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Virtual Reference Librarian Jobs in Fishers, IN (NOW HIRING)

... University Library seeks a University Archivist to join the Ruth Lilly Special Collections and ... Provide reference services for University Archives, assisting virtual and in-person researchers ...

New

C++ Tutor

Indianapolis, IN · 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 ...

Virtual Reference Librarian information

See Fishers, IN salary details

$24.3K

$58.1K

$94.1K

How much do virtual reference librarian jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for virtual reference librarian in Fishers, IN is $58,085.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $46,300.00 and $67,900.00 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.

What are the most commonly searched types of Reference Librarian jobs in Fishers, IN?

The most popular types of Reference Librarian jobs in Fishers, IN are:

What are popular job titles related to Virtual Reference Librarian jobs in Fishers, IN?

For Virtual Reference Librarian jobs in Fishers, IN, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Virtual Reference Librarian jobs in Fishers, IN look for?

The top searched job categories for Virtual Reference Librarian jobs in Fishers, IN are:

What cities near Fishers, IN are hiring for Virtual Reference Librarian jobs?

Cities near Fishers, IN with the most Virtual Reference Librarian job openings:

Infographic showing various Virtual Reference Librarian job openings in Fishers, IN as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 44% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 54% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $58,085 per year, or $27.9 per hour.

Full-time, Part-time

Posted 11 days ago


Job description

Position Details
Title University Archivist Appointment Status Tenure Track Department IU Indianapolis University Library Location Indianapolis Position Summary
IU Indianapolis University Library seeks a University Archivist to join the Ruth Lilly Special Collections and Archives, part of Distinctive Collections.
The University Archivist reports to the Director of Distinctive Collections and works collaboratively with library colleagues, faculty, and Indiana University partners to collect and provide access to university records. The position advances institutional priorities related to student and faculty research as well as community engagement and collaboration. This position will work with records of all types, including born-digital records such as websites, emails, and digital files, as well as audio-visual material. The University Archivist will support the full lifecycle of university records, which includes liaising with staff and faculty units about records management policies and the value of institutional records before transfer to the archives, as well as providing education and reference to researchers using these records of permanent value.

Responsibilities
  • Actively collect university records deemed of permanent value, including born digital materials and university websites
  • Supervise and perform University Archives collection management activities: accessioning, processing, preservation, and creation of finding aids, including training and supervising student workers to assist in this work
  • Provide reference services for University Archives, assisting virtual and in-person researchers (faculty, students, staff, and other researchers) in using university records
  • Liaise with campus offices on the interpretation and implementation of records retention schedules
  • Manage web archiving of university websites, including appraising URLs and setting appropriate capture schedules
  • Promote interest in the history of IUI/IUPUI and the historic neighborhoods predating the campus, through reference, instruction, and outreach efforts
  • Collaborate with Ruth Lilly Special Collections & Archives department members to improve service, provide access to collections, develop policies and procedures, and move department initiatives forward
Secondary responsibilities
  • Participate in development of records management policies in partnership with other campus archivists and the University Records Manager
  • Serve as a member of the Digital Collections Advisory Group, which is charged with setting priorities, establishing best practices for digital collections creation, and evaluating potential digital collections projects
  • Participate in University Library planning and decision-making activities
  • Participate in University Library and campus faculty organizations
  • Represent the library in local, state, and national library venues as appropriate.
  • Participate in library and university initiatives that advance campus and community engagement with distinctive collections
  • Support the mission, vision, values, and strategic priorities of University Library.
Basic Qualifications
Required Qualifications
  • Master's degree from an ALA-accredited Library/Information Science program or an equivalent degree
  • Minimum 2 years of professional experience in archives, including internships and part-time employment
  • Proven success in archives, including knowledge and experience in archival best practices, principles, and current trends, including born digital records
  • Experience processing large or complex archival collections and creating access tools (finding aids) for these collections
  • Excellent communication, collaboration, and project management skills
  • Ability to work both independently and collaboratively with a team environment
Preferred Qualifications
  • Knowledge of records management
  • Knowledge of web archiving
  • Experience with digital collections, including digital formats and digitization procedures
  • Knowledge of EAD (Encoded Archival Description)
Department Contact for Questions
Shauna Winter, HR Business Partner, shwint@iu.edu
Additional Qualifications Salary and Rank Special Instructions For Best Consideration Date Expected Start Date 01/01/2027 Posting Number IU-101641-2026