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Reference Librarian Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

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Reference Librarian information

See Indiana salary details

$24.7K

$59.1K

$95.6K

How much do reference librarian jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 10, 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 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 Indiana? The most popular types of Reference Librarian jobs in Indiana are:
What are popular job titles related to Reference Librarian jobs in Indiana? For Reference Librarian jobs in Indiana, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Reference Librarian jobs in Indiana look for? The top searched job categories for Reference Librarian jobs in Indiana are:
What are popular job titles related to Reference Librarian jobs in IN? For Reference Librarian jobs in IN, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Reference Librarian job openings in Indiana 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 $59,051 per year, or $28.4 per hour.

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Retirement, PTO

Posted 26 days ago


Job description

Position Details
Title Research Data Librarian Appointment Status Tenure Track Department IU Indianapolis University Library Location Indianapolis Position Summary
IU Indianapolis University Library seeks a Research Data Librarian to join the Center for Digital Scholarship.
Reporting to the Director of the Center for Digital Scholarship, this position collaborates with library colleagues, faculty, and Indiana University partners to support research data management, sharing, discovery, and responsible use across the research lifecycle. The librarian advances institutional research priorities related to open scholarship, compliance, and research impact services. The position contributes to the research information management work of the Center and the strategic priorities of the University Library.

Responsibilities

  • Provide consultations on research data management, including data management plans, metadata, storage, sharing, preservation, and repository selection.
  • Support researchers in meeting funder, publisher, and institutional requirements for data sharing and public access.
  • Assist researchers with qualitative and quantitative data discovery and use.
  • Contribute to the development and promotion of research data services, repositories, and data discovery systems.
  • Assist with the ingestion, curation, and management of datasets within an institutional repository.
  • Design and deliver workshops on research data management, data sharing, discovery, and research metrics.
  • Develop and implement outreach strategies for data and research information services.
  • Promote the responsible use of research data, including AI-related considerations.
  • Support faculty and administrators in interpreting research impact data for reporting and planning.
  • Collaborate with liaison librarians and campus partners to integrate research impact and data services into faculty support programs.
  • Advance open scholarship and responsible research practices through participation in library and university initiatives.

About Indiana University Indianapolis and University Library
IU Indianapolis is an urban-serving institution with a mission and a vision focused on both diversity and community engagement. University Library is a Power of Libraries award winner and home to numerous award-winning professionals.

University Library is looking for librarians who will support our commitment to engage with the wider educational community and whose research, teaching, and community engagement efforts are inclusive of the rich diversity of our campus and our city.

Compensation and Application
Minimum salary is $58,000, with additional funding for professional development and travel. Benefits include 22 vacation days, 10 paid holidays, health/dental insurance options, and retirement contributions of 10% to a Fidelity Investments retirement plan. A start-up package includes $10,000 for moving and ongoing professional development expenses.
Basic Qualifications

Required Qualifications

  • Master's degree from an ALA-accredited Library and Information Science program or equivalent graduate degree.
  • Interest in research data management, sharing, and reuse.
  • Experience or interest in supporting faculty and student researchers.
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills.
  • Ability to adapt to evolving research practices and technologies.
  • Strong library reference interview and database search skills.
  • Knowledge of the higher education research environment, preferably in the social sciences, sciences, or biomedical fields.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Project management and cross-functional collaboration experience.
  • Experience supporting a research team or lab with qualitative and/or quantitative research methods.
  • Experience with FAIR, CARE, and best practices in data curation.
  • Experience with research data repositories, metadata, or data discovery systems.
  • Familiarity with reproducible research workflows and scholarly communication issues.
Department Contact for Questions
Shauna Winter, HR Business Partner
shwint@iu.edu
Additional Qualifications Salary and Rank Special Instructions For Best Consideration Date 08/10/2026 Expected Start Date Posting Number IU-101609-2026