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Remote Reference Librarian Jobs in Wisconsin (NOW HIRING)

$111K - $133K/yr

Also, you will be a reference for the team deploying Five9 Contact center solutions (VCC, IVA, etc ... technical library with processes, scripts, common module descriptions or any other relevant ...

Remote Reference Librarian information

See Wisconsin salary details

$26.2K

$62.6K

$101.4K

How much do remote reference librarian jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average yearly pay for remote reference librarian in Wisconsin is $62,637.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $50,000.00 and $73,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a remote reference librarian?

Remote reference librarians are professional librarians who provide research assistance, information retrieval, and guidance to library users from a distance, often using digital communication tools such as email, chat, or video calls. They help patrons access library resources, answer information queries, and support research needs without requiring in-person visits. This role is especially valuable for users who cannot physically visit the library or prefer online services.

What does a remote reference librarian do?

As a remote reference librarian, you work from home to provide informational resources as needed, often communicating with patrons via chat, email, or phone. You can work for a library, school, law firm, or medical facility. Your responsibilities include performing online research, curating resources, answering emails, calls, and other online informational requests, and evaluating the quality of the available resources. Your duties cover customer service responsibilities such as communicating promptly, maintaining a professional attitude, and responding to inquiries with virtual and other resources. You may also contribute content to the library website and assist in budget planning.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a remote reference librarian, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Remote Reference Librarian, you need a strong background in information science, research methodologies, and a relevant MLS or MLIS degree. Familiarity with digital library systems, online databases, and virtual reference tools such as LibGuides and chat platforms is essential. Excellent communication, customer service, and problem-solving skills help you effectively assist patrons in a virtual environment. These competencies ensure accurate information delivery, user satisfaction, and seamless support in remote library services.

How does a remote reference librarian effectively collaborate with onsite library staff and patrons?

As a Remote Reference Librarian, you will frequently communicate with onsite colleagues through email, chat platforms, and virtual meetings to coordinate reference services and resource sharing. While assisting patrons remotely, you may need to work closely with onsite staff to access physical materials or resolve complex inquiries. Maintaining clear communication and leveraging digital tools ensures seamless collaboration, allowing you to provide timely and accurate information to library users regardless of location.

What are the most commonly searched types of Reference Librarian jobs in Wisconsin?

The most popular types of Reference Librarian jobs in Wisconsin are:

What are popular job titles related to Remote Reference Librarian jobs in Wisconsin?

For Remote Reference Librarian jobs in Wisconsin, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities in Wisconsin are hiring for Remote Reference Librarian jobs?

Cities in Wisconsin with the most Remote Reference Librarian job openings:

Infographic showing various Remote Reference Librarian job openings in Wisconsin as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $62,637 per year, or $30.1 per hour.

Electronic Resources Cataloging Specialist

University of Wisconsin-Madison

Madison, WI • On-site, Remote

$39K - $45K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 7 days ago


University Of Wisconsin-Madison rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 56 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

128th of 622 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Current Employees: If you are currently employed at any of the Universities of Wisconsin, log in to Workday to apply through the internal application process.
Job Category:
University Staff
Employment Type:
Regular
Job Profile:
Library Assistant III
Job Summary:
The University of Wisconsin-Madison Libraries seek a creative and energetic Electronic Resources Cataloging Specialist to join the Electronic Resources Cataloging Team with in the Cataloging Department. The Cataloging Department is responsible for providing access to the UW-Madison Libraries' rich collection in all formats. This position focuses on the electronic resources the library and/or the Universities of Wisconsin purchase or subscribe to.
This position provides resource description services and collaborates with colleagues across departments to resolve cataloging issues for electronic resources. They will contribute to the development and implementation of relevant policies, procedures, and workflows to support the department to perform its functions effectively and efficiently. A successful candidate will collaborate with colleagues through committee services and taskforces, as well as professional development activities.
This position is eligible for partial remote work after initial training is complete. A remote work agreement may allow for a maximum of 40% remote per week.
This position is full-time, 100%.
Ongoing/Renewable
Key Job Responsibilities:
  • Actively participate in an inclusive, welcoming, and respectful workplace (5%)
  • Provides complex library services support in absence of a supervisory authority. Acts as a resource to other library staff (0%)
  • Interprets policies and procedures to answer non-routine questions and resolve complex issues (0%)
  • Hires, trains, and guides student employees and monitors student workflows (0%)
  • May create invoices, process complex orders, and resolve any purchasing discrepancies (0%)
  • Provides complex support to the day-to-day operations of library services to provide guidance in the use of library information resources, operations, and policies; or to acquire, prepare, and preserve library information resources for use (20%)
  • Conducts reference searches to locate relevant materials and answer questions as needed (0%)
  • Contributes to the development of policies and procedures (5%)
  • Utilizes designated library systems, tools, standards, and practices to locate, retrieve, and organize; or describe, edit, preserve, and reformat a variety of library information resources (60%)
  • Participates in committee work within the library and the university (5%)
  • Utilizes library software and systems to retrieve, enter, and report on data using a wide variety of applications (5%)
  • May assist and educate both face-to-face and remote customers in the use of technologies and tools to create, seek, use, and manage information (0%)

