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Reference Librarian Jobs in Missouri (NOW HIRING)

Washington University of St. Louis

$53K - $90K/yr

... librarian to join the Health Information Services team to create systematic review literature ... conduct reference interviews, and assist the department with adapting to changing technologies ...

Kansas City University

Library Assistant

Joplin, MO · On-site

Provides reference services (i.e., answers reference questions and locates requested information ... Medical library experience preferred * Strong working knowledge of managing and navigating ...

Columbia College

Lead Library Assistant

Columbia, MO · On-site

$18.50/hr

Provide general reference and circulation assistance, helping students effectively access library resources, technologies, and services. * Support Learning Commons services, assisting students with ...

Columbia College

Lead Library Assistant

Columbia, MO · On-site

$18.50/hr

Provide general reference and circulation assistance, helping students effectively access library resources, technologies, and services. * Support Learning Commons services, assisting students with ...

Columbia College

Lead Library Assistant

Columbia, MO · On-site

$18.50/hr

Provide general reference and circulation assistance, helping students effectively access library resources, technologies, and services. * Support Learning Commons services, assisting students with ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsReference Librarian JobsReference Librarian Jobs in Missouri

Reference Librarian information

See Missouri salary details

$24.4K

$58.2K

$94.3K

How much do reference librarian jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for reference librarian in Missouri is $58,209.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $46,400.00 and $68,000.00 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 Missouri?

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

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

What cities in Missouri are hiring for Reference Librarian jobs?

Cities in Missouri with the most Reference Librarian job openings:

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Reference Librarian jobs near you
Infographic showing various Reference Librarian job openings in Missouri as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $58,209 per year, or $28 per hour.

Librarian - Bernard Becker Medical Library

Washington University of St. Louis

On-site

$53K - $90K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 10 days ago

Washington University In St. Louis rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 127 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

213th of 631 rated colleges and universities

Job description

LocationST. LOUIS, MO 63110 Scheduled Hours37.5Position SummaryBernard Becker Medical Library seeks an engaging, enthusiastic librarian to join the Health Information Services team to create systematic review literature searches, provide instruction to medical students and other healthcare providers, conduct reference interviews, and assist the department with adapting to changing technologies, including AI tools. The ideal candidate values continuous learning and professional development and would excel working with a diverse community of medical students, faculty, staff, and healthcare providers.Job Description

Primary Duties & Responsibilities:

  • Creates search strategies for systematic reviews, scoping reviews, and other evidence synthesis projects.
  • Educates library users about using AI tools and other emerging technologies.
  • Consults with patrons about their information needs in-person, via email, and Zoom/Teams.
  • Develops literature searches for major biomedical databases, including PubMed, Ovid-Medline, and Embase.
  • Provides library instruction and evidence-based medicine sessions as part of the medical school curriculum, and as requested by other medical campus stakeholders.
  • Creates tutorials and other online content to instruct users about library services and resources.
  • Designs subject guides using the Libguides platform.
  • Collaborates with other librarians within Health Information Services and throughout Becker Medical Library.
  • Writes blog posts promoting library services and resources.
  • Represents the library at medical school orientations and events for students, faculty, and staff.
  • Recommends, develops, coordinates and presents programs to meet the needs of clients and staff.
  • Participates in library and university committees/projects to maintain effective library resources.

Working Conditions:

Job Location/Working Conditions

  • Normal office environment.
  • Ability to travel to various on- and off-campus locations.

Physical Effort

  • Typically sitting at a desk or a table.

Equipment

  • Office equipment.
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all job duties performed by the personnel so classified. Management reserves the right to revise or amend duties at any time.Required Qualifications

Education:

Master's degree


Certifications/Professional Licenses:

No specific certification/professional license is required for this position.


Work Experience:

No specific work experience is required for this position.


Skills:

Library Programming


Driver's License:

A driver's license is not required for this position.More About This JobWashU seeks highly motivated individuals who are able to perform duties in a manner consistent with our core mission and guiding principles.Preferred Qualifications

Education:

M.S. - Master of Science - Library Science


Certifications/Professional Licenses:

No additional certification/professional licenses unless stated elsewhere in the job posting.


Work Experience:

Library Technical Services In A Public, Academic, Or Special Library Setting (1 Year)

Skills:

Artificial Intelligence Technologies, EndNote, Library Science, Library Services, Medical Terminology, Oral Communications, Search Strategies, Systematic Literature Review, Systematic Reviews, Workflow Management, Written Communication, ZoteroGradeG11Salary Range$53,100.00 - $90,600.00 / AnnuallyThe salary range reflects base salaries paid for positions in a given job grade across the University. Individual rates within the range will be determined by factors including one's qualifications and performance, equity with others in the department, market rates for positions within the same grade and department budget.Questions

For frequently asked questions about the application process, please refer to our External Applicant FAQ.

Accommodation

If you are unable to use our online application system and would like an accommodation, please emailCandidateQuestions@wustl.eduor call the dedicated accommodation inquiry number at 314-935-1149 and leave a voicemail with the nature of your request.

All qualified individuals must be able to perform the essential functions of the position satisfactorily and, if requested, reasonable accommodations will be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their job, absent undue hardship.Pre-Employment ScreeningAll external candidates receiving an offer for employment will be required to submit to pre-employment screening for this position. The screenings will include criminal background check and, as applicable for the position, other background checks, drug screen, an employment and education or licensure/certification verification, physical examination, certain vaccinations and/or governmental registry checks. All offers are contingent upon successful completion of required screening.Benefits Statement

Personal

  • Up to 22 days of vacation, 10 recognized holidays, and sick time.

  • Competitive health insurance packages with priority appointments and lower copays/coinsurance.

  • Take advantage of our free Metro transit U-Pass for eligible employees.

  • WashU provides eligible employees with a defined contribution (403(b)) Retirement Savings Plan, which combines employee contributions and university contributions starting at 7%.

Wellness

  • Wellness challenges, annual health screenings, mental health resources, mindfulness programs and courses, employee assistance program (EAP), financial resources, access to dietitians, and more!

Family

  • We offer 4 weeks of caregiver leave to bond with your new child. Family care resources are also available for your continued childcare needs. Need adult care? We've got you covered.

  • WashU covers the cost of tuition for you and your family, including dependent undergraduate-level college tuition up to 100% at WashU and 40% elsewhere after seven years with us.

For policies, detailed benefits, and eligibility, please visit: https://hr.wustl.edu/benefits/

EEO StatementWashington University in St. Louis is committed to the principles and practices of equal employment opportunity. It is the University's policy to provide equal opportunity and access to persons in all job titles without regard to race, ethnicity, color, national origin, citizenship (where prohibited by federal law), age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information.

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About Washington University in St. Louis

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Washington University in St. Louis, often simply known as WashU, is a prestigious private research university in the United States. Headquartered in Saint Louis, Missouri, the university operates within the Education industry offering an array of undergraduate and postgraduate programs encompassing various areas like arts, sciences, business, design, medicine, and engineering. Established in 1853, the university has a storied past rooted in determination, resilience, and commitment to knowledge and innovation.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Saint Louis, MO, US

Year founded

1853

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