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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 24, 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 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 You help the library evaluate and develop their reference collection by selecting new sources and removing outdated materials.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 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, 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $59,051 per year, or $28.4 per hour.

Library Assistant I (part-time) - Adult Services

Crawfordsville District Public Library

Crawfordsville, IN โ€ข On-site

$15/hr

Part-time

Posted 27 days ago


Job description

Description: CDPL is looking for an energetic, customer service-oriented individual for our Adult Services Department, which provides library collections, programs, and services for adults, including local history and genealogy. The person in this position will assist library users to locate materials and answer their questions; assist in the use of online resources and department technology/equipment; create and present library programs; shelve materials; and create displays.
Education/Experience: Bachelor's degree required; at least one year of library experience highly preferred; high degree of computer literacy with working knowledge of computers and mobile devices; experience with video content creation a plus; eligible to obtain Librarian Certificate LC6 or higher.
Schedule: 15-20 hours/week; days with some evenings and weekends.
How to apply: Apply online at https://cdpl.bamboohr.com/careers/63.
Deadline to apply: Open until filled, but applications submitted before August 11, 2026, will receive first consideration. No phone calls, please.
Crawfordsville District Public Library is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Job Description
Job Title: Library Assistant I
Job Classification: Class 11
Branch/Department: Adult Services Department
Location: Crawfordsville District Public Library
Employment status: Part-time
FLSA Status: Non-exempt
Summary: The Library Assistant I assists library users to locate materials and use the public computers, answers patron questions; assists in the use of online resources; creates and presents library programs; shelves materials; and creates displays.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
  • Assists patrons with access to and use of the library collections
    • Assists patrons in the use of the library catalog and to locate materials on the shelves
    • Performs basic reader's advisory, including assisting to create thematic displays of collection items
    • Assists patrons with basic local history and genealogy research
    • Provides patrons with basic information on how to access the library's digital offerings
    • Contributes articles on various topics to library newspaper columns on an occasional basis
  • Provides programming for adults
    • Conducts occasional, simple in-person and virtual adult programming
    • Assists patrons to register for library programs and events
    • Assists colleagues with preparations for programming
  • Maintains collection shelving order and appearance of shelves
    • Sorts and shelves materials efficiently and accurately
    • Performs shelf reading and straightens items on shelves
  • Assists patrons with other aspects of the library or community information
    • Answers reference, directional, and community referral questions
    • Assists and educates patrons in the use of the computers, microfilm machines, and mobile devices available in the Adult Services Department
    • Provides patrons with directional information and community referrals
    • Assists patrons in the use of the photocopier and wireless printing
  • Performs other tasks to assist with the smooth running of the department
    • Greets patrons in a friendly manner
    • Handles and records monetary transactions using internal control procedures
    • Creates or contributes to documents such as bibliographies, statistical reports, registration and attendance sheets
    • Performs opening and closing duties
    • Performs light copy machine, computer, and printer maintenance
    • Handles departmental problems in absence of senior staff
    • Observes and implements Library Board policies and procedures
    • Assists to change and maintain aesthetics and appearance of the second floor
    • Performs other related duties as assigned

Education and Experience Requirements
  • Bachelor's degree
  • At least one year of library experience highly preferred
  • High degree of computer literacy with working knowledge of computers and mobile devices
  • Experience with video content creation a plus

Job Skills and Knowledge Requirements
  • Ability to pleasantly and effectively communicate with patrons and staff by listening carefully and responding with clarity
  • Detail-oriented with strong organizational skills and the ability to multi-task
  • Excellent communication skills, oral and written
  • Knowledgeable about the Internet and computer software
  • Ability to maintain patience and a sense of humor while working with a wide variety of patrons
  • Comfortable with computers and proficient in Microsoft Office suite; Google Workspace and Canva experience a plus
  • Ability to maintain an atmosphere conducive for job productivity
  • Ability to handle stressful situations and varying workloads
  • Exercises a professional level of telephone courtesy and etiquette
  • Ability to alphabetize and organize in numerical order
  • Ability to handle money
  • Possesses a clear understanding of the Dewey Decimal System
  • Fluency in a language other than English, particularly Spanish or American Sign Language, is a plus
  • Cooperative spirit, reliability, enthusiasm, friendliness, energy, resourcefulness, initiative, tact, good judgment, and a sense of humor are essential

Special Necessary Requirement
  • Employment contingent on acceptable results of a background check

Certification
  • Library Certification LC6 - ability to attain within three years of hire and maintain

Contact
  • Regular, daily contact with the public
  • Regular, daily work with other department personnel
  • Occasional work with personnel from other departments
  • Routine telephone contact with other library personnel and patrons

Supervision
  • Supervised by the Adult Services Department Manager
  • No supervisory duties

Technical Competencies
  • Conducts routine database and Internet searches
  • Performs data entry and basic word processing
  • Performs basic photocopier functions
  • Demonstrates a working knowledge of computers and mobile devices
  • Demonstrates a working knowledge of how to install and use library apps
  • Performs basic tasks in publishing, presentation, and/or graphic design software
  • Performs basic video creation tasks
  • Performs basic computer hardware assistance
  • Provides basic computer software assistance

Physical Demands
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential duties and responsibilities of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties and responsibilities.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee routinely:
  • Performs tasks that require the ability to walk, sit, talk and hear
  • Uses hands to operate and use objects, tools and controls
  • Performs bending, squatting, stooping, kneeling and reaching from floor level to 6 feet in height
  • Performs routine lifting of materials weighing up to 30 pounds
  • Performs routine lifting, pushing, and/or positioning of larger items, such as tables, chairs, book carts, and technology carts
  • Performs uninterrupted standing and walking for lengthy periods

Schedule
  • Typically works up to 20 hours weekly, including daytime, evening, and weekend hours as necessary to accommodate service needs
  • Includes one or more evenings a week and at least one weekend rotation (one Saturday and Sunday) a month

Working Environment
  • Primarily indoors with heating and cooling regulated in a general library environment
  • Participation in special library or community events may occur outdoors in a non-controlled environment
  • Hazards are infrequent but may include: dust, mildew