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$7

$14

$27

How much do library jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for library in Iowa is $14.78, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $11.06 and $16.49 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Librarian, you typically need a Master’s degree in Library Science (MLS or MLIS), strong research skills, and organizational abilities. Familiarity with library management systems, digital archives, and cataloguing tools like MARC or Dewey Decimal Classification is essential. Excellent communication, customer service, and problem-solving skills help librarians engage diverse patrons and collaborate with colleagues. These competencies ensure effective resource management, support lifelong learning, and enhance community access to information.

What do library workers do?

Library workers assist patrons in finding and borrowing materials, organize and maintain collections, and help with research and technology use. They may also plan educational programs, manage digital resources, and support community events. The specific duties depend on the role, such as librarian, library assistant, or technician, but all focus on making information accessible to the public.

What Qualifications Do I Need to Get a Job in a Library?

Different library jobs have varying qualifications. To become a librarian, you need a master’s degree in either library science or information studies. This is important if you work with students in an academic setting. You also need some research experience and a strong awareness of research procedures and tools. Library technicians and assistants need to have a high school diploma or a GED certificate and strong administrative skills. If you are seeking a job in library computer support, you need at least a bachelor’s degree in information technologies.

What are some common challenges faced by library staff when adapting to digital resources and technology?

Library staff often encounter challenges such as staying current with rapidly evolving digital platforms, assisting patrons with varying levels of tech literacy, and integrating new technologies with existing catalog systems. Balancing traditional library services with digital resource management requires ongoing training and flexibility. However, many libraries provide professional development opportunities and foster a supportive team environment to help staff successfully navigate these changes.

What is the difference between Library vs Archivist?

AspectLibraryArchivist
Required CredentialsLibrary degree or certification, MLS/MLISArchival certification, MLS/MLIS often preferred
Work EnvironmentPublic, academic, or special librariesArchives, museums, historical institutions
Industry UsageInformation management, education, public servicePreservation, historical records, cultural heritage

Libraries and archivists both manage information resources, but libraries focus on providing access to current materials for the public or specific groups, while archivists preserve historical records and rare collections. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus.

More about Library jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Library jobs in Iowa? The most popular types of Library jobs in Iowa are:
What are popular job titles related to Library jobs in Iowa? For Library jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Library jobs in Iowa look for? The top searched job categories for Library jobs in Iowa are:
What cities in Iowa are hiring for Library jobs? Cities in Iowa with the most Library job openings:
Library jobs near you
Infographic showing various Library job openings in Iowa as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 66% Full Time, 28% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 94% In-person, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $30,744 per year, or $14.8 per hour.
Instruction and Reference Librarian

Instruction and Reference Librarian

Des Moines University

West Des Moines, IA

$60K/yr

Other

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 24 days ago

Job description

Instruction and Reference Librarian

Apply now Job no: 492992
Work type: FT
Location: West Des Moines
Categories: Faculty

Join a dynamic academic health sciences environment where your expertise directly supports the success of future healthcare professionals. In this role, you will advance teaching and learning by delivering curriculum-integrated instruction, promoting evidence-based practice, and providing high-impact reference and research support. You'll collaborate closely with faculty, clinicians, researchers, and students across a range of health disciplines, contributing meaningfully to both academic and clinical excellence. As a non-tenure track faculty member, you will play an active role in teaching, service, and scholarly activity, helping to shape an innovative and collaborative educational experience.

What you'll do:

  • Design and deliver curriculum-integrated instruction in evidence-based practice and health sciences information literacy across multiple learning formats.
  • Collaborate with faculty and academic leaders to develop competency-aligned learning experiences and interprofessional education initiatives.
  • Provide expert reference, research consultation, and literature search support to advance education, research, and patient care.
  • Develop digital learning tools and lead workshops to enhance teaching, learning, and research effectiveness.
  • Contribute to scholarly activity, institutional service, and strategic initiatives, including committees, professional organizations, and program development.

What we are looking for:

  • Master's degree in library science from an American Library Association-accredited institution required.
  • Minimum one year of teaching experience in a health sciences or higher education library setting, with demonstrated ability to clearly communicate information literacy skills and concepts, required; 2 or more years preferred.
  • Experience working and teaching in a graduate-level health sciences library preferred.
  • Minimum one year of reference assistance experience in a health sciences or higher education library setting required; 2 or more years preferred.
  • Experience with integrated library systems, Springshare platform, bibliographic management tools, and presentation/video creation technologies preferred.
  • Familiarity with Evidence-Based Medicine/Practice (EBM/EBP) models preferred.
  • Knowledge of best practices in information literacy education, reference assistance services, and collection management and development.
  • Experience using biomedical and interdisciplinary resources such as PubMed/MEDLINE, CINAHL, and Scopus preferred.

*To see the full job description go to Position Description at the bottom of this posting.

Total Rewards:

DMU offers competitive salaries. For this position, the anticipated starting salary is in the mid- to upper- $60,000 range, with the final offer determined based on the selected candidate's qualifications and relevant experience.

Our employees are what make DMU special, so we treat them well!  Our Total Rewards reflect this commitment. Qualified faculty and staff enjoy a generous employer contribution towards the medical plan, 10% retirement match, flexible work arrangements, community service time, tuition assistance, professional development funding, and access to wellness facilities with programs that promote a well-balanced lifestyle. Visit www.dmu.edu/employment to learn more about our benefits. 

DMU is proud to offer employees generous benefits and perks, paid time off, free use of wellness facilities, and a host of employee engagement and recognition programs throughout the year.

About:

Founded in 1898, Des Moines University is a premier medical and health sciences institution comprising three colleges- College of Osteopathic Medicine, College of Podiatric Medicine and Surgery, and College of Health Sciences - offering ten graduate degree programs.

Our mission is to improve lives in our global community by educating diverse groups of highly competent and compassionate health professionals.

It is an exciting time to join DMU. In 2023, we relocated our primary academic and operational offices to a new 88-acre campus in West Des Moines, Iowa, while maintaining an active clinic on our former campus. This state-of-the-art campus includes technology-rich, flexible education spaces that support innovative teaching methods and connect faculty and students across all of our programs. Our new research facilities include a vibrant and spacious open laboratory, designed to foster collaboration and innovation.

DMU enhances our community's quality of life by educating outstanding health professionals and leaders; providing expert, compassionate patient care; serving the community in diverse ways; and stimulating the central Iowa community.

At DMU you will make a meaningful contribution to the dynamic future of Medicine and Health Sciences by supporting a diverse community of faculty and staff with programs and services across the employee lifecycle.

Required Documents:

Resume, cover letter, and contact information for three professional references required at time of online submission. Apply at www.dmu.edu/employment.

Department: Center for Educational Enhancement

Status:  Exempt

Position Description

Advertised: 18 Mar 2026 Central Daylight Time
Applications close:

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