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Reference Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Westcliff University

Reference Librarian

Irvine, CA · On-site

$70K - $80K/yr

Reference Librarian Western State College of Law at Westcliff is seeking a Reference Librarian. The Reference librarian reports to the Director of the Law Library. Requirements: Key responsibilities ...

University of Michigan

Reference Assistant

Ann Arbor, MI · On-site

$42K - $44K/yr

This position will report to the Archivist for Reference. About the Bentley Historical Library The Bentley Historical Library, a vital part of the University of Michigan, is dedicated to collecting ...

Westcliff University

Reference Librarian

Irvine, CA · On-site

$70K - $80K/yr

Reference Librarian Western State College of Law at Westcliff is seeking a Reference Librarian. The Reference librarian reports to the Director of the Law Library. Requirements Key responsibilities ...

NY History

Reference Librarian

New York, NY · On-site

$70K/yr

Reference Librarian DEPARTMENT: Library REPORTS TO: Director of Library Curatorial Affairs & Research ABOUT THE NEW YORK HISTORICAL New York's first museum, The New York Historical is a leading ...

Library of Congress

Reference Librarian

Washington, DC · On-site +1

$70K - $91K/yr

In the provision of reference and research services, the librarian utilizes traditional in-person methods in reading rooms and emerging technologies including social media and digital scholarship to ...

Westcliff University

Reference Librarian

Irvine, CA

$70K - $80K/yr

Reference Librarian Western State College of Law at Westcliff is seeking a Reference Librarian. The Reference librarian reports to the Director of the Law Library. Requirements Key responsibilities ...

The New York Public Library

$55K/yr

The Jean Blackwell Hutson Research and Reference Division seeks a collaborative and enthusiastic Reference and African Studies Librarian ( Librarian II) to provide excellent public service in the ...

Howard

Reference Librarian

Library, PA · On-site

... reference questions and escalate more complex inquiries to senior librarians as needed. o Develop faculty research support skills. Library Instruction and Information Literacy: o Help prepare and ...

Howard University

Reference Librarian

Washington, DC · On-site

... basic reference questions and escalate more complex inquiries to senior librarians as needed. o Develop faculty research support skills. • Library Instruction and Information Literacy: o Help ...

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Reference information

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$11K

$52.5K

How much do reference jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for reference in the United States is $52,194.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $52,000.00 and $52,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Reference vs Data Entry Clerk?

AspectReferenceData Entry Clerk
Required CredentialsTypically no formal credentials, but some roles may prefer a high school diplomaHigh school diploma or equivalent often required
Work EnvironmentOffice settings, administrative or clerical rolesOffice environments, data management tasks
Industry UsageUsed across various industries for administrative supportCommon in healthcare, finance, and administrative sectors
Search & Comparison IntentPeople compare to understand administrative rolesPeople compare to clarify data management tasks

While both Reference and Data Entry Clerk roles involve administrative tasks, Reference typically refers to providing recommendations or verifying information, whereas Data Entry Clerks focus on inputting data into systems. The credentials and work environments overlap, but their primary functions differ significantly.

What is a reference job?

A reference job typically refers to a position where an employee's previous work experience is used to verify their skills, work ethic, and reliability. Employers often contact references provided by candidates to gather insights before making hiring decisions. This process helps ensure the candidate's qualifications align with the job requirements.

What are Reference jobs?

Reference jobs typically refer to positions within libraries or information centers where professionals assist patrons in finding and using resources. These roles often include answering research questions, guiding users to appropriate materials, and teaching information literacy skills. Reference librarians or specialists may also help with database searches, citation management, and providing access to digital and physical collections. They play a crucial role in supporting education, research, and community needs. The required qualifications often include a degree in library science or a related field.

What are some common challenges faced by Reference Librarians and how can they be addressed?

