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Virtual Reference Librarian Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

Virtual Reference Librarian information

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 Colorado? The most popular types of Reference Librarian jobs in Colorado are:
What are popular job titles related to Virtual Reference Librarian jobs in Colorado? For Virtual Reference Librarian jobs in Colorado, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Virtual Reference Librarian jobs in Colorado look for? The top searched job categories for Virtual Reference Librarian jobs in Colorado are:
What cities in Colorado are hiring for Virtual Reference Librarian jobs? Cities in Colorado with the most Virtual Reference Librarian job openings:
Infographic showing various Virtual Reference Librarian job openings in Colorado as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 38% Locum Tenens, 43% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 6% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution.
Instruction and Learning Commons Librarian

Instruction and Learning Commons Librarian

Colorado Mountain College

Dillon, CO • On-site

$74K - $83K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 5 days ago


Colorado Mountain College rating

9.8

Company rating: 9.8 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

1st of 611 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Job Description:
Primary Responsibility
Under the direction of the Associate Dean of Library Services, the Instruction & Learning Commons Librarian provides collegewide instructional and reference services in both in-person and virtual environments. The librarian designs and delivers information literacy instruction, offers research consultations, and provides responsive reference support for students, faculty, and staff.
The position also coordinates and supports Learning Commons services for Summit Campus (Breckenridge & Dillon) developing programs and partnerships that connect students with academic support and wraparound services. Working collaboratively across the college and with community partners, the librarian advances student learning, equitable access to information, and student success.
Pre-requisites for Position (Qualifications Standards)
Education and Experience: Education and experience sufficient for the rigors of the position. Examples include a Master's Degree in Library Science, or related degree, and three years related experience or equivalent education and experience or a Bachelor's Degree and five years of related experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience that will provide the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the functions of the position.
The ideal candidate will have professional experience in an academic setting as well as experience with learning services such as librarianship, professional tutoring, peer tutoring, and peer mentorship. The candidate will demonstrate excitement and enthusiasm for the Library & Learning Commons model and excellent collaboration and communication skills.
Specialized Knowledge: Proficiency in information literacy principles, teaching methodologies (library instruction), online information sources and reference and research, and interlibrary loan practices. This position will require exceptional organizational, writing, communication, and managerial skills and the ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects, working within deadlines and budgets. This flexible and nimble librarian must professionally represent the college with internal and external constituents; identify and work with volunteers; maintain confidentiality; and effectively work with students, employees, and community members of all backgrounds and positions.
Professional Skills: Strong written and verbal communication, organizational abilities, and the capacity to prioritize work to meet deadlines.
Welcoming. Innovative. Focused on Student Success. These principles reflect the soul of CMC. They guide us in building our teams, cultivating leaders, and expanding our approaches and mindset. They guide us to be an institution of higher education that's the right fit for every faculty member, staff, student, and community member in its trust. Applicants must demonstrate a commitment to working effectively with students, employees, and community members of all backgrounds.
Bilingual (English/Spanish) or conversational language abilities preferred.
Colorado Mountain College requires that employees perform their assigned duties within the State of Colorado. The College further expects employees to accurately report their work location at all times. Failure to do so impairs the College's ability to ensure compliance with tax, payroll, employment, information security, and operational requirements.
This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship. Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States without the need for current or future sponsorship.
Hiring range = $74,987.56 - $83,319.51 annual salary depending upon a combination of education and experience. Benefits include Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, Pet insurance, retirement contribution, tuition reimbursement, annual & sick time, mental health resources, healthy lifestyle benefits, affordable transitional housing may be available to the successful candidate based on eligibility and availability, relocation if applicable. CMC utilizes a wage progression compensation model that accounts for a candidate's skill and experience. Although a salary range is listed, salary will be set commensurate with the successful candidate's qualifications and in compliance with the Equal Pay for Equal Work Act.
Position anticipated to close on May 20, 2026 or until filled.
Minimum Qualifications:
Essential Duties
  • Instruction & Reference: Coordinate and provide instruction sessions and reference services in face-to-face and online environments, including teaching information literacy and research skills to classes and groups.
  • Learning Commons Services: Plan, coordinate, and promote learning services and activities to support and engage students, faculty, and staff at the assigned campus(es).
  • Supervision: Reports dually to the Associate Dean of Library Services and designated campus vice-president or designee and supervises student employees and volunteers as assigned.
  • Academic Coordination: Coordinate with other college staff and faculty to ensure tutoring services and research assistance support student needs at the designated campus(es) and CMC's Institutional Learning Outcomes (ISLOs).
  • Resource Promotion & Outreach: Promotes library services and resources, including research databases, library materials, and library learning commons events.
  • Institutional Support: Support campus events, participate in collegewide committees, and contribute to college initiatives.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Supervision Received
This position works under the direction of a designated campus administrator.
Supervisory Responsibility
This position serves as a lead to other team members. This position may supervise workstudy students, support staff, or program related staff.
Special Conditions of Employment
Successful completion of a background check including motor vehicles records report will be required. Incumbents in this position will adhere to all safety and compliance policies of Colorado Mountain College while performing all duties assigned.
Altered work schedule including evenings and weekends and travel within CMC service area may be required at times, based on position responsibilities.
Working Conditions
This position requires constant sitting, occasional walking, standing and driving; occasional handling objects, pushing/pulling; frequent reaching with hands/arms, and use of finger movements; occasional lifting, carrying, pushing or pulling objects up to 50 lbs. Constant written and oral communication and the ability to reason and analyze and perform calculations occasionally. Work is performed using a computer and standard office equipment daily and driving a vehicle occasionally.
CMC is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, the College will assist individuals who have a disability with any reasonable accommodation requests related to employment, including completing the application process, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, participating in the employee selection process, and/or to perform essential job functions where the requested accommodation does not impose an undue hardship. If you have a disability and require reasonable accommodation to ensure you have a positive experience applying or interviewing for this position, please direct your inquiries to our ADA Coordinator, Human Resources, benefits@coloradomtn.edu
NOTE: This position description is intended to indicate the basic nature of positions allocated to this class and provide examples of typical duties that may be assigned. It does not imply that all positions within the class perform all of the duties listed, nor does it necessarily list all possible duties that may be assigned. Employees may perform other related duties as required to meet the ongoing needs of the organization.
Each role at Colorado Mountain College contributes to the institution's sustainability initiatives by fostering environmental stewardship, supporting sustainable practices in daily operations, and advancing a culture of ecological responsibility that aligns with our commitment to balance the needs of current generations not to compromise the needs of future generations.

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