H-1B Visa Reference Librarian Jobs
Reference Librarian roles qualify for H-1B sponsorship as specialty occupations requiring a Master of Library Science or equivalent degree. Most sponsoring employers are universities, research institutions, and large public library systems. The annual H-1B cap applies, though university and nonprofit library positions are often cap-exempt.
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LAC Federal is seeking a Reference Librarian to provide high-quality reference, research assistance, and instructional support to students, faculty, staff, and community patrons through online platforms and at the library service desk. In this role, the Reference Librarian will guide users in effectively navigating library resources, including the online catalog, electronic databases, and print and non-print collections.
Additionally, the Reference Librarian may be responsible for other assigned duties such as gathering and analyzing usage statistics, delivering library instruction sessions, conducting student research consultations, and performing occasional circulation desk functions. Schedule flexibility is required, as the candidate must be available for hours of operation during the spring and summer semesters, including the library’s evening hours. On rare occasions, if the building needs to close but services are still needed, the employee is expected to work remotely.
Employment Type: Part Time/16 hours per week. Length of Contract is from May 4, 2026 – June 30, 2026
Schedule: Schedule will adjust depending on semester schedule:
- May 4, 2026 – May 15, 2026
- Monday-Thursday 4:00 - 8:00pm
- May 18 - 22, 2026: Intersession – coverage not needed
- May 25, 2026: Memorial Day – coverage not needed
- May 26, 2026 - June 30, 2026
- Monday – Thursday 3:00-7:00pm
Key Responsibilities
- Deliver reference and research services to library users both in-person and virtually.
- Assist patrons in the effective use of library technologies, databases, and research tools.
- Provide individualized research support to students through consultations.
- Conduct instructional sessions for classes, faculty, and other library users to promote information literacy and enhance research skills.
- Maintain knowledge of library collections, both print and digital, to support user needs.
- Capture and report library usage statistics as directed.
- Collaborate with library staff to enhance services and contribute to special projects as assigned, such as creating and/or updating library guides and instructional resources.
- Support circulation functions as needed.
- Stay current with trends and emerging technologies related to academic library reference services.
- Participate in professional development activities to maintain and improve knowledge and skills relevant to the role.
Requirements
- Minimum of one (1) year of recent experience providing reference services in a public, research, or academic library setting; academic library experience preferred.
- Proficiency with electronic information systems, research databases, and Microsoft Office applications.
- Familiarity with technologies used in academic libraries for reference and instructional purposes.
- Strong knowledge of library practices and procedures, including reference and instructional services.
- Experience with Primo Discovery Service by Ex Libris strongly preferred.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively with diverse populations.
- Ability to manage multiple tasks and responsibilities in a dynamic service environment.
- Strong commitment to customer service and student success.
- Master’s degree in Library and Information Science (MLIS) or equivalent from an ALA-accredited program preferred.
Physical Requirements
- Ability to sit or stand for extended periods while providing reference and circulation support at a service desk and during instructional sessions.
- Frequent use of computers and digital systems, including typing, viewing screens for prolonged periods, and navigating online databases and library technologies.
- Ability to lift and move library materials (e.g., books, files, small equipment) up to approximately 15–20 pounds and perform light physical tasks such as shelving or organizing materials as needed.
Benefits
- Not Benefit Eligible
EEO Statement
The company and its subsidiaries are an equal opportunity employer and celebrate the population of differences and does not discriminate in its hiring/hiring practices, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Nothing in this job specification restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.
Critical features of this job are described under various headings above. They may be subject to change at any time due to reasonable accommodation or other reasons. The above statements are strictly intended to describe the general nature and level of the work being performed. They are not intended to be construed as a complete list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of employees in this position.
This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee(s) incumbent in this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related duties requested by any person authorized to give instructions or assignments. All duties and responsibilities are essential functions and requirements and are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities.
To perform this job successfully, the incumbents will possess the skills, aptitudes, and abilities to perform each duty proficiently.
Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health or safety of themselves or others. The requirements listed in this document are the minimum levels of knowledge, skills, or abilities. This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an “at will” relationship.
Description:
LAC Federal is seeking a Reference Librarian to provide high-quality reference, research assistance, and instructional support to students, faculty, staff, and community patrons through online platforms and at the library service desk. In this role, the Reference Librarian will guide users in effectively navigating library resources, including the online catalog, electronic databases, and print and non-print collections.
Additionally, the Reference Librarian may be responsible for other assigned duties such as gathering and analyzing usage statistics, delivering library instruction sessions, conducting student research consultations, and performing occasional circulation desk functions. Schedule flexibility is required, as the candidate must be available for hours of operation during the spring and summer semesters, including the library’s evening hours. On rare occasions, if the building needs to close but services are still needed, the employee is expected to work remotely.
