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Remote Reference Librarian Jobs in Washington, DC

Research Librarian

Washington, DC · On-site +1

$105K - $111K/yr

This position offers the flexibility to be fully remote while working within reasonable commuting ... of legal reference and research experience, preferably in a law or corporate library * Master ...

Remote, US-based Target Salary Range: $95,000 to $105,000 What you'll own Feature release ... the library of enablement resources: training decks, recorded sessions, FAQs, quick-reference ...

Remote, US-based Target Salary Range: $95,000 to $105,000 What you'll own Feature release ... the library of enablement resources: training decks, recorded sessions, FAQs, quick-reference ...

NLM Cloud Engineer I

Bethesda, MD · Remote

$59.75 - $79.75/hr

We are looking for a Cloud Engineer I to work within the National Library of Medicine (NLM), Lister ... Knowledge of FedRAMP requirements and secure remote access administration * Prior experience ...

NLM Cloud Engineer I

Bethesda, MD · Remote

$59.50 - $79.50/hr

We are looking for a Cloud Engineer I to work within the National Library of Medicine (NLM), Lister ... Knowledge of FedRAMP requirements and secure remote access administration * Prior experience ...

Senior Machine Learning Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site +1

$120K - $165K/yr

... innovation in remote sensing and large-scale geospatial analytics. Ideal candidates bring a ... Experience wrangling large datasets, ideally with geospatial libraries, combined with frameworks ...

NLM Cloud Engineer III

Bethesda, MD · Remote

$59.50 - $79.50/hr

We are looking for a Cloud Engineer III to work within the National Library of Medicine (NLM ... The selected applicant will be subject to a pre-employment background and reference check. Required ...

Build and maintain a product documentation library that supports BD, sales, and proposal teams ... Remote with occasional onsite meetings as needed. * Compensation commensurate with experience and ...

Remote Reference Librarian information

See Washington, DC salary details

$29.4K

$70.3K

$113.8K

How much do remote reference librarian jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for remote reference librarian in Washington, DC is $70,285.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $56,100.00 and $82,100.00 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 Washington, DC?

The most popular types of Reference Librarian jobs in Washington, DC are:

What are popular job titles related to Remote Reference Librarian jobs in Washington, DC?

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

What job categories do people searching Remote Reference Librarian jobs in Washington, DC look for?

The top searched job categories for Remote Reference Librarian jobs in Washington, DC are:

Infographic showing various Remote Reference Librarian job openings in Washington, DC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, and 14% Contract. Highlights an 100% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $70,285 per year, or $33.8 per hour.

Librarian, Reference Associate

Strategic Education, Inc.

Herndon, VA • On-site, Remote

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 11 days ago


Strategic Education rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 11 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

8th of 225 rated education and training


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.

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