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Penn Library Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Penn has 12 highly-regarded schools that provide opportunities for undergraduate, graduate and ... Posted Job Title Reference Library Intern Job Profile Title Temporary Employee - Non-Exempt Summary ...

$15 - $20/hr

Penn has 12 highly-regarded schools that provide opportunities for undergraduate, graduate and ... Posted Job Title Reference Library Intern Job Profile Title Temporary Employee - Non-Exempt Summary ...

CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to ... Lilley Library at Penn State Behrend is seeking applicants for student library assistant positions ...

CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to ... Lilley Library at Penn State Behrend is seeking applicants for student library assistant positions ...

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Penn Library information

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How much do penn library jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for penn library in the United States is $72,983.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $57,000.00 and $85,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Penn Library staff member, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Penn Library staff member, you generally need a background in library science or a related field, strong research abilities, and excellent organizational skills. Familiarity with library management systems, digital archives, and cataloging tools like Alma or WorldCat is typically required. Outstanding customer service, attention to detail, and effective communication help staff support patrons and collaborate with colleagues. These skills ensure efficient library operations, accurate resource management, and a positive user experience for students and faculty.

What is the difference between Penn Library vs Penn Librarian?

AspectPenn LibraryPenn Librarian
RoleInstitutional library facility providing access to resources and servicesProfessional responsible for managing library collections, assisting patrons, and organizing information
Required CredentialsTypically a master's degree in library science (MLS or MLIS)Master's degree in library science or related field
Work EnvironmentPublic or academic library settingLibrary, educational, or research institution
Employer & IndustryUniversities, public libraries, research institutionsLibraries, educational institutions, archives

In summary, Penn Library refers to the physical or organizational library facility, while a Penn Librarian is a professional who manages and provides services within that library. Both roles often require similar credentials and work in related environments, but their functions differ: one is the institution, the other is the professional staff.

What are some common challenges faced by staff working at the Penn Library, and how can they be addressed?

Staff at the Penn Library often navigate challenges such as adapting to rapidly evolving digital resources, balancing multiple user needs, and managing large-scale research inquiries. To address these, team members are encouraged to participate in ongoing professional development, collaborate closely with colleagues across departments, and utilize robust internal support systems. Embracing new technologies and maintaining open communication with patrons and fellow staff help create a responsive and supportive work environment.

What are Penn Library jobs?

Penn Library jobs refer to a variety of employment opportunities available within the University of Pennsylvania's library system. These positions can include roles such as librarians, library assistants, archivists, IT specialists, and student workers. Employees help support library operations, assist patrons, manage collections, and contribute to academic research and learning. Working at Penn Libraries offers a chance to be part of a diverse, collaborative, and intellectually stimulating environment.
More about Penn Library jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Penn Library jobs? The most popular types of Penn Library jobs are:
What states have the most Penn Library jobs? States with the most job openings for Penn Library jobs include:
Infographic showing various Penn Library job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $72,983 per year, or $35.1 per hour.
Reference Library Intern

Reference Library Intern

University of Pennsylvania

Philadelphia, PA • On-site

$15 - $20/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 23 days ago


University Of Pennsylvania rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 81 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

134th of 544 rated colleges and universities


Job description

University Overview

The University of Pennsylvania, the largest private employer in Philadelphia, is a world-renowned leader in education, research, and innovation. This historic, Ivy League school consistently ranks among the top 10 universities in the annual U.S. News & World Report survey. Penn has 12 highly-regarded schools that provide opportunities for undergraduate, graduate and continuing education, all influenced by Penn's distinctive interdisciplinary approach to scholarship and learning. As an employer Penn has been consistently ranked nationally on many occasions with the most recent award from Forbes who named Penn one of America's Best Large Employers.

Penn offers a unique working environment within the city of Philadelphia. The University is situated on a beautiful urban campus, with easy access to a range of educational, cultural, and recreational activities. With its historical significance and landmarks, lively cultural offerings, and wide variety of atmospheres, Philadelphia is the perfect place to call home for work and play.

