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Reference Librarian Jobs in Oregon (NOW HIRING)

Assists a professional librarian in carrying out the programs of a division of the library; and may ... Staffs public service desks and provides readers advisory, reference services, and technology and ...

Library Intern

Happy Valley, OR ยท On-site

$16.80/hr

The Happy Valley Library serves more than 25,000 visitors and circulates almost 60,000 books each ... Pre-Employment Requirements Reference Check Background Check How to Apply To be considered for this ...

Library Intern

Happy Valley, OR ยท On-site

$16.80/hr

Library Happy Valley, OR Job Type: Limited Duration (Temporary) Job Number: 26-003 Department ... Reference Check * Background Check How to Apply To be considered for this employment opportunity ...

Assistant Library Director

The Dalles, OR ยท On-site

$80K - $98K/yr

Experience with reference, reader's advisory, technology, and social media. * Bachelor's degree in Library Science, Education, Communications, Public Administration, Social Sciences, Humanities, or a ...

Develop and deliver technical enablement resources (code samples, reference architectures ... Experience with NVIDIA libraries and models (CUDA-X, Omniverse, OpenUSD, RTX, Isaac, PhysicsNeMo ...

Showing results 21-40

Reference Librarian information

See Oregon salary details

$27.5K

$65.6K

$106.3K

How much do reference librarian jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for reference librarian in Oregon is $65,611.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $52,300.00 and $76,700.00 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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

What cities in Oregon are hiring for Reference Librarian jobs?

Cities in Oregon with the most Reference Librarian job openings:

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

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

Infographic showing various Reference Librarian job openings in Oregon as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 76% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $65,611 per year, or $31.5 per hour.

Library Assistant (24 Hour)

City of Albany

Albany, OR โ€ข On-site

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

This job post hasย expired 3 days ago.ย Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

General Description The Albany Public Library is seeking an energetic and friendly part-time (24 hours per week) Library Assistant to join our staff. Attention to detail is a must, as is a love for customer service and helping patrons. Always wondered what folks do when they're not at the checkout desks.

Here's your chance to see all the work that goes on behind the scenes, and to be part of the awesome team that makes our library a great place to be and work. *This position will work at both the Main Library and the Carnegie Library with local travel required between the two branches. Weekend and evening shifts are required.

* ***You are required to include both a resume and cover letter indicating how your qualifications and experience have prepared you for this position. Applications not including both a resume and cover letter will be considered incomplete and will be disqualified. *** Benefits include: Excellent medical, vision, and dental benefit package for the employee and qualified family members at a pro-rated cost to the employee.

City-paid contribution to a VEBA Trust account for out-of-pocket healthcare expenses. Currently, the annual contribution is $1,000 for employee-only and $2,000 for employee plus dependent(s). Paid time off: Pro-rated vacation leave per month, with progressive increases Pro-rated sick leave per month Paid holidays with additional "floating holiday" pay Excellent retirement benefits City-paid participation in the Oregon Public Employee Retirement System (OPSRP and IAP) City-paid contribution into pre-tax deferred compensation plan In addition, other benefits such as education reimbursement, employee assistance program, basic life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, and flexible spending accounts for healthcare and childcare expenses.

Essential Functions/Duties & Responsibilities GENERAL PURPOSE This position performs a variety of library duties of a para-professional or routine nature including providing information services to library patrons and clerical and manual work in processing, classifying, and cataloging library materials. ESSENTIAL JOB TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES The duties listed are intended only as illustrative examples of the various types of work that may be performed by individuals in this classification. Any of the following duties may be performed.

These examples are not necessarily performed by all incumbents and do not include all specific essential functions and responsibilities the incumbent may be expected to perform. Assists with all circulation-related functions, including determining eligibility and issuing library cards; modifying patron records; checking materials in and out of the library; handling monetary payments for fines and replacements; resolving issues with patron accounts; explaining library services; participating in opening and closing procedures. Assists a professional librarian in carrying out the programs of a division of the library; and may plan and conduct the program of a division of the library as delegated by a professional librarian.

Drafts, edits, designs, and prepares materials to share with the community and make library resources and activities more accessible. May include the following: news releases; newsletters; signs; flyers for the public; grant request/applications; webpage design; and social media posts. Staffs public service desks and provides readers advisory, reference services, and technology and directional help; assists with study room reservations; schedules appointments; and answers questions about library policy, in person and via phone, email, or other mode of communication.

Provide instruction on basic computer and internet usage, as well as devices such as smartphones, e-readers, and tablets; describe and/or demonstrate procedures for searching the online catalog and using library databases online. Assist patrons with job searching and resume building. Assist patrons with using public printers, scanner, copier, typewriter, and microfiche.

