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Reference Librarian Jobs in Portland, OR (NOW HIRING)

Davis Wright Tremaine LLP

Research Librarian

Portland, OR · On-site +1

$105K - $111K/yr

... of legal reference and research experience, preferably in a law or corporate library * Master ... Degree in Library and Information Science or JD * Demonstrated proficiency with major legal and ...

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All JobsReference Librarian JobsReference Librarian Jobs in Portland, OR

Reference Librarian information

See Portland, OR salary details

$27.6K

$65.8K

$106.6K

How much do reference librarian jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for reference librarian in Portland, OR is $65,811.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $52,500.00 and $76,900.00 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.

More about Reference Librarian jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Reference Librarian jobs in Portland, OR?

The most popular types of Reference Librarian jobs in Portland, OR are:

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

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

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The top searched job categories for Reference Librarian jobs in Portland, OR are:

Reference Librarian jobs near you
Infographic showing various Reference Librarian job openings in Portland, OR as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 51% Full Time, 33% Part Time, 8% Temporary, and 8% Contract. Highlights an 92% In-person, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $65,811 per year, or $31.6 per hour.

Part Time Faculty Interest Pool - Library

Portlandcc

Portland, OR

Part-time

Retirement

Posted 29 days ago

Job description

Join our Team at Portland Community College

Please Note: PCC currently limits employment to individuals residing in Oregon and Washington. Employment offers are contingent upon the ability to establish residence in Oregon or Washington. Portland Community College will also ensure that applicants requiring reasonable accommodation for the hiring process are provided for. If reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact the PCC Talent Acquisition Team at pccjobs@pcc.edu.

Portland Community College is the largest post-secondary institution in Oregon and 19th largest in the nation, serving approximately 80,000 full- and part-time students. With four comprehensive campuses, five workforce training and education centers, and 200 community locations in the Portland metropolitan area, our unique role is to make high-quality education accessible to everyone, creating opportunities for our students and contributing to the economic development of our community.

Portland Community College is accepting applications to be considered for Part-Time and On-Call Reference Librarians for the Cascade, Rock Creek, Southeast, and Sylvania Campuses. The Department will review applications in this pool as the need arises for new part-time faculty in this area.
This is NOT an announcement of a specific open position, but a Part-time Faculty Interest Pool, from which the department will identify applicants based on course assignment needs during the Academic Year. Your application may be considered for substitute assignments as well as full term class assignments.
If this sounds like a learning community that you would like to be a part of, and an important role that you would like to play at PCC, please complete your application today to be considered.Our Program and Who We Are Looking For

Job Summary

Under the supervision of the library dean, part-time reference librarian will assist students in using the tools of research, provide expertise and assistance in answering reference questions, staff the research help desk, including phone, email, chat, and teach information literacy classes, with guidance from the department chair.

Work Environment and Physical Requirements

Work is performed in a library or office environment, with frequent interruptions. Frequent reaching, sitting, walking, and standing may be required. No special coordination beyond that used for normal mobility and handling of everyday objects and materials is needed to perform the job. Flexibility in scheduling, must be able to work evening, weekend and short-notice substitute hours.

Instructor Qualifications

  • A Masters of Library Science or equivalent from an ALA-accredited library school or foreign equivalent

  • One year of teaching experience.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Demonstrated knowledge and utilization of culturally-responsive teaching and learning practices

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

  • Work as a member of a team with the goal of excellent customer service.

  • Provide direct research and reference assistance to the college community.

  • Teach library instruction and information literacy classes to individuals and groups.

  • Participate in the creation of instructional materials and research guides.

  • Contribute to ongoing work on special projects within the Reference department in coordination with the department chair.

See the PCC Instructor Qualifications webpage for more information.

Why You'll Love Working Here

The PCC district encompasses a 1,500-square-mile area in northwest Oregon and offers two-year degrees, one-year certificate programs, short-term training, alternative education, pre-college courses and life-long learning. As part of our College community, you'll enjoy:

  • A collaborative and inspiring campus community

  • Opportunities for learning and professional development

Portland Community College embraces equity and inclusion as a priority. We are committed to building a community with a variety of backgrounds, skills, views, and life experiences. The more we value equity and inclusion, the more we will add value to the work we do and how we serve our students, engage with each other, and the Oregon Community that we serve. Creating a culture that honors equity and inclusion is our objective and the smart path forward.

Note Regarding Academic Credentials

  • Official transcripts are required to be submitted within2 weeks of offer datefor degrees required in the stated Instructor Qualifications.

  • Instructors shall have earned required academic credentials at a regionally accredited US institution or a foreign institution having the equivalent of regional accreditation. Instructors with credentials from other countries will have their transcripts evaluated by agencies that have good standing with the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services to establish fulfillment of this standard. (for more information see http://www.pcc.edu/hr/employment/faculty-information.html)

  • For more information on PCC's General Instructor Qualifications Policy I301 visit:
    http://catalog.pcc.edu/handbook/i301-instructorqualifications/

These positions are included in the bargaining agreement between Portland Community College and the Portland Community College Faculty Federation Employees.

See the PCC Instructor Qualifications webpage for more information.

Total Rewards Package / What We Offer

As a new Part-Time Faculty employee, you may be eligible for certain benefits through PCC, such as Oregon Sick Leave and retirement savings plans.

More detailed information on the benefits plans, who is eligible,and how to enroll or make changescan be foundatpcc.edu/hr/benefits.PleaseemailPCCBenefits@pcc.eduif you have any questions.

Part-time Faculty Compensation at PCC

Newly hired Part-time Faculty at PCC will generally start at Step 1 of the current salary schedule.

Hourly rates are determine based upon the type of course taught (Lecture, Lab, or Lecture/Lab).

For more information please review the Part-time Faculty Salary Schedule on PCC's Compensation page:

https://www.pcc.edu/hr/compensation/

Oregon Veterans' Preference in Public Employment

Portland Community College complies with the Oregon Veterans' Preference in Public Employment law which provides qualifying veterans and disabled veterans with preference in employment.You will be given instructions during the application process to claim Veterans' Preference in the recruitment of this position, and to provide the documents required for verification of eligibility. Please do not send your documentation to the hiring manager directly. For verification of eligibility, please submit the following documentation:

  • Veterans:DD214

  • Disabled Veterans:DD214 and Letter from the Department of VA

Notice of the Availability of the Annual Security Report

Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act (Clery Act), you may view Portland Community College's (PCC) most recent Annual Security Report (ASR) on theDepartment of Public Safetywebsite. The ASR contains current security and safety-related policy disclosure statements, emergency preparedness and evacuation information, crime prevention and sexual assault prevention information and resources, and drug and alcohol prevention programming. The ASR also contains crime statistics for Clery Act crimes which occurred on PCC properties for the last three calendar years. Paper copies of the ASR are available upon request at allDepartment of Public Safetyoffices.

PCC Employment Offers are Contingent Upon the Successful Completion of a Criminal Background CheckPlease note that Portland Community College is not currently able to provide visa (e.g. H1-B Visa) sponsorship for potential employees.Contact PCC at pccjobs@pcc.edu if you have questions

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