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Reference Librarian Jobs (NOW HIRING)

$62K - $64K/yr

Reference Librarian Location: Bethesda, MD Schedule: Full-Time, Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM-5:00 PM (except Federal Holidays) Salary Range: $62,000-$64,000 annually Work Arrangement: Onsite up to four ...

Agile Decision Sciences (ADS,) a subsidiary of ASRC Federal, is seeking a Reference Librarian to support our nationwide contract providing library and records management services to the US ...

Reference Librarian

Paramus, NJ · On-site

$28.25/hr

Experience providing general reference in a library * Experience with face-to-face and virtual reference modalities * Experience at a community college SPECIAL SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS Education:

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Reference Librarian information

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$26K

$62.1K

$100.5K

How much do reference librarian jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average yearly pay for reference librarian in the United States is $62,056.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $49,500.00 and $72,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a reference librarian?

Reference librarians are information professionals who assist library users in finding and accessing the resources they need. They help patrons with research, answer questions, provide guidance on using library catalogs and databases, and may offer instruction on information literacy. Reference librarians work in various settings, including public, academic, and special libraries, and play a key role in helping users navigate both print and electronic information sources.

What does a reference librarian do?

The responsibilities of a reference librarian include offering reference services to library patrons, including both individuals and groups using reference sources provided by the library. Your job is to recommend, interpret, and evaluate these information sources, create research guides, and assist users with their academic and information searches. You help the library evaluate and develop their reference collection by selecting new sources and removing outdated materials. Other duties include staying updated on new library technology and emerging information, providing presentations on various reference topics, and creating displays promoting particular library collections and services.

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 a strong background in information science, research methods, and typically a Master's in Library Science (MLS). Familiarity with library management systems, online databases, and digital cataloging tools is essential. Excellent communication, problem-solving, and a customer-service mindset help you effectively assist diverse patrons. These skills ensure accurate information retrieval, positive user experiences, and the efficient management of library resources.

What are some common challenges faced by reference librarians and how can they be addressed?

Reference librarians often face challenges such as staying current with rapidly evolving information resources, managing multiple patron requests simultaneously, and assisting users with varying levels of research experience. To address these, many reference librarians participate in ongoing professional development, leverage digital tools to streamline research assistance, and collaborate closely with colleagues to share expertise. Building strong communication skills and maintaining a user-centered approach also help ensure that each patron receives effective, personalized support.

What is the difference between Reference Librarian vs Archivist?

AspectReference LibrarianArchivist
Required CredentialsMaster's degree in Library Science (MLS or MLIS)Bachelor's or Master's degree in History, Archival Studies, or related field; often MLS/MLIS preferred
Work EnvironmentPublic, academic, or special librariesArchives, museums, or historical repositories
Employer & IndustryLibraries, educational institutions, government agenciesHistorical societies, museums, government archives
Search & Comparison IntentAssisting library users with information retrievalPreserving and organizing historical records and documents

While both Reference Librarians and Archivists work with information and records, Reference Librarians primarily assist library visitors in finding resources within library collections, often in public or academic settings. Archivists focus on preserving, organizing, and managing historical records and documents, typically in archives or museums. Both roles require specialized education, but their work environments and primary functions differ significantly.

What cities are hiring for Reference Librarian jobs?

Cities with the most Reference Librarian job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Reference Librarian jobs?

The most popular types of Reference Librarian jobs are:

What states have the most Reference Librarian jobs?

States with the most job openings for Reference Librarian jobs include:

Infographic showing various Reference Librarian job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $62,056 per year, or $29.8 per hour.

Reference Librarian

Takoma Park, MD

Library Systems & Services LLC
Libraries and Archives • 1 - 5K employees

$29 - $35/hr

Part-time

PTO

Posted 18 days ago


Job description

Description

LAC Federal is seeking a Reference Librarian to provide high-quality reference, research assistance, and instructional support to students, faculty, staff, and community patrons through online platforms and at the library service desk. In this role, the Reference Librarian will guide users in effectively navigating library resources, including the online catalog, electronic databases, and print and non-print collections.


Additionally, the Reference Librarian may be responsible for other assigned duties such as gathering and analyzing usage statistics, delivering library instruction sessions, conducting student research consultations, and performing occasional circulation desk functions. Schedule flexibility is required, as the candidate must be available for hours of operation during the fall semester, including the library's evening hours. On rare occasions, if the building needs to close but services are still needed, the employee is expected to work remotely.


Employment Type: Part Time/20 hours per week. 

Length of Employment: August 31, 2026 - December 18, 2026


Schedule: Schedule may adjust depending on semester schedule:

Monday - Thursday, 4:00pm-8:00pm

Friday, 1:00pm-5:00pm


Responsibilities

  • Deliver reference and research services to library users both in-person and virtually.
  • Assist patrons in the effective use of library technologies, databases, and research tools.
  • Provide individualized research support to students through consultations.
  • Conduct instructional sessions for classes, faculty, and other library users to promote information literacy and enhance research skills.
  • Maintain knowledge of library collections, both print and digital, to support user needs.
  • Capture and report library usage statistics as directed.
  • Collaborate with library staff to enhance services and contribute to special projects as assigned, such as creating and/or updating library guides and instructional resources.
  • Support circulation functions as needed.
  • Stay current with trends and emerging technologies related to academic library reference services.
  • Participate in professional development activities to maintain and improve knowledge and skills relevant to the role.

Requirements

  • Minimum of one (1) year of recent experience providing reference services in a public, research, or academic library setting.
  • Proficiency with electronic information systems, research databases, and Microsoft Office applications.
  • Familiarity with technologies used in academic libraries for reference and instructional purposes.
  • Strong knowledge of library practices and procedures, including reference and instructional services.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively with diverse populations.
  • Ability to manage multiple tasks and responsibilities in a dynamic service environment.
  • Strong commitment to customer service and student success.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Academic library experience.
  • Experience with Primo Discovery Service by Ex Libris strongly preferred.
  • Master's degree in Library and Information Science (MLIS) or equivalent from an ALA-accredited program.

Physical Requirements

  • Ability to sit, stand, and move throughout the library for extended periods while providing reference, research, instructional, and circulation services. 
  • Ability to use a computer and other office and library equipment for prolonged periods, including frequent use of a keyboard, mouse, telephone, and video conferencing technology, with the ability to communicate effectively in person and virtually. 
  • Ability to lift, carry, push, or pull library materials and office supplies weighing up to 20 pounds, and bend, reach, and retrieve materials from shelves as needed.

Part-Time: 

  • 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.