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Reference Librarian Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

Indiana University

Assistant Librarian

Bloomington, IN · On-site

Participates in a team approach to providing prompt and effective reference, consultation, and ... Advocates and promotes the value of library instruction services within the institution. Promotion ...

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Reference Librarian information

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$24.7K

$59.1K

$95.6K

How much do reference librarian jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for reference librarian in Indiana is $59,051.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $47,100.00 and $69,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are reference librarians?

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.

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.

More about Reference Librarian jobs
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Reference Librarian jobs near you

Assistant Librarian: Reference Archivist/Curator

Indiana University Academic Positions

Kokomo, IN

Other

Posted 25 days ago

Job description

Position Details
Title Assistant Librarian: Reference Archivist/Curator Appointment Status Tenure Track Department IU Northwest Library Location Northwest Position Summary
The Assistant Librarian with the additional title as Reference Archivist/Curator is a 12-month, tenure-track position reporting to the Executive Director of Library Services. This position is responsible for advancing the mission of the IU Northwest Archives & Special Collections. The successful candidate will provide high-quality reference support and services to students, faculty, researchers, and community members. They will cultivate and sustain partnerships and donor relations both locally and abroad through outreach efforts, and develop exhibitions, displays, and public-facing projects that highlight the richness of our collections and the history of the Calumet Region. Working closely alongside the Digital Processing Archivist and library faculty, they will work to ensure seamless operations across public services, archival operations, and collection stewardship. This position has liaison responsibilities to academic departments, teaches information literacy sessions, general library reference duties, and participates in collection development activities for the library.
Responsibilities
  1. Serves as lead for archival reference services and inquiries, offering research support, contextual information, and patron assistance for campus and community users, and additionally provides general research assistance to Anderson Library patrons.
  2. Coordinates archival research appointments; and ensures timely, high-quality patron services.
  3. Conducts archival community engagement and donor relations, cultivating partnerships with local organizations, historical societies, and regional stakeholders to strengthen the Archives' role in Northwest Indiana.
  4. Works in tandem with the Digital Processing Archivist to meet the needs of the Archives through coordinated communication, shared documentation, and support for repository and its daily functions.
  5. Develops and implements public programs, including exhibits, displays, workshops, digital storytelling projects, and historical instructional sessions for community groups, and provides library tours and orientations.
  6. Provides historical expertise and contextualization for campus initiatives, faculty projects, public inquiries, and collaborative community efforts involving regional history, and contributes to general library instruction sessions as needed.
  7. Strengthens the visibility and relevance of the Archives, elevating awareness of collections through outreach strategies, marketing collaboration, social media storytelling, and campus/community engagement.
  8. Works collaboratively with library faculty and staff to align archival services with student success, campus engagement, and community-focused goals, and provides weekly support through reference and chat services.
  9. Provides joint supervision and mentorship of student workers and interns in collaboration with the Digital Processing Archivist, assisting in training them on archival tasks, reference procedures, scanning workflows, and related project work.
  10. Some evenings and weekends as required. Other duties as assigned.
ABOUT THE JOHN W. ANDERSON LIBRARY

The John W. Anderson Library serves a diverse population and is seeking applicants with excellent communication skills, previous reference experience and the ability to work well with various populations. The John W. Anderson Library serves undergraduate and graduate students and Indiana community residents.
The Library provides access to multiple information sources and services in support of student learning, faculty research, and community engagement. The library houses a collection of nearly half a million books and 200,000 government publications. The library has access to 350 online abstract or full-text journal databases, an online catalog of all IU libraries, online catalogs of local public and university libraries, 50,000 electronic journals, 230,000 e-books and audio books, online encyclopedias, and biography and statistical databases.
The Indiana University Northwest John W. Anderson Library is part of a nine-campus system. Through the Library, students have access to the 7 million volumes and 25 million other materials of the other IU libraries. Books and journal articles in Bloomington, Indianapolis and other regional campus libraries can be obtained quickly for students and faculty through the IU Northwest Library Interlibrary Loan Office.
ABOUT INDIANA UNIVERSITY NORTHWEST

One of nine campuses of Indiana University, IU Northwest is located in metropolitan Northwest Indiana, approximately 30 miles southeast of Chicago and 10 miles from the Indiana Dunes National Park. The campus has a student population of approximately 3,200 degree-seeking students and more than 30,000 alumni, most of whom remain in the Northwest Indiana region, and has been recognized by the Department of Education as a minority and Hispanic serving institution. The campus offers Associate, Baccalaureate, and Master's degrees from the College of Arts and Sciences, the College of Health and Human Services, the School of Business and Economics, the School of the Arts, and the School of Education. The campus is also home to IU School of Medicine-Northwest-Gary, the region's only four-year medical doctorate program. As a student-centered campus, IU Northwest is committed to academic excellence characterized by a love of ideas and achievement in learning, discovery, creativity, research and community engagement.
Indiana University is an equal opportunity employer and provider of ADA services and prohibits discrimination in hiring.
Basic Qualifications
Required:

  • ALA-accredited M.L.S. or M.A. U.S. History, Archival Studies or Preservation Management
  • Minimum of two years experience in archives, manuscripts repository, or special collections
  • Knowledge of current and emerging trends, issues, workflows, and best practices in an archival environment
  • Basic knowledge of archival preservation and techniques
  • Good interpersonal skills
  • Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team environment, and to provide high-quality service to students and patrons
  • Ability to meet the requirements of a tenure-track appointment by exhibiting excellence in job performance and satisfactory performance in professional development/research and service
  • Formal training in archival theory and best practices
  • Experience in teaching information literacy and one-on-one instruction.

Preferred:

  • Knowledge of Northwest Indiana/ Calumet area history
  • Experience with community outreach, communications, or media creation (such as social media management, digital storytelling, or public-facing content)
  • Knowledge of archival restoration, repair, and stabilization techniques.
  • Experience in creating or installing physical displays or museum exhibits
  • Knowledge of American history and historiography
  • Academy of Certified Archivists certification
  • Experience with grant-seeking and fundraising opportunities.
Department Contact for Questions
Questions regarding the position or application process can be directed to the search committee chair: Nicholas A. Casas, Assistant Librarian for Teaching & Learning, John W. Anderson Library IU Northwest Library Services, 3400 Broadway, Gary, IN 46408, ncasas@iu.edu

Additional Qualifications
All candidates must be eligible to work in the United States as of the position start date. The department is unable to sponsor visas for this position. For questions about work eligibility, the search committee can connect you with the IU Office of International Services.
Salary and Rank Salary is commensurate with experience and education. Special Instructions
Interested candidates should review and complete the online applications that require uploading: 1) curriculum vitae; 2) letter of application; 3) statement of librarianship philosophy (listed as other); and (4) list of three references with contact information to include mailing address, e-mail address, and telephone numbers at https://indiana.peopleadmin.com/postings/32718
Review date begins May 15, 2026: (Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee).

Final date: May 29, 2026: Applications will continue to be accepted until this date, but those received after the review date will only be considered if the position has not yet been filled.
For Best Consideration Date Expected Start Date 07/01/2026 Posting Number IU-101536-2026

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