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Reference Librarian Jobs in Kentucky (NOW HIRING)

The California State University

$76 - $92/hr

Responsibilities Participate as a general reference librarian at the reference desk. Provide the ... entire range of in-person and online LibChat reference services, including some research ...

New

Lehighbar

$105 - $135/hr

Reference services and library service request triage * Library website administration (e.g. LibGuides, TDNet, SharePoint or other platforms) * Digital resource collection management (e.g. online ...

Stryker Corporation

$105 - $135/hr

Reference services and library service request triage * Library website administration (e.g. LibGuides, TDNet, SharePoint or other platforms) * Digital resource collection management (e.g. online ...

Kenton County School District

0.1 Library Media Specialist

KY · On-site

$43K - $57K/yr

Certificate endorsed for school librarian for appropriate position * Bachelors or Master's Degree ... Helps students to develop habits of independent reference work and to develop skills in the use of ...

The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine

Responsibilities include managing literature reviews and reference libraries, analyzing data, preparing background materials and reports, fact checking, and supporting committee activities. The ...

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All JobsReference Librarian JobsReference Librarian Jobs in Kentucky

Reference Librarian information

See Kentucky salary details

$22.6K

$53.9K

$87.3K

How much do reference librarian jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for reference librarian in Kentucky is $53,898.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $43,000.00 and $63,000.00 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.

More about Reference Librarian jobs

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

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

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

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

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

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

What cities in Kentucky are hiring for Reference Librarian jobs?

Cities in Kentucky with the most Reference Librarian job openings:

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

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Reference Librarian jobs near you
Infographic showing various Reference Librarian job openings in Kentucky as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $53,898 per year, or $25.9 per hour.

Evening and Weekend Reference Librarian

University of the Cumberlands

Williamsburg, KY • On-site, Remote

Part-time

Posted 9 days ago

University Of The Cumberlands rating

9.2

Company rating: 9.2 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

14th of 621 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Get Set for Cumberlands!
Join our team of student-focused individuals working together in order to encourage intellectual and spiritual growth, leadership and service.
CURRENT STUDENT or EMPLOYEE? Please log into Workday and use the Career Tile to find and apply to jobs from our internal career sites.
University of the Cumberlands seeks a Part-Time Evening and Weekend Reference Librarian to support the University Library's reference services in the evenings and on weekends. The Reference Librarian reports to the Director of the Library and provides reference assistance for students and faculty through phone and virtual communication and service channels. The Reference Librarian will also assist with developing and maintaining research guides and tutorials, resource sharing services, and submitting tickets for the Library's integrated library system and electronic databases when the systems librarian is unavailable. This is a remote position.
The University of the Cumberlands is a faith-based institution that welcomes students from all backgrounds. Its mission is to offer high-quality academic programs that empower its graduates to 'seek a life-more-abundant.'
Responsibilities:
  • Provide evening and weekend reference and research assistance to students and faculty through the Library's virtual communication and service channels.

  • Assist with the development, review, and maintenance of research guides, instructional materials, and library tutorials.

  • Provide library instruction and research support for courses and academic programs as needed.

  • Support resource-sharing services, including assisting with unresolved or unfilled requests.

  • Resolve library systems and electronic resource issues, including troubleshooting basic access problems and submitting or escalating support requests when appropriate.

  • Collaborate with library faculty and staff in problem-solving, service improvement, policy development, and other library initiatives.

  • Participate in library meetings, programs, projects, and services as appropriate for the position.

  • Maintain professional knowledge relevant to reference services, information literacy, academic libraries, and emerging library technologies.

  • Follow University policies and procedures.

  • Perform other duties as assigned.

Job Requirements:
Minimum Requirements:
  • MLS or equivalent degree from an ALA accredited program

  • Knowledgeable in providing reference services to students, faculty, and

  • Strong organizational, communication and interpersonal skills

  • Support the University's mission and adhere to employee policies

Preferred Requirements:
  • Familiarity with Springshare suite

  • Knowledgeable in use of current web authoring tools and standards

  • Knowledge of ILS systems, particularly Ex Libris

  • Experience with resource sharing/interlibrary loan

  • Knowledge of current library reference trends and a commitment to learn innovative trends in library reference provision

Cumberlands is different by design. Our employees exemplify our motto in the pursuit of a
"life-more-abundant."

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