolled at one of eight institutions, including the research campus ... Knowledge of library classification systems and standard cataloging rules. Knowledge of general ...

Research Lab Tech II

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$24.25/hr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

Maintain accurate and detailed records of experiments and procedures. Assist in the planning and design of experiments through comprehensive library research. Uphold the security and safety of the ...

Showing results 21-40

Library Research information

See California salary details

$28.6K

$59.1K

$92.8K

How much do library research jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for library research in California is $59,068.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $37,500.00 and $77,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a library researcher do?

A library researcher gathers, evaluates, and synthesizes information from various sources such as books, journals, and online databases to support research projects or inform decision-making. They often use research tools like catalog systems and may have skills in data analysis and critical thinking to ensure accurate and relevant results.

What is the difference between Library Research vs Library Technician?

AspectLibrary ResearchLibrary Technician
Required CredentialsMaster's degree or higher in Library Science or related fieldAssociate's degree or post-secondary certificate in Library Technology
Work EnvironmentAcademic, research, or specialized librariesPublic, school, or community libraries
Job ResponsibilitiesConducting in-depth research, analyzing sources, developing research strategiesAssisting with cataloging, shelving, customer service, and basic technical tasks

Library Research and Library Technician roles differ mainly in education requirements, job scope, and work environment. Library Researchers focus on conducting detailed research and analysis, often requiring advanced degrees, while Library Technicians support daily library operations with technical and customer service tasks. Both roles are essential in library settings but serve different functions based on expertise and responsibilities.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in library research, and why are they important?

To thrive in Library Research, you need strong analytical abilities, attention to detail, and advanced research skills, often supported by a degree in library science or a related field. Familiarity with databases, cataloging systems such as MARC, and digital research tools is typically required. Excellent communication, critical thinking, and organizational skills help researchers effectively gather, interpret, and present information. These skills ensure accurate, efficient information retrieval and support informed decision-making for library users and institutions.

What is library research?

Library research is the process of gathering information and resources from library collections, such as books, journals, databases, and archives, to support academic, professional, or personal inquiries. It involves identifying relevant materials, evaluating their credibility, and synthesizing information to answer specific questions or support research projects. Library research often requires using catalog systems, digital databases, and reference services provided by librarians to locate and access information efficiently.

Is library research still in demand?

Library research remains an important component of many research, academic, and information management roles. Professionals in this field utilize research skills, databases, and information organization tools, and demand persists in academic institutions, government agencies, and corporate settings.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in a library research role, and how can they be addressed?

Library research professionals often encounter challenges such as navigating vast and diverse information sources, staying updated on the latest digital research tools, and ensuring the credibility of resources. To address these, it's essential to develop strong information literacy skills, maintain ongoing familiarity with new databases and cataloging systems, and participate in professional development opportunities. Collaboration with other librarians and subject-matter experts can also help in overcoming complex research queries and improving service delivery.

What are the most commonly searched types of Library Research jobs in California?

The most popular types of Library Research jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Library Research jobs in California?

For Library Research jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Library Research jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Library Research jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Library Research jobs?

Cities in California with the most Library Research job openings:

Infographic showing various Library Research job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $59,068 per year, or $28.4 per hour.

Supervising Library Assistant, Law Library (Part-Time)

University of Southern California

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

Part-time

Posted 23 days ago


University Of Southern California rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 53 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

99th of 618 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Founded in 1896, the Gould School of Law has a distinguished past built on the principles of equity and excellence, and the courage to break new ground. USC first introduced legal education in Southern California. Today, the Law School continues to make history through its philosophy of innovation and through its people. USC Gould cultivates analytical ability, ethical values, and a spirit of collegiality that prepare students for meaningful careers benefiting society. It was one of the first law schools to engage students in clinical programs and remains a leader in experiential education.
The Gabriel and Matilda Barnett Information Technology Center and The Asa V. Call Law Library ("Law Library") supports the teaching and research activities of the USC Law community and the greater USC community. It is administered by the USC Gould School of Law. The Access Services Department is an administrative unit within the Law Library.
The Gould School of Law is seeking to hire a Law Library Supervising Assistant who will be part of a dynamic team and will be instrumental in helping us support the teaching and research activities of the USC Law community.
ATTENTION: Applicants must upload a cover letter and a resume to be considered for this position. This is a part-time (20 hours per week), 1-year fixed-term position with the possibility of extension contingent on funding and business needs.
Primary Responsibilities
  • Customer service. Works with other library staff to provide in-person services, including circulation, room reservations, library access control, and a wide range of student, faculty, and visitor needs.
  • Library Service Counter operations. Assists with Service Counter operations and the day-to-day supervision of student assistants, in collaboration with other departmental staff.
  • Faculty research support. Works with library staff to obtain physical and electronic research materials for law faculty and assists reference librarians with faculty research projects. Provides occasional basic reference services when librarians are unavailable.
  • Course reserves and Interlibrary Loan support. Assists with course reserve operations and provides backup support for Interlibrary Loan services, including requests from faculty, students, and law journals, as needed.
  • Library notices and patron records. Generates overdue, hold, and recall notices; processes renewals; and maintains patron records and circulation files.
  • Library materials processing. Receives, checks in, and processes newly received library materials, including books, serials, and loose-leaf publications. Assists with filing, claiming, maintaining catalog records, communicating with vendors, and training student assistants assigned to loose-leaf maintenance.
  • Library facilities support. Assists with facilities-related matters, communicates with custodial and repair staff, performs periodic walkthroughs of the library, and reports maintenance needs as assigned.
  • Mail and deliveries. Assists with receiving, sorting, and distributing library mail and deliveries.
  • Instructional and departmental support. Provides Legal Research course support, assists with publication and maintenance of online research guides, social media, and other departmental projects.
  • Faculty scholarship support. Assists with maintaining citations to faculty publications and scholarship on the law school website.
  • Statistics and reporting. Assists with collecting, maintaining, and reporting library statistics, including circulation, document delivery, and occupancy data.
  • Documentation. Prepares and maintains departmental procedures manuals and other operational documentation.
  • Student assistant supervision. Assists with training, supervising, and assigning work to Law Library student assistants, as needed.
  • Backup staffing. May occasionally provide evening or weekend coverage, or other backup staffing during absences or periods of increased operational need.
  • Law School support. Assists with final examination administration and proctoring, commencement activities, and other law school events and committees, as assigned.
  • Additional duties. Performs other related duties as assigned or requested. The University reserves the right to add or modify duties at any time.
  • Reporting Relationship: Reports to the Head of Access Services or the Director of the Law Library, as assigned.

