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Reference Librarian Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

Library Media Tech

Monument, CO

$18.30 - $19.71/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Lewis-Palmer High School is looking for a full-time Library Media Tech for the 2026-27 school year ... To learn more about the position please reference the attached down below. All employees are ...

... a reference library of pertinent policies, procedures, documents and architectures to properly plan future communication systems. Experience developing and reviewing Communication Requirement ...

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Reference Librarian information

See Colorado salary details

$27.3K

$65.3K

$105.7K

How much do reference librarian jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for reference librarian in Colorado is $65,253.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $52,000.00 and $76,200.00 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 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 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 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.

How much do reference librarians make?

Reference librarians typically earn a median annual salary of around $60,000, with salaries ranging from approximately $40,000 to $80,000 depending on experience, education, and location. Salaries may also vary based on the type of library and additional certifications held.

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 most commonly searched types of Reference Librarian jobs in Colorado?

The most popular types of Reference Librarian jobs in Colorado are:

What are popular job titles related to Reference Librarian jobs in Colorado?

For Reference Librarian jobs in Colorado, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Reference Librarian jobs in Colorado look for?

The top searched job categories for Reference Librarian jobs in Colorado are:

What cities in Colorado are hiring for Reference Librarian jobs?

Cities in Colorado with the most Reference Librarian job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Reference Librarian jobs in CO?

For Reference Librarian jobs in CO, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Reference Librarian job openings in Colorado as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 75% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $65,253 per year, or $31.4 per hour.

Instruction and Learning Commons Librarian

Colorado Mountain College

Dillon, CO • On-site

$74K - $83K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 23 days ago


Colorado Mountain College rating

9.8

Company rating: 9.8 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

1st of 618 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Job Description:

Primary Responsibility

Under the direction of the Associate Dean of Library Services, the Instruction & Learning Commons Librarian provides collegewide instructional and reference services in both in-person and virtual environments. The librarian designs and delivers information literacy instruction, offers research consultations, and provides responsive reference support for students, faculty, and staff.

The position also coordinates and supports Learning Commons services for Summit Campus (Breckenridge & Dillon) developing programs and partnerships that connect students with academic support and wraparound services. Working collaboratively across the college and with community partners, the librarian advances student learning, equitable access to information, and student success.

Pre-requisites for Position (Qualifications Standards)

Education and Experience: Education and experience sufficient for the rigors of the position. Examples include a Master's Degree in Library Science, or related degree, and three years related experience or equivalent education and experience or a Bachelor's Degree and five years of related experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience that will provide the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the functions of the position.

The ideal candidate will have professional experience in an academic setting as well as experience with learning services such as librarianship, professional tutoring, peer tutoring, and peer mentorship. The candidate will demonstrate excitement and enthusiasm for the Library & Learning Commons model and excellent collaboration and communication skills.

Specialized Knowledge: Proficiency in information literacy principles, teaching methodologies (library instruction), online information sources and reference and research, and interlibrary loan practices. This position will require exceptional organizational, writing, communication, and managerial skills and the ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects, working within deadlines and budgets. This flexible and nimble librarian must professionally represent the college with internal and external constituents; identify and work with volunteers; maintain confidentiality; and effectively work with students, employees, and community members of all backgrounds and positions.

Professional Skills: Strong written and verbal communication, organizational abilities, and the capacity to prioritize work to meet deadlines.

Welcoming. Innovative. Focused on Student Success. These principles reflect the soul of CMC. They guide us in building our teams, cultivating leaders, and expanding our approaches and mindset. They guide us to be an institution of higher education that's the right fit for every faculty member, staff, student, and community member in its trust. Applicants must demonstrate a commitment to working effectively with students, employees, and community members of all backgrounds.

Bilingual (English/Spanish) or conversational language abilities preferred.

Colorado Mountain College requires that employees perform their assigned duties within the State of Colorado. The College further expects employees to accurately report their work location at all times. Failure to do so impairs the College's ability to ensure compliance with tax, payroll, employment, information security, and operational requirements.


This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship. Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States without the need for current or future sponsorship.

Hiring range = $74,987.56 - $83,319.51 annual salary depending upon a combination of education and experience. Benefits include Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, Pet insurance, retirement contribution, tuition reimbursement, annual & sick time, mental health resources, healthy lifestyle benefits, affordable transitional housing may be available to the successful candidate based on eligibility and availability, relocation if applicable. CMC utilizes a wage progression compensation model that accounts for a candidate's skill and experience. Although a salary range is listed, salary will be set commensurate with the successful candidate's qualifications and in compliance with the Equal Pay for Equal Work Act.

Position anticipated to close on May 20, 2026 or until filled.

Minimum Qualifications:

Essential Duties

  • Instruction & Reference: Coordinate and provide instruction sessions and reference services in face-to-face and online environments, including teaching information literacy and research skills to classes and groups.

  • Learning Commons Services: Plan, coordinate, and promote learning services and activities to support and engage students, faculty, and staff at the assigned campus(es).

  • Supervision: Reports dually to the Associate Dean of Library Services and designated campus vice-president or designee and supervises student employees and volunteers as assigned.

  • Academic Coordination: Coordinate with other college staff and faculty to ensure tutoring services and research assistance support student needs at the designated campus(es) and CMC's Institutional Learning Outcomes (ISLOs).

  • Resource Promotion & Outreach: Promotes library services and resources, including research databases, library materials, and library learning commons events.

  • Institutional Support: Support campus events, participate in collegewide committees, and contribute to college initiatives.

  • Other duties as assigned.

Supervision Received

This position works under the direction of a designated campus administrator.

Supervisory Responsibility

This position serves as a lead to other team members. This position may supervise workstudy students, support staff, or program related staff.

Special Conditions of Employment

Successful completion of a background check including motor vehicles records report will be required. Incumbents in this position will adhere to all safety and compliance policies of Colorado Mountain College while performing all duties assigned.

Altered work schedule including evenings and weekends and travel within CMC service area may be required at times, based on position responsibilities.

Working Conditions

This position requires constant sitting, occasional walking, standing and driving; occasional handling objects, pushing/pulling; frequent reaching with hands/arms, and use of finger movements; occasional lifting, carrying, pushing or pulling objects up to 50 lbs. Constant written and oralcommunication and the ability to reason and analyze and perform calculations occasionally. Work is performed using a computer and standard office equipment daily and driving a vehicle occasionally.

CMC is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, the College will assist individuals who have a disability with any reasonable accommodation requests related to employment, including completing the application process, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, participating in the employee selection process, and/or to perform essential job functions where the requested accommodation does not impose an undue hardship. If you have a disability and require reasonable accommodation to ensure you have a positive experience applying or interviewing for this position, please direct your inquiries to our ADA Coordinator, Human Resources, benefits@coloradomtn.edu

NOTE: This position description is intended to indicate the basic nature of positions allocated to this class and provide examples of typical duties that may be assigned. It does not imply that all positions within the class perform all of the duties listed, nor does it necessarily list all possible duties that may be assigned. Employees may perform other related duties as required to meet the ongoing needs of the organization.

Each role at Colorado Mountain College contributes to the institution's sustainability initiatives by fostering environmental stewardship, supporting sustainable practices in daily operations, and advancing a culture of ecological responsibility that aligns with our commitment to balance the needs of current generations not to compromise the needs of future generations.


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