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Reference Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

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Reference information

See Illinois salary details

$10.7K

$50.9K

How much do reference jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for reference in Illinois is $50,577.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $50,400.00 and $50,900.00 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 Illinois are hiring for Reference jobs?

Cities in Illinois with the most Reference job openings:

Reference jobs near you
Infographic showing various Reference job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $50,577 per year, or $24.3 per hour.

Reference Librarian

Aurora, IL • On-site

Illinois Mathematics And Science Academy
Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools • 51 - 200 employees
Learn more about Illinois Mathematics And Science Academyexternal

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 14 days ago

Job description

Overview
The selected candidate will be responsible for handling all of the electronic resources, reference, and collection development inquiries and acquisitions. This position is a full-time academic year position. The hours of this position are generally Monday - Friday, 12:00pm - 8:00pm.
The Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy (IMSA) is committed to an equitable, diverse, and inclusive teaching and learning environment. Through a model of Equity and Excellence, IMSA has committed to advancing equity in STEM education and representation and creating a diverse, inclusive community of global citizens who can realize their full potential and execute our mission to advance the human condition.
This Equity and Excellence Work is the intentional integration of Cultural Competence, Diversity, Equity, Equity-Minded Frame, Excellence and Inclusion into every facet of the Academy, with the understanding that it is an active and ongoing process involving structures, processes and people and not an isolated initiative.
This position will support IMSA's Equity and Excellence work by ensuring the delivery of quality, equitable, and inclusive support while promoting and maintaining an inclusive work environment and culture that embraces the diversity of people and perspectives collaborating at IMSA to ignite and nurture creative, ethical, scientific minds that advance the human condition.
Responsibilities
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable Accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Collection Development
  • Regularly review key selection resources to identify potential additions to the collection, both print and electronic, pertinent to the IMSA curriculum, teaching and research practices, residential programs, and general reading interests.
  • Develop and maintain proactive, working relationships with faculty, staff, and students to stay current with curriculum and teaching directions, subject area needs and interests.
  • Systematically assess the collection for balance, utility, timeliness, and format.
  • Identify and coordinate the withdrawal of outdated print and electronic titles.
  • Prioritize and coordinate the input of orders in an online system.
  • Promote collections and inform users of new acquisitions of potential interest to them.
  • Cultivate and implement policies and procedures that reflect the IRC's values and goals.

Reference Services
  • Provide proactive, customer-oriented information, reference, and research assistance.
  • Develop, design, and deliver research skills classes in partnership with faculty and the IRC Supervisor
  • Create and update online research guides, research skills handouts, Web resources, and displays to leverage knowledge for the community.
  • Maintain and organize the content on the library's webpage.
  • Work harmoniously with IRC team and IMSA community to maximize efficiency of operations and patron services.
  • Maintain professional knowledge of current trends, developments, standards, best practices, and technologies, especially in reference and collection development.
  • Conduct special projects in collection development and reference.
  • Assist in daily library operations and other duties as assigned.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications
QUALIFICATIONS
  • ALA-accredited Master's Degree in Library Science
  • Knowledge, experience, and proficiency in collection development, reference services, online searching, research strategies, and library instruction.
  • Experience and interest in academic/school environment.
  • Positive and strong customer focus.
  • Significant recent experience and proficiency with current information technologies and computer applications.
  • Knowledge of current and emerging trends, standards, and practices in collection development and reference.
  • Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
  • Demonstrated ability to work independently and collegially in a changing and fast-paced environment.
  • Demonstrated ability to work well with a variety of individuals and diverse populations

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
  • 5 years experience in research/school library
  • Experience in an academic setting

WORKING CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
Work is performed in office settings with minimal exposure to health or safety hazards. Substantial time is spent working on a computer. This role requires the following physical activities: speaking, hearing, visual acuity, and mobility within the workspace.
COMPENSATION:
This position is a full-time, exempt, 10-month, employment-at-will position. Salary regionally commensurate with training and experience in like-institutions with a range of $60,341 to 75,426. IMSA offers a comprehensive state benefits package (major medical, dental, vision, and prescription) with rates found here, a generous paid time off plan, and a retirement plan through the State University Retirement System (SURS). SURS is reciprocal with other Illinois public retirement systems such as the Teachers' Retirement System of Illinois (TRS) and the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF).
The Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer providing equal employment opportunities without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, age, religion, or national origin. This policy also includes the handicapped and all disabled Vietnam era veterans. IMSA utilizes only job-related criteria in making decisions concerning applicants and employees.

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