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Reference Librarian Jobs in Raleigh, NC (NOW HIRING)

Harnett County

Librarian-Bookmobile

Lillington, NC · On-site

$54K - $89K/yr

Provides reference services to patrons in person and by phone; uses a variety of materials and ... Uses social media, the Library's web page, and local media outlets in cooperation with the ...

St. David's School

Library Assistant

Raleigh, NC · On-site

... reference services to students; * Assist in training library volunteers and student library ... assistants. LIBRARY OPERATIONS * Create and prioritize a joyful, inviting, and orderly environment ...

St. David's School

Library Assistant

Raleigh, NC · On-site

... reference services to students; * Assist in training library volunteers and student library ... assistants. LIBRARY OPERATIONS * Create and prioritize a joyful, inviting, and orderly environment ...

Orange County, NC

Temporary Library Assistant I*

NC · On-site

$20.02/hr

Provides basic reference and readers' advisory services to the public, and assists with finding requested information through library system software. Troubleshoots library account problems and ...

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All JobsReference Librarian JobsReference Librarian Jobs in Raleigh, NC

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 Aug 27, 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 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 Raleigh, NC?

The most popular types of Reference Librarian jobs in Raleigh, NC are:

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

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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:

Reference Librarian jobs near you
Infographic showing various Reference Librarian job openings in Raleigh, NC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $60,320 per year, or $29 per hour.

Scholarly Communications Librarian

Durham, NC • On-site

VISTA Technology Services
Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services • 11 - 50 employees
Learn more about VISTA Technology Servicesexternal

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 5 days ago

Job description

VISTA Technology Services, Inc. (VISTA) is currently seeking a Scholarly Communications Librarian to support the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) in Research Triangle Park, NC. This position reports onsite five days a week (M-F).
The successful candidate will be proactive and detail-oriented and serve as the primary expert on scholarly publishing, open access, and NIH policy compliance. This role is responsible for guiding researchers through the manuscript lifecycle, from internal review to publication and public access.
Responsibilities:
  • NIH Policy Compliance: Serve as the lead expert for researchers on the NIH Public Access Policy and other NIH publishing policies to ensure compliance. Provide assistance with submissions to the NIH Manuscript Submission (NIHMS) system and PubMed Central.
  • Manuscript System Management: Act as the subject-matter expert and primary point of contact and support for the NIEHS Publication Approval Clearance and Tracking System (PACTS).
  • Scholarly Publishing Guidance: Advise researchers on a range of scholarly communications topics, including copyright, publisher policies and publication models, and identifying and avoiding predatory journals.
  • Instruction & Outreach: Develop and teach classes, workshops, and one-on-one sessions for researchers. Create and maintain internal training materials, resource lists, and web content. Assist with library marketing efforts and outreach events.
  • Library Services: Provide reference and research services in person and virtually. Conduct comprehensive literature searches in multiple databases (e.g., PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Embase).
  • Researcher Support: Assist researchers with managing their online scholarly profiles and bibliographies using systems such as ORCID, ResearcherID, and My NCBI.
  • Professional Development: Stay current with trends in scholarly communication, health sciences librarianship, and library technology. Actively participate in professional library organizations. Attend conferences, trainings and webinars related to this position.
  • Works collaboratively and collegially to support the Vision, Mission, and Strategic Goals of the NIEHS by supporting its researchers.

Basic Qualifications:
  • Master of Library Science (MLS), Master of Information Science (MIS) or Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS) degree from an ALA-accredited program.
  • Three (3) years of experience providing reference services or scholarly communications in a research, academic, or special library setting.
  • Experience in manuscript management systems, publishing, or scholarly communications.
  • Demonstrated experience utilizing resources relevant to health sciences, and conducting searches using databases such as PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, or Embase.
  • Experience providing library instruction, training, or teaching.
  • Strong interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills with a service-oriented mindset.
  • Excellent organizational skills and high attention to detail.
  • Ability to work effectively both independently and in a highly collaborative team environment.
  • Proficient using MS Office Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams) and Adobe Acrobat Pro.
  • Must hold or be able to obtain an active Federal Public Trust Clearance.

Desired Qualifications:
  • One (1) year of experience or formal coursework related to information resources on health sciences or relevant subjects.
  • One (1) year of experience with scientific publishing practices or scholarly communications support.
  • Experience with citation management tools (e.g., EndNote).
  • Professional interest in emerging technologies, such as generative AI.
  • An interest in environmental or health sciences.

The individual hired for the position will be subject to a background check, drug screening, and government background investigation.
VISTA offers a competitive salary, paid leave, and a generous benefit plan which includes medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurance, tuition assistance,
and an employer matching 401(k) plan.
To learn more about VISTA and to apply for this position, please visit our website at www.vistatsi.com
VISTA is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Minorities/Disability/Veterans Employer

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