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Subject Librarian Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Washington University of St. Louis

The Subject Librarian is responsible for providing outreach to the East Asian Languages and Culture Department, which encompasses the three linguistic traditions - Chinese, Japanese, Korean - and ...

Washington University of St. Louis

The Music, Performing Arts and Film Subject Librarian is responsible for providing outreach to the Music Department, Performing Arts Department and Film and Media Studies Department. This role ...

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Subject Librarian information

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$31K

$65.2K

$102.5K

How much do subject librarian jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for subject librarian in the United States is $65,193.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $51,500.00 and $75,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are subject librarians?

Subject librarians are specialized library professionals who focus on specific academic disciplines or subject areas. They provide expert guidance in finding and using resources, support research and teaching, and often collaborate with faculty and students to develop relevant collections. Subject librarians also offer instruction, create research guides, and help users navigate complex databases and information sources related to their subject expertise.

What does a subject librarian do?

A subject librarian specializes in managing and providing access to resources related to a specific academic discipline or subject area. They assist students and faculty with research, develop collections, and may teach information literacy skills using library tools and databases. Their role often involves collection development, reference services, and supporting curriculum needs.

Which subject is best for librarians?

For a Subject Librarian, the best subjects to specialize in depend on the library's focus and community needs, such as education, science, technology, or humanities. Developing expertise in a specific subject area, along with strong research and information management skills, enhances job performance and career prospects.

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

To thrive as a Subject Librarian, you need expertise in information science, subject-specific knowledge (often supported by a master's degree in library science), and strong research skills. Familiarity with library management systems, academic databases, and digital resource platforms is typically required. Excellent communication, collaboration, and instructional abilities help Subject Librarians engage effectively with students, faculty, and researchers. These competencies are essential for providing high-quality research support, resource management, and user education within academic or specialized library settings.

Do librarians specialize by subject?

Yes, subject librarians specialize in specific academic or professional fields, such as science, history, or business, to provide tailored resources and expertise. They often develop specialized collections, assist with research, and may have advanced knowledge or certifications in their area of focus.

What type of librarians make the most money?

Among librarians, those in specialized roles such as law, medical, or corporate librarians tend to earn higher salaries due to their expertise and the demand for their skills. Academic librarians with advanced degrees and certifications may also earn more, especially in leadership or administrative positions. Salary levels are influenced by experience, education, and the specific sector or organization.

What is the difference between Subject Librarian vs Reference Librarian?

AspectSubject LibrarianReference Librarian
Required CredentialsMaster's in Library Science (MLS) or equivalent, subject expertiseMaster's in Library Science (MLS), strong reference skills
Work EnvironmentSpecialized collections, academic or research settingsPublic, academic, or special libraries, assisting users
Employer & Industry UsageEducational institutions, research centersPublic libraries, academic institutions, corporate libraries
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding specialized roles, qualifications, and dutiesAssisting with research, locating resources, user support

The main difference between a Subject Librarian and a Reference Librarian lies in their focus. Subject Librarians specialize in specific academic disciplines, managing specialized collections and providing expert guidance in their field. Reference Librarians offer general research assistance across various topics, helping users locate resources and answer questions. Both roles require similar credentials but serve different user needs and environments.

How does a Subject Librarian typically collaborate with faculty and students within their assigned academic discipline?

Subject Librarians work closely with both faculty and students to support research, teaching, and learning within their specialized subject area. They often provide tailored instruction sessions, develop research guides, and assist with resource selection to ensure the library’s collection aligns with curriculum needs. Regular collaboration may include attending departmental meetings, partnering on course development, and offering one-on-one consultations for in-depth research support. This role requires strong communication skills and proactive outreach to stay attuned to evolving academic needs.
More about Subject Librarian jobs
What cities are hiring for Subject Librarian jobs? Cities with the most Subject Librarian job openings:
What states have the most Subject Librarian jobs? States with the most job openings for Subject Librarian jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Subject Librarian jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Subject Librarian jobs are:
Subject Librarian jobs near you
Infographic showing various Subject Librarian job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 55% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 44% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $65,193 per year, or $31.3 per hour.

Subject & Instruction Librarian (Part-time)

Indiana University Academic Positions

South Bend, IN

Part-time

Posted 7 days ago

Job description

Position Details
Title Subject & Instruction Librarian (Part-time) Appointment Status Non-Tenure Track Department IU South Bend Library Location South Bend Position Summary
The IU South Bend Libraries seeks a parttime, hourly librarian position (38 weeks during the academic year) reporting to the Director of Research and Learning. The successful candidate will support the university's teaching, learning, and research mission through information literacy instruction, subject liaison responsibilities, and reference services. Primary responsibilities include teaching creditbearing information literacy courses, providing courseintegrated instruction, serving as subject librarian for selected academic programs, and providing reference services. The position also involves participation in library meetings, collaboration on projects and events, and contribution to a responsive and studentcentered library environment.
Basic Qualifications
Required Basic Qualifications:
  • MLS from an ALA accredited program (American Library Association) required.
  • Demonstrated experience in reference and instruction, preferably in an academic or specialized library required.

Preferred Basic Qualifications:
  • Teaching experience in an academic setting.
Department Contact for Questions
Vincci Kwong
vkwong@iu.edu
Additional Qualifications Salary and Rank Special Instructions For Best Consideration Date 05/26/2026 Expected Start Date 08/10/2026 Posting Number IU-101558-2026

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