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Reference Librarian Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

Library Aide

Appleton, MN ยท On-site

$19.38/hr

We are currently seeking a Library Aide who has a passion for providing the highest quality care in ... Search catalog files, biographical dictionaries and indexes, and examines content of reference ...

Library Aide

Appleton, MN

$13.75 - $16.50/hr

We are currently seeking a Library Aide who has a passion for providing the highest quality care in ... Search catalog files, biographical dictionaries and indexes, and examines content of reference ...

Library Assistant

Saint Francis, MN ยท On-site

$20.19 - $26.25/hr

Provide reference, information and material loan services to patrons of the library. * Place and track orders. * Work closely with library employees providing assistance in processing and fulfilling ...

Library Technicians are instrumental in helping further the goals of the Library and College within ... Employees) reference Classified Agreement o Starts at 8 hours of vacation leave per month ...

New

Volunteer Reading Bridge Mentor The library utilizes volunteers in a number of ways to fulfill our ... reference the posting title and number. If you have questions about the hiring process, please ...

Create new and updated content reference library for quick and accurate product information. * Establish and maintain a professional, responsive relationship with all Graco customers, distributors ...

Create new and updated content reference library for quick and accurate product information. * Establish and maintain a professional, responsive relationship with all Graco customers, distributors ...

Showing results 21-40

Reference Librarian information

See Minnesota salary details

$25.5K

$60.8K

$98.4K

How much do reference librarian jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average yearly pay for reference librarian in Minnesota is $60,779.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $48,500.00 and $71,000.00 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 Minnesota?

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

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

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

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

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

What cities in Minnesota are hiring for Reference Librarian jobs?

Cities in Minnesota with the most Reference Librarian job openings:

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

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

Infographic showing various Reference Librarian job openings in Minnesota as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 6% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $60,779 per year, or $29.2 per hour.

AY Norseman Band Student Ensemble Librarian (WS-ST2)

St. Olaf College

Northfield, MN โ€ข On-site

$12 - $13/hr

Part-time

Posted 19 days ago


Job description

Job Title: Student Ensemble Librarian (WS-ST2)

Classification: Student Employee (non-exempt)

Name and Address of Employer: St. Olaf College, 1520 St. Olaf Ave, Northfield, MN 55057

Department Name: Music Organizations

Unit Number (5 digits): 11230

Length of Position: See Employment Authorizationย ย 

Contact Person/Supervisor: Ensemble Librarian (x3898)

Wage Range: $12.00-13.00/hour

Description of the Position: (Purpose of the Position):ย 

The Student Ensemble Librarian serves as a liaison between an ensemble of which they are a member, helping to provide music (i.e.: choral octavos and/or instrumental parts) for rehearsals and performances. In addition to the immediate task of providing music upon conductors' requests, the Student Ensemble Librarian assists their supervisor with collection maintenance, inventory, and other long-term projects as assigned.

Transferable Skills:ย 

  • Attention to detail

  • Proficiency with copier/printer machines

  • Collaboration

  • Communication

Duties and Responsibilities:ย 

  • Music preparation, distribution to, and collection from performance ensembles (choral, orchestral or band)

  • Collection maintenance duties (includes ongoing project of re-inventorying band and orchestral sets and scores)

  • Assistance with "weeding" project (selecting and removing titles for withdrawal)

  • Miscellaneous duties including score/part repair, barcoding of choral music, general clean-up and organization in both the choral and band/orchestra library spaces, etc.

  • ย Contributing to several long-term digitization projects including digitization of manuscript choral music collection and digitization of choral reference scores


ย 

Qualifications: (Education/Experience/Skills)ย 

  • Music-specific:

  • Must be a member of an ensemble (ideally the ensemble(s) which the specific librarian position represents)

  • Ability to read music

  • Proficiency with score-readingย 

  • Proficiency with part transposition

  • Experience making parts and managing difficult page turns (ideal, but not required)


  • General:

  • Communication skillsย 

  • Ability to focus and be productive in a high-traffic work environmentย 

  • Capacity to successfully complete tasks independently, with little supervisionย 

  • Ability to collaborate and interact well with staff members on large projects

  • Ability to stay positive under stress

  • Ability to work independently


ย 

Physical and Environmental Factors:

This position requires crouching, reaching overhead, grasping/handling, pushing/pulling, lifting and carrying objects up to 20 lbs., and repetitive motions to perform the essential functions. It also requires exposure to heights or cramped quarters to perform the essential functions. Candidates must possess the ability to safely perform the physical work required of all duties with or without reasonable accommodation.

This job description is for general information purposes.ย  It is not intended to list all duties and responsibilities of the position.ย  This job description is subject to change at any time by St. Olaf College, with or without prior notice.


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