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Substitute Reference Librarian Jobs (NOW HIRING)

PT Librarian

Norwalk, CA ยท On-site

$68.22 - $86.78/hr

All part-time librarians prepare bibliographies and research guides and provide reference service ... that a substitute, if assigned, can maintain continuity of course content. * Teach courses in ...

... reference, and collection management, to a diverse community ofusers in support of the College ... Significant related experience may substitute for education * Experience with automated library ...

... reference, and collection management, to a diverse community ofusers in support of the College ... Significant related experience may substitute for education * Experience with automated library ...

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Substitute Reference Librarian information

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$25K

$55.7K

$78K

How much do substitute reference librarian jobs pay per year?

As of May 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for substitute reference librarian in the United States is $55,696.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $47,000.00 and $64,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Substitute Reference Librarian, you need a solid understanding of library science principles, research methods, and typically a master's degree in library science (MLS or MLIS). Familiarity with integrated library systems (ILS), online databases, and cataloging tools such as OCLC WorldCat is often required. Strong interpersonal skills, adaptability, and effective communication set outstanding librarians apart, especially when assisting diverse patrons or covering various shifts. These skills ensure efficient information retrieval, quality patron service, and smooth library operations during staff absences.

What are some challenges Substitute Reference Librarians face when adapting to different library environments?

Substitute Reference Librarians often work in various branches or institutions, which requires them to quickly familiarize themselves with different catalog systems, policies, and community needs. They must be adaptable and resourceful, as procedures and expectations can vary widely from one location to another. Building rapport with both staff and patrons in a short time frame can also be challenging, but strong communication skills and a willingness to learn help substitutes succeed in diverse environments.

What is a Substitute Reference Librarian?

A Substitute Reference Librarian is a professional who temporarily fills in for regular reference librarians, assisting library patrons with information needs, research, and the use of library resources. They may work on an as-needed basis, covering shifts due to staff absences or busy periods. Their duties often include answering reference questions, providing research assistance, and helping users access library catalogs and databases. Substitute Reference Librarians are expected to have strong research and customer service skills, as well as familiarity with library systems and resources. Their flexible role is crucial in maintaining consistent library services.

What is the difference between Substitute Reference Librarian vs Reference Librarian?

AspectSubstitute Reference LibrarianReference Librarian
CredentialsMaster's degree in Library Science (MLS) or equivalentMaster's degree in Library Science (MLS) or equivalent
Work EnvironmentTemporary or as-needed basis, covering absencesFull-time or part-time, regular schedule in libraries
Employer UsageLibraries hire substitutes for short-term coverageLibraries employ as a primary staff member
Search & ComparisonOften searched for as temporary or relief librarianStandard professional librarian role

The main difference is that a Substitute Reference Librarian works temporarily to cover absences, while a Reference Librarian holds a regular, ongoing position. Both roles require similar credentials but differ in employment type and work schedule.

More about Substitute Reference Librarian jobs
What cities are hiring for Substitute Reference Librarian jobs? Cities with the most Substitute Reference Librarian job openings:
What job categories do people searching Substitute Reference Librarian jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Substitute Reference Librarian jobs are:
Infographic showing various Substitute Reference Librarian job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 73% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 9% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $55,696 per year, or $26.8 per hour.
PT Librarian

PT Librarian

Cerritos College

Norwalk, CA โ€ข On-site

$68.22 - $86.78/hr

Part-time

Posted 3 days ago


Job description

Salary: $68.22 - $86.78 Hourly
Location : 11110 Alondra Blvd., Norwalk, CA
Job Type: Part-Time Faculty
Job Number: PT-Librarian-25
Division: Library & LRC
Opening Date: 10/01/2025
Closing Date: 6/30/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
Description
Equity and Diversity
The District is strongly committed to achieving staff diversity and the principles of equal opportunity employment. The District encourages a diverse pool of applicants and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, age, religion, marital status, disability, or sexual orientation in any of its policies, procedures or practices. In fact, the college encourages applications from all segments of qualified people.
Closing Date
This position will close on June 30, 2026 at 11:59 PM

College Profile
Cerritos College is ranked 14th among the top 100 schools with the highest Hispanic enrollment in the United States by the United States Department of Education. Cerritos College serves as a comprehensive community college for southeastern Los Angeles County. Communities within the college's district include Artesia, Bellflower, Cerritos, Downey, Hawaiian Gardens, La Mirada, Norwalk, and portions of Bell Gardens, Lakewood, Long Beach, Santa Fe Springs, and South Gate. Cerritos College offers degrees and certificates in more than 180 areas of study in nine divisions. Enrollment currently averages 20,000 students. Visit Cerritos College online at http://www.cerritos.edu.
Department Profile
Cerritos College library serves a diverse student population of over 20,000 studying in the more than 60 disciplines offered at the college. The library's resources include 132,000 volumes, 100 periodical subscriptions, over 50 electronic databases, an Ex Libris Primo discovery system, and LibGuides. Librarians work collaboratively with departments across campus to meet the needs of students and faculty. The library staff includes four full-time librarians and six classified staff. The library also maintains an active pool of part-time librarians. All part-time librarians prepare bibliographies and research guides and provide reference service and instruction both in-person and online. Other duties may include collection development, library displays, and other library projects as needed. Part-time librarians may be offered the opportunity to teach a section of the library's credit course, Introduction to Library Research.
Job Duties
ALL FACULTY SHALL:
  • Maintain currency with current information, concepts, laws and ideas in their disciplines and with best practices in teaching and learning.
  • Check mailbox, voicemail, and e-mail regularly.
  • Complete the checkout form before leaving campus at the end of the academic term.
  • Maintain student confidentiality as required by regulation and Board Policy 5040 titled Student Records and Directory Information.