The ideal candidate will exhibit:
  • Team mentality and commitment to supporting coworkers in order to achieve the library's goals.
  • Reliability.
  • Ability to work effectively and self-motivate, both independently and as part of a team.
  • Strong organizational skills.
  • Aptitude for accuracy and detailed work.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • 3 years' experience working in a library public services department.
  • Familiarity with circulation modules of a library management system, such as Innovative Interfaces' Sierra or Millennium.
  • Experience with document search and retrieval (books, articles, etc.) in library online catalogs, databases, and/or OCLC WorldShare.
  • Experience maintaining statistics.
  • Familiarity with facilities and/or building maintenance issues.
  • Familiarity with interlibrary loan procedures.
  • Familiarity with library shelving classification systems.
  • Familiarity with Quest or other project management systems.
  • Proficiency in standard office software, especially MS Word & MS Excel.
  • Experience working with loose-leaf publications.
  • Bachelor's degree, combined experience/education as substitute for minimum education.

ATTENTION: Applicants must upload a cover letter and a resume to be considered for this position. This is a part-time (20 hours per week), 1-year fixed-term position with the possibility of extension contingent on funding and business needs.
Learn more about our benefits and perks here: https://employees.usc.edu/full-time-faculty-staff/
Equity, diversity, inclusion, opportunity and access are of central importance to the Gould School of Law (Gould). Gould holds a unique position in society, and within the university, as every aspect of these principles are influenced by and can be protected through legal rules and institutions. At Gould, we are proudly committed to maintaining a community in which each person respects the rights of others to live, work, and learn in peace and dignity, to be proud of who and what they are, and to have equal opportunity to realize their full potential as individuals and members of society.
The hourly rate range for this position is $27.35 - $33.34. When extending an offer of employment, the University of Southern California considers factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate's work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, federal, state, and local laws, contractual stipulations, grant funding, as well as external market and organizational considerations.
Minimum Education: High school or equivalent
Additional Education Requirements Combined experience/education as substitute for minimum education
Minimum Experience: 1 year
Additional Experience Requirements Combined experience/education as substitute for minimum work experience
Minimum Skills: Experience in and comprehensive knowledge of library operations. Ability to lead other staff in work assignments.
USC is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or USC policy. USC observes affirmative action obligations consistent with state and federal law. USC will consider for employment all qualified applicants with criminal records in a manner consistent with applicable laws and regulations, including the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for employers and the Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, and with due consideration for patient and student safety. Please refer to the Background Screening Policy Appendix D for specific employment screen implications for the position for which you are applying.
We provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants with questions about access or requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should contact USC Human Resources by phone at (213) 821-8100, or by email at uschr@usc.edu. Inquiries will be treated as confidential to the extent permitted by law.
  • Notice of Non-discrimination
  • Employment Equity
  • Read USC's Clery Act Annual Security Report
  • USC is a smoke-free environment
  • Digital Accessibility

If you are a current USC employee, please apply to this USC job posting in Workday by copying and pasting this link into your browser:
https://wd5.myworkday.com/usc/d/inst/1$9925/9925$150602.htmld

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About University of Southern California

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The University of Southern California (USC) is not a conventional company, but a private research university established in the heart of Los Angeles, CA, US. Founded in 1880, it's one of the oldest private research universities in California. USC operates in the education industry providing primary services of higher education, research, and community development. This prestigious institution offers a comprehensive array of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs across various disciplines, including the humanities, social sciences, and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). The University is guided by its commitment to foster creativity, innovation, leadership, and discovery through academic excellence.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Los Angeles , CA, US

Year founded

1880