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Reference Librarian Jobs in Kansas (NOW HIRING)

Washburn University

Instructional Librarian

Topeka, KS · On-site

The Instructional Librarian provides general and virtual information, research, and reference services, plans, teaches and assesses information literacy instruction in collaboration with the ...

New

Pittsburg State University

Library Aide

Pittsburg, KS · On-site

$15/hr

Provide reference and customer service duties in support of student success and faculty scholarly ... Librarian or the Dean of Library Services. * Collaborate with colleagues and customers in an ...

Pittsburg State University

Library Aide

Pittsburg, KS · On-site

$15/hr

Provide reference and customer service duties in support of student success and faculty scholarly ... Librarian or the Dean of Library Services. * Collaborate with colleagues and customers in an ...

Colby Community College

Library Associate

Colby, KS · On-site

$19.50/hr

... reference, and resources access. * Provide frontline customer service by greeting patrons ... Support interlibrary loan requests, catalog maintenance, and database access under librarian ...

TeamHealth

Hospitalist job in Topeka KS

Topeka, KS · On-site

... reference library) - Free access to Medtigo for ACLS, BLS, and PALS recertification - No Non-Compete Clause: Allows full professional flexibility - Schedule-Based Time Off: No PTO accrual due to the ...

Edphysician

Nocturnist in Topeka, KS

Topeka, KS · On-site

$190 - $230/hr

... reference library) - Free access to Medtigo for ACLS, BLS, and PALS recertification - No Non-Compete Clause: Allows full professional flexibility - Schedule-Based Time Off: No PTO accrual due to the ...

TeamHealth

Nocturnist in Topeka, KS

Topeka, KS · On-site

... reference library) - Free access to Medtigo for ACLS, BLS, and PALS recertification - No Non-Compete Clause: Allows full professional flexibility - Schedule-Based Time Off: No PTO accrual due to the ...

City of Wichita, KS

Clerk - Rockwell (pt)

Wichita, KS · On-site

$14.86 - $21/hr

Provide information to customers about library and community partner services and resources. * Provide reader's advisory and reference assistance to all ages * Other miscellaneous duties as assigned ...

City of Wichita

Clerk - Rockwell (pt)

Wichita, KS · On-site

$14.86 - $36/hr

... library and community partner services and resources. Provide reader's advisory and reference assistance to all ages Other miscellaneous duties as assigned by supervisor These examples are not ...

Kaizen Lab Inc.

Director of Nursing (RN)

Wichita, KS · On-site

$100 - $130/hr

Maintains a reference library of written nursingmaterials (Regulations, Standards of Practice, Training, etc.) that will assistthe nursing department in meeting the day-to-day needs of the residents.

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Reference Librarian information

See Kansas salary details

$23.2K

$55.3K

$89.6K

How much do reference librarian jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for reference librarian in Kansas is $55,345.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $44,100.00 and $64,700.00 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.

More about Reference Librarian jobs

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Reference Librarian jobs near you
Infographic showing various Reference Librarian job openings in Kansas as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $55,345 per year, or $26.6 per hour.

Instruction and Research Librarian at Columbia University Libraries

METRO | 599

Independence, KS • On-site

$50 - $70/hr

Other

Posted 5 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Coordinate research consultations and provide research-support to students and faculty.

  • Contribute as an instructor to library teaching partnerships, workshops, and curriculum-related instruction.

  • Promote engagement with library services through outreach, serve as a liaison to academic departments, and participate in committee work.

Job description

The Instruction and Research Librarian in the Libraries’ Humanities and History unit fosters information literacy and critical research skills among students and faculty through an interdisciplinary and liberal arts-based approach to teaching, learning, and research support.

Reporting to the Head of Humanities & History, the Librarian provides programmatic instruction, research consultations, and other learning-support services designed to produce the literacies and habits of mind required for research and scholarship in a contemporary information environment. The Librarian is responsible for sustainable in-person, online, and asynchronous services for all University constituencies but especially for undergraduates and master’s students. As part of the Humanities & History (H&H) team, the Librarian participates in front-line reference services and is the coordinator of H&H’s consultation services.

This position works closely with the Teaching and Undergraduate Services Librarian and other public-service staff—as well as colleagues in the Center for Teaching and Learning (CTL) and academic partners across campus. As assigned, the Librarian serves as a liaison to specific academic departments and research centers and, as appropriate, acquires research materials in selected disciplinary and interdisciplinary subjects.

Key Responsibilities

Instruction, Consultations, and Reference

  • Coordinate research consultations on behalf of the Humanities & History unit.
  • Contribute as an instructor to the Libraries’ teaching partnerships, including those for the Writing Program and other Core Curriculum courses, as well as the Libraries’ general library workshops.
  • Provide regular consultations and research-support to students and faculty through one-on-one research appointments and contributions to the Libraries’ references services (including the in-person Butler help desk and the Ask a Librarian chat-reference service).

Outreach and Liaison Duties

  • Promote engagement with library services through strategic partnerships with academic departments and centers.
  • Participate in selected orientation and welcome events.
  • As assigned, serve as a liaison to specific departments and/or centers.

Committee Work

  • Contribute to Libraries and University committees, task forces, and related initiatives to enhance and promote library services.

Professional Development

  • Keep up with evolving scholarly and professional trends, especially those pertinent to teaching, learning assessment, and service design.
  • Represent Columbia University Libraries in local and national forums to develop professionally and promote the Libraries’ work and goals.
Qualifications

Required

  • An ALA-accredited Master’s of Library Science or a relevant graduate degree and professional experience
  • Familiarity with the work and mission of a contemporary academic research library
  • Formal or informal experience teaching in an academic setting; knowledge of pedagogical methods and trends in higher education
  • Demonstrated familiarity with a range of relevant research tools and environments
  • Strong public service ethos and commitment to providing inclusive and equitable services
  • Demonstrated organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills

Preferred

  • Experience as a liaison librarian
  • Second advanced degree (e.g., master’s, Ph.D.) in a relevant field
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