ALL FACULTY WHO ARE ASSIGNED CLASSES SHALL:
  • Teach all assigned classes unless excused under provisions of Board Policy.
  • Teach all assigned classes for all scheduled minutes. In cases of necessary absence from class, notify the Instructional Dean or designee, or if unavailable, the Office of Academic Affairs in advance and have plans prepared so that a substitute, if assigned, can maintain continuity of course content.
  • Teach courses in accordance with the course outlines of record.
  • Provide opportunities for students to be aware of their progress.
  • Submit a copy of the syllabus for each class to the Division Office.
  • Keep accurate records of student enrollment, attendance, and academic progress and submit them to appropriate offices by the published deadlines.
  • Submit end-of-session grades, including supporting documentation, and attendance reports by the published deadlines.
  • Submit required information about first-day, no-show students by the published deadlines.
  • Submit textbook order information by the published deadlines. If the textbook is electronic or includes an electronic course pack, these conditions must be met:
  1. Tests and exams must be available to the student without charge.
  2. The text and course pack must be available to students with disabilities.
  3. The publisher must grant read-only access to designated college staff for purposes of evaluation of course materials.
  4. The text must be downloadable or printable.
If these four conditions are not met, the electronic textbook cannot be used.
  • Meet all classes during the final examination period.
  • Give final examinations at the scheduled time unless approval to do otherwise is granted by the Office of Academic Affairs or its designee.
  • Keep all corrected final examination papers for at least one year following the close of the semester or summer term.
  • Maintain a safe learning environment in classrooms, laboratories, and other instructional spaces.
  • Allow the instructional manager and/or Instructional Dean, upon request, to review any assignments given during the semester.

Minimum Qualifications
Master's in library science, library and information science, OR the equivalent.
Understanding of and sensitivity to meeting the needs of the diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, and ethnic background of the student, community, and employee population.
Supplemental Information
Physical Demands
Physical requirements may be met with or without reasonable accommodations. Requires ambulatory ability to move to various office and classroom-type locations and to stand, bend, stoop, and reach to setup equipment and provide instruction. Requires sufficient hand eye coordination and dexterity to write on a board or type on a computer. Requires sufficient visual acuity to read documents and make presentations. Requires sufficient auditory ability to project voice to a group, hear questions and prompts, and carry on routine conversations. Requires the ability to lift, push, and pull objects of medium weight (less than 30 lbs.) on an occasional basis.
Conditions of EmploymentAssignments are contingent upon sufficient funding and enrollment.
Assignments may include day, evening, and/or weekend classes.
Individual who is offered employment shall be required to obtain fingerprints for a criminal history clearance through the State Department of Justice and remit the required fee for processing the fingerprints, produce an original social security card, and submit negative TB test results (must be within the past four years or within the last 60 days if not previously employed in a school district in California) before employment.
Faculty must be able to teach on-campus or remotely as assigned.
Candidates must be able to provide proof of California residency prior to employment.
Proof of eligibility to work in the United States and signing of loyalty oath per Government Codes 3100-3109.
** Please note - the District does not provide for immigration sponsorships such as H1B Visas.
Application ProcedureApplication materials must be submitted by the closing date. We are committed to providing an inclusive and accessible application process. If you require a reasonable accommodation to apply or interview due to a disability, please contact Human Resources at as early as possible. While advance notice (ideally at least 72 hours before the application deadline or scheduled interview) helps ensure we can meet your needs, we will make every effort to accommodate requests made at any time.
It is the applicant's responsibility to provide copies of all transcript(s) verifying all educational degree(s) and/or coursework required for the position.
A foreign transcript must be evaluated by a NACES certified agency. The web address is www.naces.org.
All qualifying educational degrees/training must be from regionally accredited colleges and/or universities.
Selection ProcedureApplication materials will be evaluated by a selection committee to determine which applicants' qualifications, based on the information in the job announcement, best suit the needs of the District and the Department. The selection committee will conduct interviews and may include a teaching demonstration in order to determine which applicant best demonstrate the skill and knowledge required for the position. Successful candidates will be placed on an eligibility list for employment and will be contacted for employment opportunities based on the District's needs.
Required Documents
  1. Cover Letter
  2. Resume/Curriculum Vitae
  3. Copy of Unofficial Transcripts (Must show all coursework completed and the conferral date of the degree)

Medical Benefits may be available based on multiple criteria.
For more information, please review at:
01
Do you have a Master's in library science or library and information science?
  • Yes
  • No

02
If you answer No above, please describe your education/experience to be considered for the equivalency for the position. If you answered Yes to the previous question, please type N/A into the text box.
Required Question