ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Reference Librarian Jobs in Wisconsin (NOW HIRING)

Brooklynpubliclibrary

$70K/yr

The Children's Librarian, under the overall supervision of the Branch Manager, works as part of the ... Provides reference and reader's advisory services for all age groups utilizing print and electronic ...

City of Superior

Librarian - Youth Services

Superior, WI · On-site

$27.09 - $34.83/hr

Provides reference and readers advisory services, assisting patrons with accessing library and online resources. Brings library services into the community by collaborating with area organizations ...

Village of Waunakee, WI

Library Assistant

Waunakee, WI · On-site

$20.30/hr

The Waunakee Public Library is hiring a Library Assistant. This entry-level position will be ... three references. For a complete click here. To apply for this position, please use our new ...

Adams County, WI

Library Aide

Friendship, WI · On-site

$15.36/hr

Work is performed under the close supervision of an Associate Librarian. This entry-level position ... references, education, and employment? * Yes * No Required Question

Adams County, WI

Library Aide

Friendship, WI · On-site

$15.36/hr

Work is performed under the close supervision of an Associate Librarian. This entry-level position ... references, education, and employment? * Yes * No Required Question

Wisconsin

Instructor Pool - MURPHY LIBRARY

La Crosse, WI · On-site

$16.25 - $21.25/hr

Position Title: Instructor Pool - MURPHY LIBRARY Job Category: Academic Staff Employment Type ... CBC & Reference Check Policy All candidates for employment are subject to a pre-employment ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsReference Librarian JobsReference Librarian Jobs in Wisconsin

Reference Librarian information

See Wisconsin salary details

$26.2K

$62.6K

$101.4K

How much do reference librarian jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for reference librarian in Wisconsin is $62,637.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $50,000.00 and $73,200.00 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 Wisconsin?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Infographic showing various Reference Librarian job openings in Wisconsin as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Locum Tenens, 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $62,637 per year, or $30.1 per hour.

Reference Librarian - Office of Research

Milwaukee, WI • On-site

Medical College of Wisconsin
Health Care and Social Assistance • 5 - 10K employees
Learn more about Medical College of Wisconsinexternal

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Medical College Of Wisconsin rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 29 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Summary

The Office of Research helps to facilitate life-saving biomedical research at the Medical College of Wisconsin. Nine distinct units provide specialized support to meet the administrative needs of our investigators and research staff. Together we coordinate, regulate, and monitor research studies as well as provide high quality services for investigative teams. The MCW Libraries supports all institutional missions and partners by providing access to and support for information resources, and specialized services for faculty, researchers, students, clinicians, staff, and community members.

This entry-level librarian position provides reference and instruction services to faculty, students, and staff. Under the supervision of a library manager, the librarian develops and implements library skills training activities, including classroom instruction, LibGuides webpages, online tutorials, and other user training materials. The librarian supports the research, clinical, and educational needs of library users by responding to LibAnswers information requests and by developing and documenting database search strategies in library bibliographic databases. The librarian raises awareness of library services by proactively contacting departments in assigned areas and by attending department presentations and meetings to learn about the information needs of researchers, clinicians, and learners.

Primary Responsibilities

  • Develop and implement library training activities in support of medical and graduate student education by developing, scheduling and teaching classes and by creating LibGuides pages and online tutorials.

  • Provide effective reference service by responding to LibAnswers information requests, performing literature searches in PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Embase, and other databases, and by assisting other library staff with advanced information requests.

  • Raise awareness of library resources and services by proactively contacting assigned departments and department faculty, staff, and students, and by providing group and one-on-one training sessions.

  • Maintain assigned LibGuides webpages, regularly developing new content using academic health sciences library best practices.

  • Participate in Medical Library Association continuing education classes to develop skills and to stay current on information resources, educational technologies, and academic medicine trends.

  • Assist with special projects and perform other duties as assigned.

Knowledge - Skills - Abilities

Knowledge of health sciences information resources and the ability to develop effective search strategies in databases such as PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Embase, and others.

Knowledge of instructional skills, including class design, delivery, and the creation of online learning materials.

Strong written and verbal communication skills, with a customer focus and the ability to build trust and work effectively with students, faculty, and staff.

Critical thinking, project management and organizational skills, and the ability to work effectively within a diverse academic community.

Qualifications

Appropriate experience may be substituted for education on an equivalent basis.

Minimum Required Education: Master's degree or higher in Library and Information Science from an ALA accredited institution, or equivalent

Minimum Required Experience: 2 years

Required Certification/Licensure(s): Medical Library Association Academy of Health Information Professionals credentials preferred

Physical Requirements

Work requires occasionally lifting moderate weight materials, standing, or walking continuously.

Work Environment

Occasional exposure to dust, noise, temperature changes, or contact with water or other liquids. Work is performed in an environmentally controlled environment.

Sensory Acuity

Ability to detect and translate speech or other communication required. May occasionally require the ability to distinguish colors and perceive relative distances between objects.

#LI-AV1


Why MCW?
  • Outstanding Healthcare Coverage, including but not limited to Health, Vision, and Dental. Along with Flexible Spending options
  • 403B Retirement Package
  • Competitive Vacation and Paid Holidays offered
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • Paid Parental Leave
  • Employee & Family Assistance Program (EFAP)
  • Pet Insurance
  • On campus Fitness Facility, offering onsite classes
  • Additional discounted rates on items such as: Select cell phone plans, local fitness facilities, Milwaukee recreation and entertainment etc.

For a brief overview of our benefits see: Benefits Overview


For a full list of positions see: MCW Careers

At MCW all of our endeavors, from our internal operations to our interactions with our partners, are driven by our shared organizational values: Caring - Collaborative - Curiosity - Inclusive - Integrity - Respect. We are committed to fostering an inclusive environment that values diversity in backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives through merit-based processes and in alignment with all applicable laws. We believe that embracing human differences is critical to realize our vision of a healthier world, and we recognize that a healthy and thriving community starts from within. Our values define who we are, what we stand for and how we conduct ourselves at MCW. If you believe in embracing individuality and working together according to these principles to improve health for all, then MCW is the place for you. For more information, please visit our institutional website.


MCW as an Equal Opportunity Employer and Commitment to Non-Discrimination:

The Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to fostering an inclusive community of outstanding faculty, staff, and students, as well as ensuring equal educational opportunity, employment, and access to services, programs, and activities, without regard to an individual's race, color, national origin, religion, age, disability, sex, gender identity/expression, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, predisposing genetic characteristic, or military status. Employees, students, applicants or other members of the MCW community (including but not limited to vendors, visitors, and guests) may not be subjected to harassment that is prohibited by law or treated adversely or retaliated against based upon a protected characteristic.


What Medical College Of Wisconsin employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Medical College of Wisconsin logo

About Medical College of Wisconsin

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW) is an industry-leading educational institution located in Milwaukee, WI, US. Being part of the medical and health services sector, MCW's primary mission is to educate and train the next generation of healthcare professionals. MCW offers a wide array of degrees and programs within medical and health sciences, covering everything from medical, graduate, pharmacy and health sciences studies, to continuing professional developments and community engagement initiatives. Founded in 1893, MCW boasts a rich, well-entrenched history in shaping the medical education landscape locally and globally. The institution's core values of knowledge-changing life underline its dedication to incorporating innovative approaches in education and research, commitment to diversity and inclusion, service to the community, integrity, stewardship, and collaboration.

Industry

Health care and social assistance

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Milwaukee, WI, US

Year founded

1893

Social media

FacebookTwitter

View All Medical College of Wisconsin Jobs

Apply