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Reference Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Librarian III

Salida, CA ยท On-site

$78K - $95K/yr

Provide excellent reference, referral, and readers' advisory services * Develop and implement programming * Implement and promote system-wide programs and services * Attend outreach and community ...

Associate Librarian

CA ยท On-site

$80 - $95/hr

Salary: $80.00 - $95.00 Hourly Location : District Wide (multiple campuses), CA Job Type: Part Time Job Number: 00816 Department: Library Division: Instruction Opening Date: 05/17/2017 Closing Date:

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Showing results 1-20

Reference information

See California salary details

$10.9K

$51.8K

How much do reference jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for reference in California is $51,511.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $51,300.00 and $51,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Reference vs Data Entry Clerk?

AspectReferenceData Entry Clerk
Required CredentialsTypically no formal credentials, but some roles may prefer a high school diplomaHigh school diploma or equivalent often required
Work EnvironmentOffice settings, administrative or clerical rolesOffice environments, data management tasks
Industry UsageUsed across various industries for administrative supportCommon in healthcare, finance, and administrative sectors
Search & Comparison IntentPeople compare to understand administrative rolesPeople compare to clarify data management tasks

While both Reference and Data Entry Clerk roles involve administrative tasks, Reference typically refers to providing recommendations or verifying information, whereas Data Entry Clerks focus on inputting data into systems. The credentials and work environments overlap, but their primary functions differ significantly.

What is a reference job?

A reference job typically refers to a position where an employee's previous work experience is used to verify their skills, work ethic, and reliability. Employers often contact references provided by candidates to gather insights before making hiring decisions. This process helps ensure the candidate's qualifications align with the job requirements.

What are Reference jobs?

Reference jobs typically refer to positions within libraries or information centers where professionals assist patrons in finding and using resources. These roles often include answering research questions, guiding users to appropriate materials, and teaching information literacy skills. Reference librarians or specialists may also help with database searches, citation management, and providing access to digital and physical collections. They play a crucial role in supporting education, research, and community needs. The required qualifications often include a degree in library science or a related field.

What are some common challenges faced by Reference Librarians and how can they be addressed?

Reference Librarians often encounter challenges such as managing a high volume of diverse patron inquiries, staying updated with rapidly evolving information resources, and balancing in-person and digital reference services. To address these challenges, it's important to develop strong research and communication skills, participate in ongoing professional development, and utilize collaborative tools for knowledge sharing within the library team. Building a network with colleagues and attending training sessions can also help in staying current with new databases and technology.

What job makes $10,000 a month without a degree?

High-paying jobs that can reach $10,000 a month without a degree often include roles such as sales managers, real estate brokers, or skilled trades like electricians and plumbers, especially with experience and certifications. Success in these fields typically depends on skills, performance, and sometimes licensing, rather than formal education.

Do reference librarians still exist?

Yes, reference librarians still exist and work in libraries, educational institutions, and information centers. They assist users in locating information, using research tools, and developing research skills, often requiring knowledge of cataloging, databases, and information management.

What is the highest paying librarian job?

The highest paying librarian roles are often in specialized areas such as law, medical, or corporate librarians, with law librarians and medical librarians typically earning the highest salaries. These positions usually require advanced degrees, certifications, and expertise in their respective fields, and they often work in institutional or corporate environments with higher compensation packages.

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 strong research skills, information literacy expertise, and typically a Master's in Library Science (MLS) or equivalent. Familiarity with online databases, cataloging systems like MARC, and digital reference tools is essential. Excellent communication, customer service, and problem-solving abilities help librarians effectively assist diverse patrons. These skills ensure accurate information delivery, efficient resource navigation, and a positive library experience for all users.
What cities in California are hiring for Reference jobs? Cities in California with the most Reference job openings:
Infographic showing various Reference job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Locum Tenens, 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $51,511 per year, or $24.8 per hour.
Associate Librarian (Part-Time Pool)

Associate Librarian (Part-Time Pool)

