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Reference Librarian Jobs in Utah (NOW HIRING)

Highland Jr High

Library Staff Assistant

Ogden, UT · On-site

Give students direction in using the Dewey Decimal system, alphabetical and numerical systems, and other forms of reference material, as well as Utah's Online Library. * Provide instruction for ...

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Reference Librarian information

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$23.7K

$56.5K

$91.5K

How much do reference librarian jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for reference librarian in Utah is $56,494.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $45,100.00 and $66,000.00 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 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 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 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.

How much do reference librarians make?

Reference librarians typically earn a median annual salary of around $60,000, with salaries ranging from approximately $40,000 to $80,000 depending on experience, education, and location. Salaries may also vary based on the type of library and additional certifications held.

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.

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Reference Librarian jobs near you
Infographic showing various Reference Librarian job openings in Utah as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 75% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $56,494 per year, or $27.2 per hour.

Head of Reference and Instruction Services Librarian

University of Utah

Salt Lake City, UT • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 3 hours ago

University Of Utah rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 159 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

385th of 618 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Position Information
Proposed Faculty Rank Assistant Law Librarian Department 00100 - Law Library City Salt Lake City, UT Track Tenure Track New Position to Begin 7/1/2026 Details
Head of Reference and Instruction Services
James E. Faust Law Library
University of Utah
Description
The University of Utah S.J. Quinney College of Law invites applications for the position of Head of Reference and Instruction Services. This is a tenure track law library faculty position. Position available July 1, 2026.
Core Duties
Manage reference services including scheduling and coordinating reference desk coverage.
Train, mentor, and evaluate librarians providing reference and instructional services.
Provide approximately 6-10 hours per week of reference services to library patrons.
Maintain and analyze reference statistics to assess service effectiveness.
Teach two credit hours of legal research annually (basic, advanced, specialized, or FCIL).
Provide individualized and group instruction using a wide range of educational technologies.
Participate in the liaison program providing research services to law faculty and training and support of student research assistants.
Collaborate with faculty to integrate legal research into the curriculum.
Participate with the collection development team to recommend new databases, print resources, or research tools.
Prepare and maintain research guides.
Serve on Law Library/Law School, University of Utah governance, and other professional committees as appropriate.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Engage as a member of the Law Library team and work to further the overall goals of the Law Library.

Requirements/Qualifications
J.D. from ABA-accredited law school and Master's degree in library and information science or equivalent from ALA-accredited institution required. Strong service orientation; excellent oral and written communication; good organizational skills; ability to deal effectively with all library patrons; strong teamwork skills, adaptable to additional responsibilities.
Compensation and Benefits
Salary range is $88,000-95,000 and salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience. Librarians have faculty status at the University of Utah and receive generous health, vacation and retirement benefits (https://www.hr.utah.edu/benefits/), including 25 days of vacation and 12 paid holidays each year. This position has the option to telecommute one day a week. No evening or weekend work required. A stipend for moving costs is included.
About the Library: The library has 6 librarians and two full-time library staff. The library serves approximately 300 students and over 35 faculty members at Utah's top public law school. The University of Utah is located in Salt Lake City, Utah. Our campus is nestled in the heart of the Wasatch mountains which offer Olympic-class skiing, hiking, climbing and a variety of other outdoor sports. Salt Lake City offers a wealth of amenities including outstanding entertainment venues, excellent restaurants, and a vibrant arts scene.
EEO/Non-Discrimination Information

The University of Utah values candidates who have experience working in settings with students and possess a strong commitment to improving access to higher education.
Veterans' preference is extended to qualified applicants, upon request and consistent with University policy and Utah state law. Upon request, reasonable accommodations in the application process will be provided to individuals with disabilities.
Consistent with state and federal law, the University of Utah does not discriminate based upon race, ethnicity, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, pregnancy-related conditions, genetic information, or protected veteran's status. The University does not discriminate on the basis of sex in the education program or activity that it operates, as required by Title IX and 34 CFR part 106. The requirement not to discriminate in education programs or activities extends to admission and employment. Inquiries about the application of Title IX and its regulations may be referred to the Title IX Coordinator, to the Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights, or both.
To request a reasonable accommodation for a disability or if you or someone you know has experienced discrimination or sexual misconduct including sexual harassment, you may contact the Director/Title IX Coordinator in the Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX (OEO). More information, including the Director/Title IX Coordinator's office address, electronic mail address, and telephone number, can be located at https://www.utah.edu/nondiscrimination/.
Online reports may be submitted at https://oeo.utah.edu.

Notice

The University is a participating employer with Utah Retirement Systems ("URS"). Eligible new hires with prior URS service may elect to enroll in URS if they make the election before they become eligible for retirement (usually the first day of work). Contact Human Resources at (801) 581-7447 for information. Individuals who previously retired and are receiving monthly retirement benefits from URS are subject to URS' post-retirement rules and restrictions. Please contact Utah Retirement Systems at (801) 366-7770 or (800) 695-4877 or University Human Resource Management at (801) 581-7447 if you have questions regarding the post-retirement rules.
This position may require the successful completion of a criminal background check and/or drug screen.
https://publicsafety.utah.edu/safetyreport/
This report includes statistics about criminal offenses, hate crimes, arrests and referrals for disciplinary action, and Violence Against Women Act offenses. They also provide information about safety and security-related services offered by the University of Utah. A paper copy can be obtained by request at the Department of Public Safety located at 1658 East 500 South.

Special Instructions for Candidates
Required Documents to Upload:
  1. Cover Letter
  2. Curriculum Vitae
Open Date 11/18/2025 Close Date Open Until Filled Yes Requisition Number PRN01446CF Type Faculty

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About University of Utah

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The University of Utah is the state’s flagship institution of higher education, with 18 schools and colleges, more than 100 undergraduate majors and graduate programs, and an enrollment of more than 38,000 students. It is a member of the Association of American Universities—an invitation-only, prestigious group of 71 leading research institutions. The U is advancing a new national model for higher education that delivers societal impact through education, research, health care, and community service, while making social, economic, and cultural contributions that improve lives across Utah and around the world.

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Colleges, universities, and professional schools

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10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Salt Lake City, UT, US

Year founded

1850

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