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Reference Librarian Jobs in Raleigh, NC (NOW HIRING)

... service, reference and readers advisory services Current opportunities are at the following ... East Regional Library 946 Steeple Square Court Knightdale, NC 27545 Schedule: Monday 12-9 Tue-Fri 8 ...

... service, reference and readers advisory services Current opportunities are at the following ... East Regional Library 946 Steeple Square Court Knightdale, NC 27545 Schedule: Monday 12-9 Tue-Fri 8 ...

Work directly with the public providing excellent customer service, reference and readers advisory services. The current position is available at: Eva Perry Regional Library 2100 Shepherd's Vineyard ...

Library Technician III

Louisburg, NC ยท On-site

$45K - $47K/yr

Library Opening Date: 06/02/2026 Closing Date: 7/7/2026 11:59 PM Eastern General Statement of ... They assist patrons as needed and model customer service, readers' advisory, reference, and ...

Library Technician III

Louisburg, NC ยท On-site

$45K - $47K/yr

They assist patrons as needed and model customer service, readers' advisory, reference, and ... This position also serves as part of the Library Supervisory Team. Work requires significant public ...

Maintain library research guides * Contribute to service improvement initiatives * Assist patrons with reference and research questions via chat, email, Zoom, and at the library service desk

Maintain library research guides * Contribute to service improvement initiatives * Assist patrons with reference and research questions via chat, email, Zoom, and at the library service desk

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Reference Librarian information

See Raleigh, NC salary details

$25.3K

$60.3K

$97.7K

How much do reference librarian jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for reference librarian in Raleigh, NC is $60,320.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $48,100.00 and $70,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are reference librarians?

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.

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 most commonly searched types of Reference Librarian jobs in Raleigh, NC? The most popular types of Reference Librarian jobs in Raleigh, NC are:
What are popular job titles related to Reference Librarian jobs in Raleigh, NC? For Reference Librarian jobs in Raleigh, NC, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Reference Librarian jobs in Raleigh, NC look for? The top searched job categories for Reference Librarian jobs in Raleigh, NC are:
What cities near Raleigh, NC are hiring for Reference Librarian jobs? Cities near Raleigh, NC with the most Reference Librarian job openings:
Infographic showing various Reference Librarian job openings in Raleigh, NC as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $60,320 per year, or $29 per hour.

Instructional Services Reference Library

Shaw University

Raleigh, NC โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Posted 17 days ago


Job description

Job Summary:
Reporting to the Director of Library Services, the Instructional Services Reference Librarian will lead
the department by initiating, promoting, and providing a full range of responsive, high-quality reference
services to individuals and groups. Maintains a library environment that is conducive to productive
student learning. Teaches classes and provides workshops in library use and research techniques.
Collaborates with others and works individually to produce a variety of informational and instructional
materials to assist library users in successfully using library resources.
Essential Job Functions:
50% of Work Task and Duties
โ€ข Plans, implements, markets, and evaluates the library's instructional program. Coordinates and
schedules all library instruction activities and responds to all general inquiries for library
instruction. Teaches classes and provides workshops in library use and research techniques.
Collaborates with others and works individually to produce a variety of informational and
instructional materials to assist library users in successfully using library resources. In
collaboration with administration and colleagues will develop, implement, advocate, promote,
document, integrate and assess information literacy initiatives. Works collegially with instructors
to create course assignments that relate to library resources and information literacy goals.
Develops and manages a comprehensive bibliographic instruction program for the college
composition classes. Creates successful liaisons and outreach relationships by providing
professional development workshops for faculty using the library's services and resources.
Remains current with changing information-delivery systems and recommends the
implementation of new technologies to enhance library instruction. Maintains statistics on library
instruction and creates reports as needed.
30% of Work Task and Duties
โ€ข Manages the Reference Department and the library's research computers. Leads the department
by initiating, promoting, and providing a full range of responsive, high-quality reference service
to individuals and groups. Maintains a library environment that is conducive to productive
student learning. Directs students to specific informational sources and assists students and other
patrons in the use of the Internet, the online services, the catalog and the collection. Discusses
informational needs with students, helps them define research topics, and guides them on matters
such as research strategy and bibliographic format. Answers telephone and e-mail reference
queries. Assists students and faculty/staff with questions and problems regarding access to online
services from home. Trains and supervises reference employees; determines work schedules,
assigns work to employees, and manages day-to-day supervisory tasks. Coordinates reference
desk and library instruction schedules, ensuring excellent communication among library staff
concerning the delivery of these services. Assesses services and procedures for revision as
needed and recommends the implementation of new technologies to enhance reference services.
Serves as a liaison to specific Schools of the college. Maintains library-use statistics in reference
and circulation and creates usage reports as needed.
10% of Work Task and Duties
โ€ข Assists with the collection development process which includes recommending book purchases
and weeding outdated resources.
โ€ข Maintains an awareness of current library issues and trends affecting all library departments by
reading professional literature and participating in professional development activities.
10% of Work Task and Duties
โ€ข Serves as the leader in creating and administering an annual or bi-annual library survey for
students and faculty to assess performance. Works collaboratively with Institutional
Advancement Office for all surveys. Works collaboratively with library staff and with Dean of
Academic Student Support to prepare, submit, and evaluate the library's annual report.
โ€ข Participates in college committees and special projects. Upholds the policies of the college and
collaborate effectively with the academic schools, with Student Services, and other nonacademic departments. Supports agency and departmental strategic objectives
โ€ข Performing daily library tasks; opening and closing the library.
โ€ข Other duties as assigned.
Supervisory Responsibilities
โ€ข Assists work-study
โ€ข Interns specific to Reference and Library Instruction department
Minimum Job Qualifications
Education and/or Experience
โ€ข Required: graduate degree in Library and Information Science; two years related work
experience and/or an equivalent combination of experience and education.
โ€ข Willingness to participate in initiatives to innovate library services and resource access.
โ€ข Preferred: Instructional experience
Certificates, Licenses or Registrations
None
Other Competencies (skills, abilities, behavior)
Must have a philosophy that is consistent with the Mission, Vision and Core Values of the Shaw
University. Vision, commitment, and experience in achieving goals and pursuing excellence is critical.
Strong oral and written presentation skills. Ability to work well independently and as a member of a
team. Excellence in organization, decision-making, problem-solving and creating a collaborative
environment. Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously. Must be able to read, write and speak
fluently in English.
Physical Demands
Ability to sit or stand for up to 8 hours/day and climb stairs as required. Some lifting (up to 25 pounds
occasionally), bending, and carrying. Specific vision abilities include the ability to use close vision,
using computers for long periods of time. The employee is regularly required to talk and hear, and to
use hands and fingers to handle or feel.
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.