Maintain day-to-day statistics for assigned library department. Maintains basic equipment (copy machine, micro fiche, printers, computers); straightens and shelves materials in assigned library areas. Participates in community outreach, promoting and providing library services outside of library buildings.

Plans and sets up library displays, such as themed book displays, or window displays. Provides technical services support by reviewing materials to be classified and determining subject matter; copy cataloging; and physically processing library materials (apply barcodes, stamps, etc.). Assists in maintaining a tidy and visually appealing environment by straightening furniture, clearing tables, gathering materials, and picking up toys in public spaces

Assists with Interlibrary Loan (ILL), including accepting and processing requests using ILL management system; communicating with other libraries and ILL patrons; and collecting and reporting statistics on ILL usage. Coordinates exam proctoring service; corresponds with students and schools/universities through email and phone calls; ensuring students have library cards; prepares all exam information before proctoring appointments so that other staff members are able proctor exams as well; acts as an exam proctor. Monitors and addresses code of conduct and library policy issues in assigned library area.

Represents the City of Albany by responding to the public, citizens, its employees, and others in a prompt, professional, and courteous manner while continuously maintaining a positive customer service demeanor. Regards everyone, internal and external, as a customer and deliver the best service possible in a respectful and patient manner. Works to create a high-performance work culture by demonstrating a positive attitude and modeling the City's mission, vision, and values.

Conducts self with high integrity, proactive in conserving City resources, and seeks and incorporates customer feedback for ongoing performance improvement. Demonstrates continuous effort to improve operations, decrease turnaround times, streamline work processes, and work cooperatively and jointly to provide quality customer service. Serves as a member of various City committees as assigned.

Assists other staff in the performance of their duties as assigned and may provide training and orientation to new assigned personnel. Maintains regular job attendance and adherence to working hours. Adheres to appropriate attire, grooming, and hygiene standards established for the position.

Operates a motor vehicle safely and legally. Performs other related duties as required/assigned. Supervision/Lead Work Exercised Works under the supervision of the Supervising Librarian or at the direction of designated Librarian I or II employees.

This is a non-supervisory position. Lead work/coordination of work of others is not a typical function assigned to this position. Incumbents in this position will provide training and orientation to newly assigned personnel.

Qualifications & Requirements EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE An associate degree in library science, liberal arts, education, or a closely related field; and one year of library or customer service experience; Or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES Knowledge of: Principles and practices of modern library systems and programs; library circulation or processing techniques; library classification systems; and basic office procedures. Skill in: Operation of tools and equipment listed; and performance of technical library tasks.

Ability to: Use tact and courtesy in interactions with a diverse group of patrons and staff; maintain patron privacy; accurately maintain library filing systems; communicate effectively, verbally and in writing; understand and carry out written and oral instructions; establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, other departments, and the public; operate computers for data entry. SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS Possession of or ability to obtain a valid Oregon driver's license and a driving record that meets the City's driving standards. The individual shall not pose a direct threat to the health or safety of themselves or others.

WORK ENVIRONMENT In the performance of the job duties, the employee will be working primarily in public spaces or in an office environment under usual office working conditions. Work may also be performed in meeting settings in offices or conference rooms. The noise level in the office area is typical of most office environments, with telephones, personal interruptions, and background noises.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS The factors described herein are representative of, but not all-inclusive of, those that must be met by an individual to successfully perform the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Detailed information may be available in a supplemental Job Task Analysis document.

The physical demands of this position typically include: prolonged sitting at a desk, frequent use of a computer keyboard and mouse, frequent standing and walking to retrieve documents or speak with customers or colleagues, lifting and carrying objects like books, files or paperwork, lifting items from floor to overhead, shelving books, pushing book carts, and the ability to reach and manipulate objects at various levels while seated; this role generally requires minimal physical exertion beyond basic office tasks. The work is light work which requires exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force to move objects. TOOLS & EQUIPMENT USED In the performance of job duties, the employee may use the following tools and/or equipment: multi-line phone system; computer and associated software; copy and fax machines; scanner and other related tools and equipment.

Safety Equipment: Develops safe work habits and contributes to the safety of self, co-workers, and the public. _______________________________________ The City of Albany is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity in its workforce. Women, minorities, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply for City positions.

Please notify the Human Resources Department if you need any reasonable accommodation or assistance with any part of our application and screening process. Hearing impaired individuals needing assistance can call the Oregon Relay Service at 800-735-2900 and provide them this phone number: 541-917-7509. All other applications are only accepted online through our vendor, NEOGOV.