Department:
Libraries, Cataloging
Compensation:
Starting salary will be based on experience and qualifications. Well-qualified applicants can anticipate earning between $39,335 - $45,000 with final salary based on experience and qualifications.
This position offers a comprehensive benefits package, including generous paid time off, competitively priced health/dental/vision/life insurance, tax-advantaged savings accounts, and participation in the nationally recognized Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS) pension fund. For a summary of benefits, please see https://www.wisconsin.edu/ohrwd/benefits/download/univstaff.pdf.
Employees in this position can expect to receive benefits such as generous vacation, holidays, and sick leave; competitive insurances and savings accounts; retirement benefits. Benefits information can be found at https://hr.wisc.edu/benefits/.
Required Qualifications:
  • Excellent communication skills with the ability to collaborate effectively with colleagues and other stakeholders
  • Demonstrated strong problem-solving skills
  • Demonstrated ability to independently prioritize workload, manage multiple projects and deadlines effectively, and follow-through on tasks

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Working knowledge and experience of cataloging and metadata rules, standards, and tools such as the Machine Readable Cataloging (MARC) standard, and Resource Description and Access (RDA) standard
  • Working proficiency with Microsoft Excel and/or OpenRefine. Experience with large data sets and working in batches.
  • Familiarity with Online Computer Library Center (OCLC) products (Connexion, WorldShare, etc.).
  • Experience with an integrated library system (ex: Alma from Ex Libris)
  • Ability to analyze problems and suggest solutions

Education:
High school degree required
How to Apply:
Click the "Apply" button to start the application process. You will be prompted to upload the following documents:
  • Resume
  • Cover Letter

Applicants should attach a cover letter and resume detailing their training and experience relating to the required and preferred qualifications referenced above. The application reviewers will be relying on written application materials to determine which qualified applicants will advance in the recruitment process.
References will be requested from finalists only and are not required with the initial application. Reference requests will be sent via email from SkillSurvey.
Failure to submit the required documents will result in no longer being considered for the position.
Please note that successful applicants are responsible for ensuring their eligibility to work in the United States (i.e. a citizen or national of the United States, a lawful permanent resident, a foreign national authorized to work in the United States without need of employer sponsorship) on or before the effective date of appointment.
Contact Information:
Caitlin Milnthorpe, caitlin.milnthorpe@wisc.edu, 608-263-4962
Relay Access (WTRS): 7-1-1. See RELAY_SERVICE for further information.
Institutional Statement on Diversity:
Diversity is a source of strength, creativity, and innovation for UW-Madison. We value the contributions of each person and respect the profound ways their identity, culture, background, experience, status, abilities, and opinion enrich the university community. We commit ourselves to the pursuit of excellence in teaching, research, outreach, and diversity as inextricably linked goals.
The University of Wisconsin-Madison fulfills its public mission by creating a welcoming and inclusive community for people from every background - people who as students, faculty, and staff serve Wisconsin and the world.
The University of Wisconsin-Madison is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to, including but not limited to, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, pregnancy, disability, or status as a protected veteran and other bases as defined by federal regulations and UW System policies. We promote excellence by acknowledging skills and expertise from all backgrounds and encourage all qualified individuals to apply. For more information regarding applicant and employee rights and to view federal and state required postings, visit the Human Resources Workplace Poster website.
To request a disability or pregnancy-related accommodation for any step in the hiring process (e.g., application, interview, pre-employment testing, etc.), please contact the Divisional Disability Representative (DDR) in the division you are applying to. Please make your request as soon as possible to help the university respond most effectively to you.
Employment may require a criminal background check. It may also require your references to answer questions regarding misconduct, including sexual violence and sexual harassment.
The University of Wisconsin System will not reveal the identities of applicants who request confidentiality in writing, except that the identity of the successful candidate will be released. See Wis. Stat. sec. 19.36(7).
The Annual Security and Fire Safety Report contains current campus safety and disciplinary policies, crime statistics for the previous 3 calendar years, and on-campus student housing fire safety policies and fire statistics for the previous 3 calendar years. UW-Madison will provide a paper copy upon request; please contact the University of Wisconsin Police Department.

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About University of Wisconsin

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The University of Wisconsin, based in Madison, WI, US, functions in the educational industry and is a renowned and respected institution for higher education. Its official website is wisc.edu. Established in 1848, this public research university is recognized globally for its innovative approach to education, research, creativity, and public service. It embodies a strong commitment to academic freedom and academic excellence. As a major contributor to the Wisconsin Idea, it aims to accomplish its mission of generating well-rounded individuals who will contribute substantially to society, the local community, and the global economy.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Madison, WI, US

Year founded

2005