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Virtual Reference Librarian Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

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Edina, MN · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

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Virtual Reference Librarian information

See Minnesota salary details

$25.5K

$60.8K

$98.4K

How much do virtual reference librarian jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for virtual reference librarian in Minnesota is $60,779.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $48,500.00 and $71,000.00 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 Minnesota? The most popular types of Reference Librarian jobs in Minnesota are:
What are popular job titles related to Virtual Reference Librarian jobs in Minnesota? For Virtual Reference Librarian jobs in Minnesota, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Virtual Reference Librarian jobs in Minnesota look for? The top searched job categories for Virtual Reference Librarian jobs in Minnesota are:
Infographic showing various Virtual Reference Librarian job openings in Minnesota as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 38% Locum Tenens, 45% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 6% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $60,779 per year, or $29.2 per hour.
Business Healthcare Librarian (Librarian IV)

Business Healthcare Librarian (Librarian IV)

Mayo Clinic

Rochester, MN

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 26 days ago


Mayo Clinic rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 692 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

105th of 890 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Are you an experienced Business or Corporate Librarian with a passion for service? Are you interested in medicine and want to help build the global future of healthcare? The Mayo Clinic Libraries are recruiting a full-time Business Healthcare Librarian (Librarian IV) to support the business, management, and governmental information needs of more than 80,000 staff across the Practice, Research, and Education shields of Mayo Clinic. Applicants must provide expert-level virtual reference services and possess broad knowledge of national and international business and governmental information resources. The Business Healthcare Librarian will serve as part of the Reference team, collaborating with other librarians across the entire Mayo Clinic organization. Experience and comfort proactively communicating with, and responding to, service requests from business leaders and senior executives is essential.

This position will address Mayo Clinic's day-to-day business information needs by answering reference questions, gathering data, and delivering concise summaries to library patrons. The incumbent will also develop relationships with Mayo Clinic's business leadership to provide timely, targeted information to support their decisions. This position requires innovative and flexible thinking and the ability to effectively serve both high-level executives and novice learners. Additional duties include collaborating with other library team members for business-focused collection development and supporting high-quality general library services. Opportunities for growth and continuing education are provided, and ongoing development of medical and business reference skills is an expected part of this role. 

Applicants should submit a cover letter, resume or CV, and list of three or more professional references. 

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Although the new librarian may begin employment soon after acceptance of the employment offer, the start date is negotiable. Review of applications will begin immediately.

This position is a combination of remote and on-site work; individual must live within driving distance to any Mayo Clinic campus.

**Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.  Also, Mayo Clinic DOES NOT participate in the F-1 STEM OPT extension program.

Under minimal supervision, the Librarian IV performs professional level responsibilities encompassing library science, archival work, information management, or information technology. This position may perform work related to public services, technical services, systems, archives, or administration.
Public services responsibilities may include the provision of reference, research and educational services to faculty, staff, students, patients, and others. Technical services responsibilities may include acquisitions, collection development, cataloging, database/electronic resource access and/or serials management in support of the Mayo Clinic Library system. Archives responsibilities may include development, processing, description, digitization, and preservation of archival materials. Staff may also develop catalogs, manage accession/deaccession, and contribute expertise to the institution's strategic plan.
The Librarian IV may independently manage a work unit, a service area with one or more service points or a branch library and may supervise professional and non-professional library staff. As a managing Librarian IV, the position may involve personnel management, budgetary and financial management, library outreach, project management, external consultations, and partnership development. In comparison to the managing Librarian IV, the position may be held by a professional librarian or archivist who is widely recognized at Mayo Clinic for a specialized professional expertise which provides a valued service to others.
Regularly participates in and leads library committees or task forces. Often provides input, develops and applies library plans and policy, and makes decisions to support the Mayo Clinic Library system. May perform other tasks that support services, maintain workload, or provide coverage in the work unit or elsewhere in the Mayo Clinic Library system. 

Why Mayo Clinic

Mayo Clinic is top-ranked in more specialties than any other care provider according to U.S. News & World Report. As we work together to put the needs of the patient first, we are also dedicated to our employees, investing in competitive compensation and comprehensive benefit plans - to take care of you and your family, now and in the future. And with continuing education and advancement opportunities at every turn, you can build a long, successful career with Mayo Clinic.

Benefits Highlights
  • Medical: Multiple plan options.
  • Dental: Delta Dental or reimbursement account for flexible coverage.
  • Vision: Affordable plan with national network.
  • Pre-Tax Savings: HSA and FSAs for eligible expenses.
  • Retirement: Competitive retirement package to secure your future.
Just as our reputation has spread beyond our Minnesota roots, so have our locations. Today, our employees are located at our three major campuses in Phoenix/Scottsdale, Arizona, Jacksonville, Florida, Rochester, Minnesota, and at Mayo Clinic Health System campuses throughout Midwestern communities, and at our international locations. Each Mayo Clinic location is a special place where our employees thrive in both their work and personal lives. Learn more about what each unique Mayo Clinic campus has to offer, and where your best fit is. 

Equal Opportunity

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, protected veteran status or disability status. Learn more about the "EOE is the Law".  Mayo Clinic participates in E-Verify and may provide the Social Security Administration and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security with information from each new employee's Form I-9 to confirm work authorization.

Master's degree from an ALA-accredited institution or equivalent archival degree.  Library/archives experience, particularly work experience in a health sciences or scientific research library, institutional archive or museum, technology center, or similar environment.  Requires a total of 10 years of relevant, postgraduate professional experience.  For institutionally designated management or supervisory positions, at least 1 year of management or supervisory experience required.  Basic level knowledge in the following areas: information services, information management, instruction and instructional design, leadership and management, archival management, evidence-based practice and research, and health information professionalism.   Expert level knowledge in two or more of the following areas: information services, information management, instruction and instructional design, leadership and management, archival management, evidence-based practice and research, and health information professionalism. 

Sustained record of professional association participation. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills. Demonstrated initiative, good judgment, flexibility, and common sense.  Commitment to excellent customer service and quality improvement. Ability to work well in a team-based and self-directed work environment. Willingness to independently accomplish special projects. Commitment to and participation in relevant continuing education.

The ideal candidate will have experience providing business references (AACSB accredited institutions and larger corporations preferred) and/or demonstrated knowledge of legal, business, and governmental information resources.

Preferred Experience and/or Qualifications:
AHIP membership, a similar professional credential or certification, or an additional advanced degree in a subject area pertinent to the position.  Mayo Clinic academic appointment.  Mayo Clinic Academy of Educational Excellence member. Participation on a Mayo Clinic Education, Research, or Practice Division committee or task force. History of relevant scholarly publications or presentations. Participation on a community service board or committee.


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About Mayo Clinic

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Mayo Clinic is the largest integrated, not-for-profit medical group practice in the world. We're building the future, one where the best possible care is available to everyone — and more people can heal at home. Our relentless research turns into earlier diagnoses and new cures. That's how we inspire hope in those who need it most. At Mayo Clinic, experts work together to solve the most challenging unmet needs of patients. Our history of innovation dates back almost 150 years, when brothers Will and Charlie Mayo pioneered an integrated, team-based approach to medicine. Today, that trailblazing spirit drives innovations like Mayo Clinic Platform — which powers new technologies to change how care is delivered to all.

Industry

Hospitals

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Rochester, MN, US

Year founded

1919