Reference Librarians often encounter challenges such as managing a high volume of diverse patron inquiries, staying updated with rapidly evolving information resources, and balancing in-person and digital reference services. To address these challenges, it's important to develop strong research and communication skills, participate in ongoing professional development, and utilize collaborative tools for knowledge sharing within the library team. Building a network with colleagues and attending training sessions can also help in staying current with new databases and technology.

What job makes $10,000 a month without a degree?

High-paying jobs that can reach $10,000 a month without a degree often include roles such as sales managers, real estate brokers, or skilled trades like electricians and plumbers, especially with experience and certifications. Success in these fields typically depends on skills, performance, and sometimes licensing, rather than formal education.

Do reference librarians still exist?

Yes, reference librarians still exist and work in libraries, educational institutions, and information centers. They assist users in locating information, using research tools, and developing research skills, often requiring knowledge of cataloging, databases, and information management.

What is the highest paying librarian job?

The highest paying librarian roles are often in specialized areas such as law, medical, or corporate librarians, with law librarians and medical librarians typically earning the highest salaries. These positions usually require advanced degrees, certifications, and expertise in their respective fields, and they often work in institutional or corporate environments with higher compensation packages.

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

To thrive as a Reference Librarian, you need strong research skills, information literacy expertise, and typically a Master's in Library Science (MLS) or equivalent. Familiarity with online databases, cataloging systems like MARC, and digital reference tools is essential. Excellent communication, customer service, and problem-solving abilities help librarians effectively assist diverse patrons. These skills ensure accurate information delivery, efficient resource navigation, and a positive library experience for all users.
More about Reference jobs
What cities are hiring for Reference jobs? Cities with the most Reference job openings:
What states have the most Reference jobs? States with the most job openings for Reference jobs include:
Reference jobs near you
Infographic showing various Reference job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Locum Tenens, 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 8% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $52,194 per year, or $25.1 per hour.
Reference Librarian

Reference Librarian

Library Systems & Services LLC

Washington, DC • On-site

Part-time

PTO

Posted 28 days ago

Job description

Job Type
Part-time
Description
LAC Federal is seeking a highly qualified Reference Librarian to join our dynamic team. This hybrid position requires an on-site presence of at least 1-2 days per week, from 8:45-5:15, primarily for reference desk coverage as stipulated by contract requirements. The ideal candidate will hold a Master's degree in Library/Information Science or be actively enrolled in a graduate program for this degree. The Reference Librarian will be responsible for helping to provide exceptional reference and research services in the day to day running of the library, including participating in collection development, and contributing to various group projects as assigned by the project manager as well as updating policies and procedures as needed. This role offers a unique opportunity to work in a collaborative environment and make a significant impact on our library services.
Responsibilities:
  • Provide reference services to patrons, including but not limited to research assistance, topical literature reviews, and general questions received via phone, email or in-person.
  • Reference Desk Coverage: Provide in-person and remote reference and research assistance during designated hours.
  • Actively participate in collection development activities including selecting and weeding materials as we as recommend and evaluate print and/or digital resources appropriate for the collection.
  • Participate in collaborative projects such as an annual bibliometrics research, develop content for internal library website and other assigned tasks.
  • Literature Searches: Conduct systematic literature searches and respond to complex reference inquiries.
  • Other Duties: Perform additional duties as assigned by the project manager to support the library's mission and goals.

Requirements
Educational Requirements:
  • Master's degree in Library/Information Science from an institution accredited by the American Library Association, or currently enrolled in such a program.

Required Experience:
  • At least 2 years of experience providing reference and research services in a special or federal library.

Skills and Knowledge:
  • Proficiency in using print and online resources and tools for reference and research purposes. Experience using Ebsco, Scopus, Web of Science, Nexis and/or Westlaw preferred.
  • Proficiency/working knowledge of MS office, Outlook, Teams. Experience with Sharepoint, OCLC and Sirsi preferred.
  • Experience in selecting print and electronic resources for library collection development.
  • Ability to respond to complex reference questions and conduct systematic literature searches.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills
  • Self- starter must be able to work independently as well as part of a team.

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
  • Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick & Public Holidays)

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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