Ventura County Community College District

Camarillo, CA โ€ข On-site

Part-time

Posted 29 days ago


Job description

Location : Districtwide (Ventura County CA), CA
Job Type: Part-Time Faculty
Job Number: 2026-00117
Department: Districtwide
Opening Date: 04/16/2026
Closing Date: Continuous
Description
We are accepting applications on an on-going basis for future consideration for part-time instructors in this discipline at any of our three colleges (Oxnard, Moorpark, and Ventura). Applications submitted to this pool will be kept on file for the Summer 2026, Fall 2026, and/or Spring 2027 semesters and may be considered if a vacancy becomes available within the academic year.
If you have applied to previous pools in this discipline, you will need to apply to this pool to continue to be considered.
WHAT YOU'LL DO
Under the general direction of a dean, an Associate Librarian is responsible for providing reference, instruction, collection development, access services, technical services, and outreach to students, faculty, and staff.
WHO WE ARE
The Ventura County Community College District (VCCCD) is a public community college district serving residents throughout Ventura County. VCCCD's three colleges - Moorpark College, Oxnard College, and Ventura College - offer programs for transfer to four-year colleges and universities; career technical training, basic skills instruction; as well as community service, economic development, and continuing education for cultural growth, life enrichment, and skills improvement.
The Ventura County Community College District recognizes that a diverse community of faculty, staff, and administrators promotes academic excellence and creates an inclusive educational and work environment for its employees, contractors, students, and the community it serves. With the understanding that a diverse community fosters multicultural awareness, promotes mutual understanding and respect, and provides role models for all students, VCCCD is committed to recruiting and employing a diverse and qualified group of administrators, faculty, and staff members who are dedicated to the success of all college students.
The Ventura County Community College District does not engage in any employment practice that discriminates against any employee or applicant for employment on the basis of ethnic group identification, race, color, language, accent, immigration status, ancestry, national origin, political beliefs, age, gender, sex, religion, transgender, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, and/or physical or mental disability.
Representative Duties
Provide reference assistance to students, faculty, and staff. E
Teach research methods, information literacy, bibliographic and library instruction sessions to students and other patrons in one-on-one, classroom, and distance mediated instructional settings. E
Collaborate with faculty with regard to student assignments, collection needs, and integration of information literacy into the college curriculum. E
Perform original cataloging of library materials in all formats; integrate online journals and e-books into the library catalog; assist lower-level staff with copy cataloging on an as needed basis. E
Design and produce research guides, information literacy tutorials, program reports, and other resources in print, web-based and multimedia formats. E
Plan and coordinate collection development activities, including analysis, acquisition, selection, deselection, vendor interaction, and budget allocation to ensure the subject collection meets curriculum needs. E
Coordinate the purchase of print and non-print library materials and resources in collaboration with faculty within each discipline. E
Assist in grant proposal writing and post-award documentation. E
Research, promote and implement interactive multimedia such as technology mediated instruction, interactive video conferencing, and other emerging instructional technologies. E
Participate in the development and implementation of library policies and procedures; participate in the program review process for the library. E
Evaluate the collection and coordinate activities related to removing books from the collection with input from faculty; evaluate the usefulness of donated materials. E
Promote library resources and services to faculty, students, and campus groups; plan and present library tours. E
Plan and implement library-oriented programming, such as displays, library events, etc. E
Attend and participate in department, division, campus, and district meetings and committees; may participate in articulation and matriculation related activities. E
Collaborate with other library faculty on a regular basis to develop, assess, and revise, as appropriate, measurable student learning outcomes. E
Provide work direction to student workers.
Perform related duties as assigned.
E = Essential Duties
Minimum Qualifications
Candidates must possess the minimum qualifications for the discipline as approved by the California Community Colleges Board of Governors and defined in the Minimum Qualifications for Faculty and Administrators in California Community Colleges handbook.
Master's in library science, library and information science, OR the equivalent*; OR possession of a valid California Community College Teaching Credential appropriate to the discipline.
All coursework must be from a recognized accredited college or university.
If you have competed your education at an institution outside of the United States, please see the section below titled "Foreign Transcripts" for additional information.
*EQUIVALENCY
The Ventura County Community College District, in its desire to select outstanding faculty members from the largest possible pool of qualified applicants, recognizes the fact that candidates may attain expertise in a discipline through a variety of means. Certain combinations of education, experience and other accomplishments in the field may be judged by the District as equal to the stated minimum qualifications for this position. Candidates whose transcripts do not list the title of their degree exactly as listed above, but feel they possess such equivalent qualifications are encouraged to complete and submit the Supplemental Questionnaire for Equivalency with their application for review by the Districtwide Equivalency Committee.
Example:
Minimum Qualifications state: "Master's degree in agriculture".
Candidate's transcripts state: "Master's degree in agricultural science".
Since the degree on the candidate's transcripts in the example do not EXACTLY MATCH the degree listed in the minimum qualifications section, this candidate MUST complete the Supplemental Questionnaire for Equivalency in order to be considered. When completing the form, be sure to explain in detail how your qualifications are equivalent to the required minimum qualifications. Do not assume that you do not need to submit a Supplemental Questionnaire for Equivalency because your degree is similar to a degree stated in the minimum qualifications. Degree titles that are not an exact match will not be considered outside of the equivalency process.
