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Virtual Reference Librarian Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Provide research and reference support under the guidance of a Librarian or Associate Librarian. * Assist with online chat, email, and virtual reference services as assigned. * Support a welcoming ...

Research Librarian

Los Angeles, CA · On-site +1

$105K - $111K/yr

... of legal reference and research experience, preferably in a law or corporate library * Master ... virtual short term solution based counseling services, life insurance, Healthcare and Dependent ...

Library Page

Hayward, CA · On-site

$23.83/hr

Shelves books, periodicals, videos, cassettes, magazines and reference material in alphabetical or ... Virtual Written Examination Applications submitted without all required materials will not be ...

Trainers may conduct in-person or virtual and train the trainer sessions; create training materials ... Produce and maintain highquality training videos, instructor guides, reference guides, and job aids.

ServiceNow Trainer

San Ramon, CA · On-site +1

$80K/yr

Facilitate live (virtual and in-person) ServiceNow training for technical and non-technical ... Produce and maintain high-quality training videos, instructor guides, reference guides, and job ...

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Virtual Reference Librarian information

See California salary details

$25.7K

$61.2K

$99.2K

How much do virtual reference librarian jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for virtual reference librarian in California is $61,244.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $48,900.00 and $71,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are Virtual Reference Librarians?

Virtual Reference Librarians are information professionals who assist patrons remotely, typically through online chat, email, video calls, or other digital platforms. They help users locate information, answer research questions, and provide guidance on using library resources without requiring in-person visits. Virtual Reference Librarians play a crucial role in making library services accessible to a broader audience, including those who may not be able to visit the library physically. Their expertise ensures that users receive timely and accurate information regardless of their location.

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

To thrive as a Virtual Reference Librarian, you need expertise in information retrieval, research methods, and a degree in library or information science. Familiarity with digital library platforms, online databases, virtual reference software, and cataloging systems is typically required. Strong communication, problem-solving, and customer service skills help create positive user experiences in an online environment. These skills are vital for efficiently connecting patrons with accurate information and resources in a virtual setting.

How does a Virtual Reference Librarian typically collaborate with faculty and students in an online academic environment?

A Virtual Reference Librarian frequently partners with faculty to support curriculum development by providing resource recommendations, creating research guides, and offering virtual instruction sessions. They also work closely with students through online chat, email, and video consultations to assist with research strategies, citation guidance, and database navigation. Collaboration often involves participating in virtual workshops and integrating library resources into learning management systems, ensuring that both faculty and students have seamless access to library support regardless of location.

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

AspectVirtual Reference LibrarianReference Librarian
CredentialsMaster's degree in Library Science (MLS or MLIS)Master's degree in Library Science (MLS or MLIS)
Work EnvironmentOnline platforms, remote workPhysical libraries, on-site or hybrid
Employer & IndustryPublic, academic, or special libraries offering virtual servicesPublic, academic, or special libraries with physical locations
Search & Comparison IntentOnline research, digital reference servicesIn-person reference assistance, physical resource management

The Virtual Reference Librarian primarily provides online research assistance through digital platforms, working remotely. In contrast, the Reference Librarian typically offers in-person reference services within physical library spaces. Both roles require similar credentials but differ mainly in work environment and service delivery methods.

What Does a Virtual Reference Librarian Do?

As a virtual reference librarian, you work at a library searching online references on a digital database to help recommend specific items or collections to patrons. You research answers to their questions, respond to telephone calls or emails, and use video chat to communicate and follow up with patrons. Other responsibilities may include creating new reference collections, determining which services to offer at the library, and taking on additional duties as necessary. Occasionally, you may determine whether or not people have the right to access certain information and restrict information as required by local or state legislation.

What are the most commonly searched types of Reference Librarian jobs in California? The most popular types of Reference Librarian jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Virtual Reference Librarian jobs in California? For Virtual Reference Librarian jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Virtual Reference Librarian jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Virtual Reference Librarian jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Virtual Reference Librarian jobs? Cities in California with the most Virtual Reference Librarian job openings:
Infographic showing various Virtual Reference Librarian job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 38% Locum Tenens, 42% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 6% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $61,244 per year, or $29.4 per hour.
Student Success Librarian

$85K - $115K/yr

Full-time

Posted yesterday


Job description

Position Title:Student Success LibrarianPosition Type:RegularHiring Range:

$85,400 to $115,200 annually; Compensation will be based on education, experience, skills relevant to the role, and internal equity.

