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Reference Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

City of Anaheim, CA

Part Time Librarian

Anaheim, CA · On-site

$37.62 - $48.02/hr

Conducts effective reference interviews to assess and satisfy customer information needs. * Develops the collection for an assigned area of the library; reviews and analyzes collection use ...

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Reference information

See California salary details

$10.9K

$51.8K

How much do reference jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 11, 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 a reference?

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 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 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 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 cities in California are hiring for Reference jobs?

Cities in California with the most Reference job openings:

Reference jobs near you
Infographic showing various Reference job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 17% 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.

Marin Campus Librarian

San Anselmo, CA • On-site

Graduate Theological Union
Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools • 51 - 200 employees
Learn more about Graduate Theological Unionexternal

$34 - $38/hr

Part-time

Posted 10 days ago

Job description

PRIMARY POSITION PURPOSE:


Under the general supervision of the GTU Public Services Librarian, the Marin Campus Librarian provides full professional oversight for and manages all activities involved in the operation of the SFTS Branch Library, located on the Marin Campus of the University of Redlands. Housing approximately 100,000 volumes on Theology, Religion, and Philosophy, the SFTS branch library provides resources and information primarily to students, faculty, and staff on the Marin campus and in the campus’ distance programs. Tasks include: reference and instruction activities, circulation, reserves, stacks management, and space/facility management. The incumbent evaluates procedures and services in close collaboration with GTU Library colleagues to ensure the user experience of students and faculty is supportive of their academic needs. This position is part-time with an average of 14 hours per week. 

 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

  1. Manages library services at the SFTS Branch Library, located on the Marin Campus. The library has 12 open hours per week, scheduled in 4 hour shifts with some flexibility, Sunday-Thursday. 
  2. Manages print reserves, stacks maintenance, and other ongoing tasks of the branch library.
  3. Notifies the Marin Campus facilities staff of problems with heating, lighting, plumbing, elevator, security, janitorial services, etc.
  4. Works with GTU and University of Redlands IT departments to resolve issues related to computer, printer, telephone, and WI-FI services.
  5. Partners with relevant colleagues for projects in these areas:
    1. Collaborates with GTU Public Services Librarian to coordinate and enforce consistent circulation policies.
    2. Coordinate on materials delivery and scanning services.
    3. Collaborates with GTU Reference Librarians and Marin Campus faculty to coordinate reference and bibliographic instruction services, as well as other outreach initiatives relevant to faculty and student populations. 
    4. Collaborates with GTU Library colleagues to gather and report relevant statistics.
    5. Provide access to the University of Redlands, Marin Campus Archives materials by advanced written request to the campus community and public researchers.
  6. Engages in routine stacks management activities for the SFTS branch collections.
  7. Works with Marin Campus faculty and staff to offer orientation for new students.
  8. Participates in other Library and GTU / Redlands meetings as appropriate.
  9. Other duties and special projects as assigned.


MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills and/or abilities desired. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

 

Education:

ALA accredited Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS), Master of Archives and Records Administration (MARA) or equivalent, or current enrollment in a relevant Master's program.


Required Experience/Skills:

  • Library experience, preferably in an academic library. 
  • Familiarity with Library of Congress call numbering system.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills and attention to detail.
  • Demonstrated experience with any ILS, (OCLC, Sierra, FOLIO, etc.)
  • Demonstrated experience with Microsoft Office suite.
  • Customer service orientation, demonstrated ease in working with the public.


Desired Experience/Skills:

  • Interest or training in philosophy/religion/theology. 

 

WORK ENVIRONMENT/ PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

  • Hours of work -- Varies depending on schedule. One hundred percent of work is indoors. Indoor work environment is not temperature controlled. Very little noise in library environment.
  • Vision – ability to see items necessary to carry out essential job functions. Close vision required or reading and working with computer. 
  • Hearing – ability to hear sounds of individuals and groups. 
  • Clear Speech – ability to communicate clearly to others is essential part of job. 
  • Sitting – ability to sit for long periods of time at computer.
  • Standing – ability to stand on frequent basis.
  • Walking – ability to walk to various areas within the SFTS library.
  • Lifting/Carrying – ability to lift and carry books and files occasionally - up to 50 lbs.
  • Standing/Squatting – ability to bend/stoop/squat sometimes to reach lower shelves in library.
  • Climbing – ability to climb a short step ladder to reach books on high shelves.
  • Reaching – ability to reach above shoulder and below shoulder, sometimes at arms’ length.
  • Pushing/Pulling – ability to push/pull desk and filing cabinet drawers.
  • Manual Dexterity – ability to grasp books and other items and to use a computer keyboard and mouse.
  • Regular Attendance – required to manage day to day operations of the branch, in person.