Posted Job Title

Reference Library Intern

Job Profile Title

Temporary Employee - Non-Exempt

Job Description Summary

The University of Pennsylvania Libraries seeks an energetic reference intern to participate as a member of our academic engagement and departmental libraries teams, receive mentoring by a progressive and seasoned team of professional librarians, and jump start their careers as information professionals.

The reference intern will have the opportunity to help shape reference for Penn Libraries while also further developing their skills by working on projects ranging from systematic reviews, outreach programming, exhibits, collections analysis, etc.

Job Description

Duties and responsibilities include but are not limited to:

  • Support the Reference Services Task Force in conducting a holistic analysis of general reference services across the libraries.

  • Assist with analyzing 2 - 3 years of chat reference data to identify trends, patterns, and implications for staffing and service hours

  • Conduct spot reviews of chat transcripts and tickets to identify opportunities for improving service quality, consistency, and documentation

  • Assist in developing recommendations for one - time and ongoing training for reference providers

  • Participate in an environmental scan of peer institutions and review current literature on evolving reference services

Qualifications:

  • Current graduate student in an ALA-accredited library or information science program or another graduate studies program.

  • Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.

  • Strong service orientation and willingness to troubleshoot.

  • Desire to learn, adapt quickly, and work independently.

  • Desire to work in libraries and support a diverse academic community.

  • Flexibility regarding work location.

  • Attention to detail.

  • Ability to work onsite in the library spaces.

This is a 1 year term position.

Application Requirement:

A Cover Letter and Resume/CV are required to be considered for this position. Please upload your Cover Letter where it asks you to upload your Resume/CV; multiple documents are allowed.

Budgeted Pay Range:

$15.00 - $20.00 commensurate with education and experience.

Job Location - City, State

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Department / School

University Library

Pay Range

$7.25 - $20.00 Hourly Rate

Salary offers are made based on the candidate's qualifications, experience, skills, and education as they directly relate to the requirements of the position, and in alignment with salary ranges based on external market data for the job's level. Internal organization and peer data at Penn are also considered.

Equal Opportunity Statement

The University of Pennsylvania is an equal opportunity employer. Candidates are considered for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, religion, creed, national origin (including shared ancestry or ethnic characteristics) , citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status or any class protected under applicable federal, state or local law .

Special Requirements A background check may be required after a conditional job offer is made. Consideration of the background check will be tailored to the requirements of the job.

University Benefits

  • Health and Life: Penn offers comprehensive medical, prescription, behavioral health, dental, vision, and life insurance benefits to protect you and your family's health and welfare.

  • Retirement: Penn offers generous retirement plans to help you save for your future. Penn's Basic, Matching, and Supplemental retirement plans allow you to save for retirement on a pre-tax or Roth basis. Choose from a wide variety of investment options through TIAA and Vanguard.

Please note that benefit eligibility is determined/based on ACA guidelines.

The University of Pennsylvania's special character is reflected in the wide variety of backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives of the Penn community. We seek talented faculty and staff who will constitute a vibrant community and help create an educational and working environment that best supports the University's commitment to excellence in teaching, research, and scholarship. The University of Pennsylvania is an equal opportunity employer. Candidates are considered for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, religion, creed, national origin (including shared ancestry or ethnic characteristics), citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status, or any class protected under applicable federal, state or local law.


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About University of Pennsylvania

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The University of Pennsylvania, the largest private employer in Philadelphia, is a world-renowned leader in education, research, and innovation. This historic, Ivy League school consistently ranks among the top 10 universities in the annual U.S. News & World Report survey. Penn has 12 highly-regarded schools that provide opportunities for undergraduate, graduate and continuing education, all influenced by Penn's distinctive interdisciplinary approach to scholarship and learning. As an employer Penn has been ranked nationally on many occasions with the most recent award from Forbes who named Penn one of America's Best Employers By State in 2021.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Philadelphia, PA, US

Year founded

1740