Pay Frequency:AnnualApplications received by August 3, 2026 will receive priority review.

POSITION PURPOSE

The Student Success Librarian is responsible for supporting the University Library's student success initiatives, with particular focus on engaging with campus-wide entities, such as the LEAD program, Center for Student Involvement, and the Transfer Student Working Group. The position collaborates in the design and delivery of programming and resources directed towards advancing and reinforcing campus and library student success priorities. This position also provides specialized research consultation, instruction, and collection development for a number of departments or programs, including Gender and Sexuality Studies and Ethnic Studies. This position reports to the Head of Research, Outreach, and Inclusion.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Student Success Activities (60%)

  • Fosters belonging and academic growth by supporting priority library activities including the library's research workshop series and Inclusive Excellence newsletter submissions
  • Serves as a library liaison to programs on campus that support first generation and transfer students
  • Maintains and cultivates library relationships with first-year experience programs, orientations, and student success programs on campus
  • Collaborates with Center for Student Involvement on their orientation program for first-year and transfer students.
  • In collaboration with the Head of Research, Outreach, and Inclusion, develops, implements, and assesses library student success initiative focused on supporting priority student populations
  • Engages in professional learning related to emerging trends and best practices that develop greater awareness of student success efforts, such as community building and transfer and commuter student outreach

Subject Liaison Activities (30%)

  • Collaborates with faculty to design and deliver information literacy instruction in support of undergraduate writing courses
  • Serves as subject librarian for the departments of Gender and Sexuality Studies, Ethnic Studies, and additional departments based on interest and availability.
  • Collaborates with faculty in those subjects to design and deliver instruction sessions that support student learning
  • Identifies and develops opportunities for promoting the library and its services to those subject areas
  • Provides specialized reference assistance to those areas
  • Develops and manages the Library's electronic and print collections related to the above subject areas in partnership with the Collections and Scholarly Communications unit
  • Identifies new monograph titles and/or updates order profiles to facilitate the adding of monographic materials to the collection
  • Supports collection management in subject areas by engaging with and interpreting data to make decisions related to holdings (such as deselections and cancellations)
  • Participates in broader discussions related to library collections and their assessment in the Collections & Access Group.
  • Provides in-person and virtual research assistance and consultations to students, faculty, staff, and visitors

Service and Scholarship (10%)

  • Serves on and/or chairs University and University Library committees, working groups, and task forces.
  • Participates in local, state, regional, and national/international professional and scholarly societies and organizations.
  • Conducts research related to library science and/or another appropriate academic discipline; presents results at conferences and/or through publication.

Other duties as assigned

C. PROVIDES WORK DIRECTION

This position does not have any direct reports.

D. GENERAL GUIDELINES

Recommends initiatives and implements changes to improve quality and services. Identifies and determines cause of problems; develops and presents recommendations for improvement of established processes and practices. Maintains contact with customers (library staff) and solicits feedback for improved services. Maximizes productivity through use of appropriate tools; planned training and performance initiatives. Researches and develops resources that create timely and efficient workflow. Prepares progress reports; informs supervisor of project status; and deviation from goals. Ensures completeness, accuracy and timeliness of all operational functions. Prepares and submits reports as requested and required. Develops and implements guidelines to support the functions of the Research, Outreach and Inclusion department.

Receives Work Direction

  • Reports to and is supervised by the Head of Research, Outreach, and Inclusion
  • May receive work orientation, guidance, or training from University Library colleagues within and external to the Research, Outreach, and Inclusion department

Work Schedule

  • This is a full-time, 40 hours per week position. Working days are Monday through Friday. Occasional evening or weekend work may be required to support department and unit services, programs, and events.

E. QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The items below are representative of the knowledge, skills, abilities, education, and experience required or preferred.

This position requires the ability to effectively establish and maintain cooperative working relationships within a diverse multicultural environment.

Knowledge

  • Knowledge, or awareness, of trends, methods and practices in student success and engagement required
  • Knowledge of the principles and practices of the research interview
  • Knowledge of emerging instructional practices and their application
  • Knowledge of current trends and issues in scholarly communication
  • Knowledge of emerging issues and technologies in academic librarianship
  • Knowledge of best practices and goals of collection development
  • Knowledge of the assessment cycle and its use in continuous program improvement

Skills

  • Demonstrated competency in both in-person and virtual reference work, preferably in an academic library required
  • Excellent interpersonal, oral, written, collaboration, and presentation skills for communicating in multiple formats with a wide range of constituencies required
  • Demonstrated interest or experience in student success required
  • Applies pedagogy appropriately and effectively in teaching
  • Excellent organizational and time management skills
  • Examines their own cultural backgrounds and identities to increase awareness of personal assumptions, values, and biases

Abilities

  • Interest or experience in advocating for students preferred
  • Demonstrated ability to work creatively, collaboratively, and effectively, both as a team member and independently
  • Ability to provide exceptional service to a diverse community
  • Strong commitment to serving the needs of library users and willingness to advocate for their needs
  • Ability to provide exceptional service to a diverse community
  • Demonstrated ability to problem solve and troubleshoot library related issues
  • Committed to advancing inclusion, diversity, and social justice in library services and programs

Education

  • Master's degree from an ALA-accredited (or equivalent) library science or information science program required

Years of Experience

  • At least two years of experience providing services in a library setting preferred
  • Background in Gender and Sexuality Studies, Ethnic Studies, or another relevant discipline preferred
  • Experience and engagement in professional development activities preferred

Appointment level:

This position is included in the Academic Staff Librarian category. The specific level at which an appointment is made is determined by the successful candidate's level of experience and professional accomplishment. Minimum qualifications for those ranks are:

Assistant Librarian (salary grade 05): up to two years professional experience after receiving the MLS; interest in scholarship and professional/community service appropriate for an early-career librarian.

Senior Assistant Librarian (salary grade 06): at least two years professional experience after receiving the MLS; evidence of scholarly ability (e.g., additional coursework, conference presentations, publications) and professional or community service (e.g., active participation in professional society activities, involvement in committee or other service work at previous employers or community organizations) appropriate for an early-career librarian.

Associate Librarian (salary grade 07): at least five years professional experience after receiving the MLS; evidence of scholarly ability (e.g., additional coursework or advanced degrees, conference presentations, publications) and professional or community service (e.g., active participation in professional society activities, involvement in committee or other service work at previous employers or community organizations) appropriate for a mid-career librarian.

Librarian (salary grade 08): at least seven years professional experience after receiving the MLS; evidence of scholarly ability (e.g., additional coursework or advanced degrees, conference presentations, publications) and professional or community service (e.g., active participation in professional society activities, involvement in committee or other service work at previous employers or community organizations) appropriate for a senior librarian.

F. PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, as amended, the California Fair Employment & Housing Act, and all other applicable laws, SCU provides reasonable accommodations for qualified persons with disabilities. A qualified individual is a person who meets skill, experience, education, or other requirements of the position, and who can perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.

  • Considerable time is spent at a desk using a computer terminal
  • May be required to travel to other buildings on the campus
  • May be required to attend conference and training sessions within the San Francisco Bay Area or in- or out-of-state locations
  • May be required to occasionally travel to outside customers, vendors or suppliers

G. WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described below are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.

  • Typical office environment
  • Mostly indoor office environment with windows
  • Offices with equipment noise
  • Offices with frequent interruptions

Telecommute

Santa Clara University is registered to do business in the following states: California, Nevada, Oregon, Washington, Arizona, and Illinois. Employees approved to telecommute are required to perform their work within one of these states.

EEO Statement

Equal Opportunity/Notice of Nondiscrimination

Santa Clara University is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, national origin, citizenship, ancestry, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender expression, gender identity, marital status, parental status, veteran or military status, physical or mental disability, medical conditions, pregnancy or related conditions, reproductive health decision making, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. For a complete copy of Santa Clara University's equal opportunity and nondiscrimination policies, please visit the Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX website athttps://www.scu.edu/title-ix/.

Clery Notice of Availability

Santa Clara University annually collects information about campus crimes and other reportable incidents in accordance with the federal Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act. To view the Santa Clara University report, please visit the Campus Safety Serviceswebsite. To request a paper copy please call Campus Safety at (408) 554-4441. The report includes the type of crime, venue, and number of occurrences.

Americans with Disabilities Act

Consistent with its obligations under the law, Santa Clara University will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants who wish to request a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should contact the Department of Human Resources ADA Team athraccommodations@scu.eduor by phone at (408)554-4392. Please note: This contact information is intended for accommodation requests only. Resumes or inquiries about application status sent to this inbox will not be reviewed or forwarded. For resumes or questions regarding application status, please contact hrservicedesk@scu.edu.