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Library Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

APA

Director, Library Channel

Washington, DC · On-site

$54.36 - $84.10/hr

The Director, Library Channel leads APA Publishing's sales and marketing team for the academic research library market. The Director manages the day-to-day relationships with our global distribution ...

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$32

How much do library jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for library 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 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 Washington? The most popular types of Library jobs in Washington are:
What are popular job titles related to Library jobs in Washington? For Library jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Library jobs in Washington look for? The top searched job categories for Library jobs in Washington are:
What cities in Washington are hiring for Library jobs? Cities in Washington with the most Library job openings:
Library jobs near you
Infographic showing various Library job openings in Washington as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $37,072 per year, or $17.8 per hour.
Metadata Librarian

Metadata Librarian

Library Systems & Services LLC

Washington, DC • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 24 days ago

Job description

Job Type
Full-time
Description
LAC Federal is seeking a full time Metadata Librarian who will be responsible for performing original and copy cataloging of materials in various formats at a world-renowned institution located in Washington, D.C. The Metadata Librarian will collaborate with stakeholders to ensure accurate holdings and metadata for electronic resources are activated in the ILS. The role will also require further support of e-resource workflows, projects, and providing metadata assistance to other initiatives in the library.
Responsibilities:
  • Perform original and copy cataloging, including descriptive and subject cataloging and the associated authority work for materials in print or electronic formats in compliance with Resource Description and Access (RDA), Machine-readable cataloging (MARC), Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH) standards, and local policies.
  • Determine and assign Library of Congress Classification call numbers for print titles as well as prepare barcodes and labels to make titles shelf ready.
  • Contribute to the Name Authority Cooperative Program (NACO) by establishing new personal and corporate names and preferred titles, with appropriate cross-references for inclusion in the name authority file.
  • Proactively conduct quality control of existing metadata to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the information. This includes editing or updating bibliographic fields, holdings, items, electronic portfolio coverage, resource URLs, and public or access notes.
  • Coordinate the configuration of new e-resources to ensure accessibility per license agreement.
  • Troubleshoot access to electronic resources using a case management system and work closely with appropriate staff to develop solutions.
  • Develop, update, and maintain the data analytics dashboards for the library operations.
  • Record and report cataloging statistics in a timely fashion.
  • Provide backup support for the library tasks as needed.

Requirements
  • MLS from an ALA-accredited program with minimum of 1 year of relevant professional experience or equivalent combination of education and experience.
  • Working knowledge of RDA, MARC, LCSH, Library of Congress classification, and NACO
  • Familiarity with at least one library utility and integrated library system (ILS) and OCLC WorldShare Record Manager
  • Experience with metadata editing tools, such as Marc Edit, or strong Excel skills
  • Ability to work efficiently, both independently and as part of a team
  • Analytical and problem-solving skills
  • Experience with Alma/Primo is preferred.
  • Reading knowledge of French, German, Spanish, and other languages is desirable

Physical Requirements
  • Must be able to move from place to place within the location, lifting of items weighing up to (25) pounds and occasional up to 35 pounds such as files, books, stacks of paper, and other materials.
  • Ability to sit for long periods of time and to maintain focus on projects such as computer screens or detailed paperwork.

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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