ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Reference Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Howard University

Reference Librarian

Washington, DC · On-site

$48K - $58K/yr

... basic reference questions and escalate more complex inquiries to senior librarians as needed. o Develop faculty research support skills. • Library Instruction and Information Literacy: o Help ...

Howard

Reference Librarian

Library, PA · On-site

$48K - $58K/yr

... reference questions and escalate more complex inquiries to senior librarians as needed. o Develop faculty research support skills. Library Instruction and Information Literacy: o Help prepare and ...

NorthEastern

Reference Librarian SEIU

Oakland, CA · On-site

$83K/yr

Manage reference activities, including staffing the Reference Desk. * Guide students, faculty, and staff in the use of the library's physical and electronic collections. * Meet with students and ...

New

Southwestern Law School

Head of Reference

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$125K/yr

The Head of Reference manages all aspects of the library's Reference Department, ensuring that it provides high-quality research and information services to faculty, students, staff, and alumni. This ...

previous page

Showing results 41-60

All JobsReference Jobs

Reference information

See salary details

$11K

$52.5K

How much do reference jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for reference in the United States is $52,194.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $52,000.00 and $52,500.00 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.

More about Reference jobs

What cities are hiring for Reference jobs?

Cities with the most Reference job openings:

What states have the most Reference jobs?

States with the most job openings for Reference jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Reference jobs?

For Reference jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Reference jobs near you
Infographic showing various Reference job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $52,194 per year, or $25.1 per hour.

Librarian, Reference Associate

Herndon, VA • On-site, Remote

Strategic Education, Inc.
Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools • 5 - 10K employees
Learn more about Strategic Education, Inc.external

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Strategic Education rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 11 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Academic reference librarian. This part time professional role provides and promotes effective delivery of virtual reference services that facilitate student development and achievement of learning outcomes. This position is highly customer focused and is often the first point of contact with the library staff. This position reports to the Supervisor - Reference Services and works cooperatively with other library staff to support library services.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities:
Must be able to work the following required hours (non-negotiable):
  • Weekend: Sunday: 11 am to 8 pm Central
  • Evening: Tuesday: 6 to 8 pm Central

Provide reference and research services for learners, faculty and staff, and assist users in developing effective skills, competencies, and strategies using library databases and other online resources.
Reference:
  • Assess the nature of reference queries to determine desired information need.
  • Assist learners, faculty, and staff in using library resources and services, including instructional and technical assistance in established modes: phone, email, chat, etc.
  • Demonstrate initiative in promoting and maintaining learner-and-customer focused services and culture. Promote library services and instruction.
  • Troubleshoot technical library problems with learners and work towards immediate resolution or accurate escalation.

Operational Tools & Resources:
  • Update and maintain library instruction resources, team training materials and operational job aids. This includes library guides, FAQ's, internal tracking lists on SharePoint, etc.

Professional Development & Team Collaboration:
  • Attend scheduled 1:1 meetings with supervisor.
  • Participate in team training and personal development opportunities as time allows.
  • Remain current on technologies or trends that enhance teaching and learning as time allows.
  • Create annual goals and provide feedback on your performance.

Job Skills:
  • Strong commitment to customer service.
  • Experience working with adult learners and delivering reference services to a diverse population.
  • Ability to work effectively both independently and as a team member with diverse faculty, staff and learners in a dynamic, rapidly changing environment.
  • Ability to spend majority of time interacting with people via phone and computer.
  • Knowledge of library research and online searching.
  • Strong organizational and analytical skills, commitment to accuracy and attention to detail.
  • Excellent interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills.
  • Demonstrated ability using Microsoft Office computer applications. Experience with SnagIT, Libguides, Kaltura and Captivate preferred.
  • Evening and weekend hours will be required.
  • Demonstrated ability to locate, understand, and interpret bibliographic citations.
  • Demonstrates initiative and responsibility.
  • Demonstrated ability to prioritize and meet deadlines.

Work Experience:
  • One to three years of relevant reference librarian experience in an academic library preferred.

Education:
  • A Master of Librarian & Information Science (MLIS) or a Master of Library Science (MLS) from ALA accredited institution (required).

Other:
  • Broadband or high-speed internet connection required. (No Satellite internet).
  • Must be able to spend significant time working at a computer and on the phone using a headset.
  • Work location: Remote or virtual (work from home).
  • Note: Job responsibilities are subject to change based on business needs.
  • Specific Hours: Very part-time role of (10) hours per week.

$24.00 is the expected starting pay for this position. This offer is based on current budgetary guidelines and additional factors outlined below.
SEI offers a comprehensive package of benefits to employees scheduled 30 hours or more per week. In addition to medical, dental, vision, life and disability plans, SEI employees may take advantage of well-being incentives, parental leave, paid time off, certain paid holidays, tax saving accounts (FSA, HSA), 401(k) retirement benefit, Employee Stock Purchase Plan, tuition assistance as well as entertainment and retail discounts. Non-exempt employees are eligible for overtime pay, if applicable.
Careers - Our Benefits, Strategic Education, Inc
SEI is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering an inclusive and collaborative culture where individuals can grow their careers and contribute fully. We strive to attract talent with broad experiences, skills and perspectives. We welcome applications from all. While it is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top end of the pay range at SEI, we offer a competitive salary. The actual base pay offered to the successful candidate may vary depending on multiple factors including, but not limited to, job-related knowledge/skills, experience, business needs, geographical location, and internal pay equity. Our Talent Acquisition Team is ready to discuss your interest in joining SEI. The expected salary range for this position is below.
$22.25 - $33.75 - Hourly
If you require reasonable accommodations to complete our application process, please contact our Human Resources Department at Careers@strategiced.com.

What Strategic Education employees say

Pay

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply