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Virtual Reference Librarian Jobs in New York (NOW HIRING)

Northwell

Librarian - Medical Library

Staten Island, NY · On-site

$66K - $86K/yr

Provides reference and education services at assigned libraries via virtual as well as on-site consultations. Conducts expert literature searches to meet information needs; provides instruction in ...

Davis Wright Tremaine LLP

Research Librarian

New York, NY · 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 ...

Tiffany & Co.

VIE, Retail Client Experience

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$5.0K/mo

... SOPs, creation of reference libraries, testing coordination, launch support, and ongoing ... Develop and launch virtual learning resources, including videos and toolkits. * Partner with Retail ...

New

Tiffany & Co.

VIE, Retail Client Experience

New York, NY · On-site

$16.50 - $18/hr

... SOPs, creation of reference libraries, testing coordination, launch support, and ongoing ... Develop and launch virtual learning resources, including videos and toolkits. * Partner with Retail ...

New

Tiffany & Co

VIE, Retail Client Experience

New York, NY · On-site

$5.0K/mo

... SOPs, creation of reference libraries, testing coordination, launch support, and ongoing ... Develop and launch virtual learning resources, including videos and toolkits. * Partner with Retail ...

New

Tiffany

VIE, Retail Client Experience

New York, NY

$16.50 - $18/hr

... SOPs, creation of reference libraries, testing coordination, launch support, and ongoing ... Develop and launch virtual learning resources, including videos and toolkits. * Partner with Retail ...

New

Flox

Solutions Engineer

New York, NY · On-site

$170K - $220K/yr

... library of environments ready to meet customers where they are. * Tell the story and produce ... Craft the narratives, analogies, and reference architectures that make Flox click for different ...

Varsity Tutors

C++ Tutor

Clifton, NJ · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

... references, templates, Standard Template Library, inheritance and polymorphism, exception handling, file I/O, and multithreading. Ability to explain dynamic memory allocation, virtual functions ...

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Virtual Reference Librarian information

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$28.4K

$67.9K

$110K

How much do virtual reference librarian jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for virtual reference librarian in New York is $67,892.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $54,200.00 and $79,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a virtual reference librarian?

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 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 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.

More about Virtual Reference Librarian jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Reference Librarian jobs in New York?

The most popular types of Reference Librarian jobs in New York are:

What are popular job titles related to Virtual Reference Librarian jobs in New York?

For Virtual Reference Librarian jobs in New York, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Virtual Reference Librarian jobs in New York look for?

The top searched job categories for Virtual Reference Librarian jobs in New York are:

What cities in New York are hiring for Virtual Reference Librarian jobs?

Cities in New York with the most Virtual Reference Librarian job openings:

Virtual Reference Librarian jobs near you
Infographic showing various Virtual Reference Librarian job openings in New York as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 52% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 46% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $67,892 per year, or $32.6 per hour.

Reference Librarian at Columbia University Libraries

METRO | 599

Manhattan, NY • On-site

$65 - $105/hr

Other

Posted 5 days ago

Job description

The Li Lu Law Library at Columbia University is seeking a Reference Librarian to provide in-person and virtual reference service in all areas of law to faculty, students, and others. Reporting to the Head of Public Services, the successful candidate will participate in the Law Library's Administrative Rotation System, an experience that provides librarians with a new set of administrative responsibilities on an annual basis, including assisting with collection development, coordinating faculty and student outreach, and organizing the robust legal research instruction undertaken by the reference librarians. Responsibilities also include training law students and others through extensive classroom teaching, workshops, and one-on-one instruction; providing in-depth research assistance for faculty members; creating and maintaining LibGuides, and other related duties. Reference Librarians share regular weekend hours during the academic year.

This position offers the opportunity to work in a supportive team dedicated to delivering quality services to world-class professors and bright students, amidst one of the country's finest collections of legal materials, in a beautiful, newly-renovated library. As one of the world's leading research universities, Columbia University in the City of New York provides outstanding opportunities to work and grow in a dynamic, multicultural, intellectual community. The Columbia University Libraries comprises a diverse and engaged staff committed to furthering the University's teaching and research mission through innovation, collaboration, and a commitment to excellence. Columbia University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and strongly encourages individuals of all backgrounds and cultures to consider this position. We offer a salary commensurate with qualifications and experience and excellent benefits, including the possibility of below-market-rate housing in one of several Columbia-owned apartment buildings.

Qualifications MinimumQualifications
  • JD from accredited institution (completed by the start date);
  • Extensive experience with the use of legal and non-legal research tools;
  • Excellent communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills;
  • Strong service and teamwork orientation; and
  • Technological competency and a willingness to learn new technology as needed.
Preferred Qualifications
  • MLS or equivalent from accredited institution or the equivalent combination of education and experience;
  • Experience with teaching or instruction;
  • Experience with or interest in foreign, comparative, and international law research; and
  • Reading knowledge of a foreign language.
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