The equivalency review is an independent process for district wide disciplines that is separate from the recruitment process to fill a vacancy. A subcommittee of discipline experts that is coordinated by an Academic Senate President will review the equivalency materials and make a recommendation as to whether or not the applicant demonstrated they have qualifications that are equivalent to those shown in the minimum qualifications section of the job posting. For disciplines that are unique to a specific campus the equivalency may be done by the hiring committee along with an Academic Senate President. Please be aware that the hiring committee may not be able to wait for the results from the equivalency review due to various time constraints and may need to move forward with the recruitment process.
For further details regarding equivalency and the criteria by which equivalency may be granted, please review VCCCD Board Policy 7211 and VCCCD Administrative Policy 7211.
Supplemental Information
SELECTION PROCESS
If a vacancy in this discipline becomes available at one of the campuses, the applications in this pool will be reviewed by the hiring department. Only complete application packets that include the required documents and that meet the minimum qualifications (or that have been determined to possess equivalent qualifications) will be reviewed. The candidates deemed most qualified for the position will be invited to an interview. When completing the application and the supplemental questions, it is important to outline in detail your education, training (classes, seminars, workshops), and experience. You will be evaluated based upon the information provided.
APPLICATION PROCEDURE
If you need assistance using the online application system please contact the GovernmentJobs.com applicant support line at (855) 524-5627 between the hours of 6 AM to 5 PM, Pacific Time, Monday through Friday.
All applicants, including previous and current VCCCD employees, must submit the following documents with their application in order to be considered. Please be aware that the hiring committee will NOT have access to materials kept in District personnel files, such as transcripts, and such materials will not be considered unless they are included in your application packet. All required documents must be submitted by the applicant. You may submit a new application once every 24 hours, but it must have all of the attachments as listed below. Failure to submit these materials may result in disqualification. Please note that only the most recent application submitted will be considered.
1. A completed Ventura County Community College District/GovernmentJobs.com Employment Application.
All sections of the application must be filled out. Resumes are not a substitute for completing the "Work Experience" section of the employment application.
2. Cover Letter.
The cover letter of must include the following: A) the date, your name, and the position and locations for which you are applying, B) address your sensitivity to and understanding of the diverse academic, social, economic, cultural, disability, and ethnic backgrounds of community college students, and C) provide the screening committee with an understanding of how you will contribute as a fully participating member of the VCCCD community.
3. Resume
4. Letters of recommendation (recommended, not required)
If you choose to submit letters of recommendation, they should be uploaded with your application materials. We will not accept confidential letters of recommendation.
5. Supplemental Questionnaire for Equivalency (if applicable)
Please see the section titled "Equivalency" under the minimum qualifications above.
6. Complete official or unofficial college/university transcripts
Transcripts must show the degree title and the date the degree was conferred, or the degree will not be considered for the purpose of determining if you meet minimum qualifications. Copies of diplomas will not be accepted in lieu of transcripts. If the qualifying degree has yet to be conferred and you expect to have the degree before you begin employment, you must submit transcripts that state the title of the degree you are working toward obtaining and indicate the anticipated completion date in your response to the associated supplemental question provided during the application process. An official copy of your transcripts will be required upon being hired. Instructors will not be allowed to start working until official transcripts have been received.
FOREIGN TRANSCRIPTS
If you have completed coursework at a foreign institution that is not recognized as accredited by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) or the U.S. Department of Education, you must include a full evaluation of the foreign transcript with your application materials if you wish for us to consider the coursework. Visit the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) or the U.S. Department of Education to search for institutions that are recognized as accredited. If you need your transcripts evaluated, please review the list of agencies approved for foreign transcript evaluation. If applicable, an official copy of your foreign transcript evaluation will also be required upon hire.
PAY PHILOSOPHY
Starting salaries for PT Faculty are based on educational achievement and relevant experience. Initial placement is within the starting salary range. Further advancements are based on longevity and educational growth. Please review the Explanation of Salary Placement for Part-Time Faculty for more information.
STARTING SALARY
Part-time faculty with classroom assignments are paid between$2,408 and $3,108 per semester per 10% load.
Part-time faculty salaries are governed by the collective bargaining agreement between the Ventura County Federation of College Teachers, AFT, Local 1828, AFL-CIO and the Ventura County Community College District. More information can be found in the AFT contract.
Please be aware that we will require verification of all part-time teaching experience for which you wish to receive credit toward placement on the salary schedule. You will have 30 days to provide verification upon receipt of the offer of employment. Verification must come from the human resources department and state the percentage of full-time-equivalent assignment you worked during the specified time period.
ACCOMMODATIONS
Individuals who are invited to participate in the interview process who require a reasonable accommodation due to a disability, must notify the Ventura County Community College District Human Resources Department in writing at least two business days prior to the interview. Those applicants needing such accommodations should document this request ...