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How much do research librarian jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for research librarian in the United States is $59,852.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $38,000.00 and $78,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are research librarians?

Research librarians are information professionals who assist individuals and organizations in finding, evaluating, and using information resources for scholarly, academic, or professional research. They work in various settings such as universities, government agencies, and research institutions. Their responsibilities often include conducting literature reviews, managing databases, teaching research skills, and supporting the research needs of faculty, students, or clients. Research librarians are skilled in both traditional and digital research methods and play a key role in helping users access reliable and relevant information.

What Does a Research Librarian Do?

A research librarian works at an academic library at a college or university or at a public research institution, such as the New York Public Library or Library of Congress. As a research librarian, your primary duties are to assist students, scholars, and other researchers to find books and materials and provide them with advice on how to perform research related to their topic. Some academic librarians may perform their own original research as well. Others are more focused on reference services, acquisitions for their libraries, or handling rare books or other materials. Increasingly, research librarians have been working on how to integrate and advance information technology into libraries.

How do I become a research librarian?

To become a research librarian, typically a master's degree in library science or information science from an accredited program is required. Relevant skills include information management, research techniques, and familiarity with library management systems; certification from professional organizations can also enhance job prospects.

How do Research Librarians typically collaborate with faculty and students to support academic projects?

Research Librarians often work closely with faculty and students by providing guidance on locating and evaluating scholarly resources, assisting with literature reviews, and teaching research skills workshops. They may participate in project meetings, offer individualized consultations, and help design effective search strategies for complex topics. This collaborative approach not only enhances research outcomes but also helps build strong relationships across departments, making Research Librarians integral partners in academic success.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Research Librarian, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Research Librarian, you need expertise in information science, advanced research techniques, and a relevant master's degree such as an MLIS. Familiarity with specialized databases, digital cataloguing systems, and citation management tools is typically required. Exceptional analytical thinking, attention to detail, and strong interpersonal communication help provide tailored research support and instruction. These skills and qualities are critical for efficiently connecting users with reliable information and fostering academic or institutional research success.
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Research Librarian jobs near you
Infographic showing various Research Librarian job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 8% As Needed, 84% Part Time, and 8% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $59,852 per year, or $28.8 per hour.

Research and Reference Librarian

asrcfh

Washington, DC

Other

Posted 27 days ago

Job description

Agile Decision Sciences (ADS,) a subsidiary of ASRC Federal, is seeking a Reference and Research Librarian to support our nationwide contract to provide the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) with library and records management services. We offer a culture that provides professional development and team collaboration. Find out why we were voted and certified as a "Great Place to Work." If you have experience as a Research/Reference Librarian (cataloging is a plus), let's talk about next steps.   Apply today!

Requirements:

  • MS in Library Science, Information Science, or related field.
  • Minimum two years of professional experience providing reference and research services, with preference given to scientific research settings or special libraries and a demonstrated commitment to public service
  • Minimum two years of professional experience crafting expert literature search strategies and conducting searches in scientific databases. Otherwise demonstrated science or technical subject knowledge (environmental, biomedical, chemical, etc.) and experience with commonly used research tools and databases in those fields (PubMed, Web of Science, etc.) may be considered.
  • Experience with reference managers (specifically EndNote) and other library tools (CMS, Alma, PrimoVE, etc.) and skills (cataloging, collection management SharePoint management).
  • Customer service skills and strong organizational skills with attention to detail as well as the ability to work independently and on teams, communicate effectively with colleagues and customers, prioritize and manage multiple on-going projects, quickly adapt to change, and meet deadlines.
  • Ability to pass a government background investigation which requires Permanent Residency or US Citizenship

Responsibilities:

  • Deliver in-depth reference and research support services to EPA researchers and staff, including staffing of in-person and virtual reference services.
  • Conduct expert-level literature searches on scientific and non-scientific topics using free and subscription databases.
  • Contribute to other library programs and services including library instruction, marketing and outreach, knowledge management projects, or cataloging.
  • Participate in the development of innovative library services (research impact analysis, data visualization, systematic reviews, machine learning, artificial intelligence, and other potential new areas of service).
  • Complete reporting duties, departmental statistics, and documentation as required by the contract and library operating procedures

Apply