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Virtual Reference Librarian Jobs in Rochester, NY

C++ Tutor

Rochester, NY · 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 ...

Tutor

Rochester, NY · On-site

$18/hr

This includes: editing, formatting, assisting in mechanics, and APA referencing. • Facilitate ... Blackboard, Email accounts, Virtual Library. • Take additional responsibilities as assigned by ...

Virtual Reference Librarian information

See Rochester, NY salary details

$25.7K

$61.2K

$99.2K

How much do virtual reference librarian jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for virtual reference librarian in Rochester, NY is $61,229.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $48,800.00 and $71,500.00 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 Rochester, NY? The most popular types of Reference Librarian jobs in Rochester, NY are:
What are popular job titles related to Virtual Reference Librarian jobs in Rochester, NY? For Virtual Reference Librarian jobs in Rochester, NY, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Virtual Reference Librarian jobs in Rochester, NY look for? The top searched job categories for Virtual Reference Librarian jobs in Rochester, NY are:
What cities near Rochester, NY are hiring for Virtual Reference Librarian jobs? Cities near Rochester, NY with the most Virtual Reference Librarian job openings:
Archives Assistant

Full-time

Posted 9 days ago


Rochester Institute Of Technology rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 32 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

251st of 552 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

  • Monitors, organizes, and maintains library stacks to ensure accurate shelving, accessibility, and preservation of materials
  • Assists with collection assessment projects, identifies duplicate items, and coordinates removal or relocation as needed
  • Processes incoming donations and transfers by creating accession records, labeling materials, and ensuring proper documentation
  • Updates and manages collection management systems, tracking the location, condition, and status of archival and library holdings
  • Prepares materials for exhibitions, displays, and external loans under supervision. Assists in installation and deinstallation of exhibits, event setup, and public program logistics
  • Participates in library committees, working groups, and outreach initiatives. Helps during tours, instructional sessions, or community engagement programs to promote awareness of archives and special collections
  • Other duties as assigned

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

  • Knowledge of archival principles, practices, tools, and systems
  • Knowledge of management, preservation, and archival of for born-digital and digitized materials
  • Skill in appraising, processing, and describing archival collections
  • Skill in transferring content from legacy media for archival purposes
  • Ability to work as a part of a team
  • Ability to develop and maintain effective and positive working relationships

Minimum Education & Experience

  • Bachelor's degree in related field
  • 3 years of relevant experience
  • Equivalent combination of experience and education may be considered

Job Level Overview

Operations, Administrative, Service, or Technical Support Level 3 - Senior level role with considerable knowledge and skills. Performs complex tasks and project work. Work is typically not routine and requires troubleshooting and analysis. Mentors or guides less experienced staff.


Additional Job Details
The Vignelli Center for Design Studies Archives Assistant will assist with the management of the design archives of renowned designers Lella and Massimo Vignelli, comprised of over 500,000 artifacts documenting their 50-year career across all areas of design. The Archives Assistant position is a rare opportunity to assist a small busy team with multifaceted duties in all aspects of archives management. The Archives Assistant processes archival collections, digitizes artifacts, and helps researchers access the collections. They contribute to department planning and provide public services and outreach through tours, class visits, and social media. Additionally, the Archives Assistant oversees the Archives when the Archivist is out of the office. This position is funded for 5 years with the possibility of continued funding. This is a 35 hours a week, benefits-eligible position.
Key Job Responsibilities:

  • Arrange, describe and otherwise process archival collections according to local and professional standards.

  • Assist in preventive preservation practices, including rehousing objects and digital preservation.

  • Provide public services for the department, including reference guidance, class presentations and public outreach, including contributing to our social media channels.

  • Digitally photograph and scan archival materials to create high-quality digital images to be used in publications, online presentations, or other purposes by both Archives staff and patrons, including adding digital collections in Google Arts & Culture.

  • Assist in preparing displays of collection materials, both in real and virtual exhibition spaces, such as Open House events.

  • Oversee Archives when the Archivist is not in the office, supervising student assistant as needed.

  • Collaborate on special projects as needed.

Department/College Description:
The Vignelli Center for Design Studies is a hub of research, education, and creative inspiration that houses over 750,000 artifacts across all fields of design. Iconic works by Lella and Massimo Vignelli are featured at the heart of our collection and their legacy forms the foundation of design excellence and innovation that the Vignelli Center celebrates today. Learn more about the center at rit.edu/vignellicenter

RIT's College of Art and Design is a professional art and design school at the forefront of technology, art, and design. Spanning more than 230,000 square feet, our facilities feature state-of-the-art studios and labs that foster a collaborative, hands-on learning environment. We are a dynamic community of artists, designers, and creative technologists. The College includes nearly 2,000 undergraduate and graduate students, 140 full-time faculty, 60 creative staff, and numerous part-time faculty-all contributing to our collaborative ecosystem.

Our five schools-Art, American Crafts, Design, Film and Animation, and Photographic Arts and Sciences-offer a diverse range of BFA, BS, and MFA programs. As part of a top national technical university, our students benefit from unique opportunities to collaborate across disciplines in science, engineering, liberal arts, sustainability, and entrepreneurship, as well as through RIT's global campuses. Learn more at rit.edu/artdesign.

Candidates must be eligible to work in the United States.

FLSA Category

Non-Exempt

Work Location

On Campus

Compensation

$19.65-$27.50

Application Materials

When you are ready to complete an application for this position please be prepared to submit the below requested information. This will be required to ensure your application is processed in a timely manner.

Cover Letter, Curriculum Vitae or Resume

Candidates must be eligible to work in the United States.


Additional Details

In compliance with NYS's Pay Transparency Act, the salary range for this position is listed above. Rochester Institute of Technology considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, as well as, market and organizational considerations when extending an offer. The hiring process for this position may require a criminal background check and/or motor vehicle records check. Any verbal or written offer made is contingent on satisfactory results, as determined by Human Resources. RIT provides equal opportunity to all qualified individuals and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, age, marital status, sex, gender, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, veteran status or disability in its hiring, admissions, educational programs and activities. RIT provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities under the Rehabilitation Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the New York Human Rights Law, or similar applicable law.


If you need reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please contact the Human Resources office at 585-475-2424 or email your request tocareers@rit.edu. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.


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About Rochester Institute of Technology

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) is a preeminent institution in the education services industry, located in Rochester, NY, US. Renowned globally for its innovative and industry-aligned education, RIT was established in 1829 and has since then been committed to offering academic rigor in fields of study with an emphasis on applied learning. This is evidenced by their broad spectrum of undergraduate and graduate programs in areas such as engineering, science, business, and fine arts. RIT's mission centers on providing technology-based educational programs for career-minded students.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Rochester, NY, US

Year founded

1829

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