Employment Type: Part Time/16 hours per week. Length of Contract is from May 4, 2026 – June 30, 2026
Schedule: Schedule will adjust depending on semester schedule:
- May 4, 2026 – May 15, 2026
- Monday-Thursday 4:00 - 8:00pm
- May 18 - 22, 2026: Intersession – coverage not needed
- May 25, 2026: Memorial Day – coverage not needed
- May 26, 2026 - June 30, 2026
- Monday – Thursday 3:00-7:00pm
Key Responsibilities
- Deliver reference and research services to library users both in-person and virtually.
- Assist patrons in the effective use of library technologies, databases, and research tools.
- Provide individualized research support to students through consultations.
- Conduct instructional sessions for classes, faculty, and other library users to promote information literacy and enhance research skills.
- Maintain knowledge of library collections, both print and digital, to support user needs.
- Capture and report library usage statistics as directed.
- Collaborate with library staff to enhance services and contribute to special projects as assigned, such as creating and/or updating library guides and instructional resources.
- Support circulation functions as needed.
- Stay current with trends and emerging technologies related to academic library reference services.
- Participate in professional development activities to maintain and improve knowledge and skills relevant to the role.
Requirements
- Minimum of one (1) year of recent experience providing reference services in a public, research, or academic library setting; academic library experience preferred.
- Proficiency with electronic information systems, research databases, and Microsoft Office applications.
- Familiarity with technologies used in academic libraries for reference and instructional purposes.
- Strong knowledge of library practices and procedures, including reference and instructional services.
- Experience with Primo Discovery Service by Ex Libris strongly preferred.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively with diverse populations.
- Ability to manage multiple tasks and responsibilities in a dynamic service environment.
- Strong commitment to customer service and student success.
- Master’s degree in Library and Information Science (MLIS) or equivalent from an ALA-accredited program preferred.
Physical Requirements
- Ability to sit or stand for extended periods while providing reference and circulation support at a service desk and during instructional sessions.
- Frequent use of computers and digital systems, including typing, viewing screens for prolonged periods, and navigating online databases and library technologies.
- Ability to lift and move library materials (e.g., books, files, small equipment) up to approximately 15–20 pounds and perform light physical tasks such as shelving or organizing materials as needed.
Benefits
- Not Benefit Eligible
EEO Statement
The company and its subsidiaries are an equal opportunity employer and celebrate the population of differences and does not discriminate in its hiring/hiring practices, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Nothing in this job specification restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.
Critical features of this job are described under various headings above. They may be subject to change at any time due to reasonable accommodation or other reasons. The above statements are strictly intended to describe the general nature and level of the work being performed. They are not intended to be construed as a complete list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of employees in this position.
This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee(s) incumbent in this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related duties requested by any person authorized to give instructions or assignments. All duties and responsibilities are essential functions and requirements and are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities.
To perform this job successfully, the incumbents will possess the skills, aptitudes, and abilities to perform each duty proficiently.
Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health or safety of themselves or others. The requirements listed in this document are the minimum levels of knowledge, skills, or abilities. This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an “at will” relationship.
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding H-1B Visa Sponsorship in Reference Librarian
Verify your MLS meets specialty occupation requirements
USCIS requires your degree to directly relate to the Reference Librarian role. A Master of Library Science satisfies this, but a general humanities degree without library coursework may trigger an RFE. Have your transcripts ready to show coursework alignment.
Target cap-exempt employers first
Universities, nonprofit research libraries, and government-affiliated institutions can file your H-1B outside the annual lottery. Focusing your search on these employers means you can start any time of year, not just during the April cap season.
Search LCA filing history on Migrate Mate
Before applying, use Migrate Mate to check which employers have filed Labor Condition Applications for Reference Librarian or library specialist roles. This tells you which institutions have an active history of sponsoring this specific position.
Check prevailing wage before accepting an offer
Your employer must pay at least the DOL prevailing wage for your role and location. Run a lookup on the OFLC Wage Search tool using the correct Standard Occupational Classification code for Reference Librarians before you negotiate your salary.
Clarify whether your role qualifies as cap-exempt
Not every library employer automatically qualifies as cap-exempt. Your employer's HR or immigration counsel needs to confirm the institution's nonprofit or government-affiliated status before USCIS will accept a cap-exempt filing on your behalf.
File a certified LCA before your I-129 is submitted
Your employer must have a DOL-certified LCA in hand before submitting the I-129 petition to USCIS. Confirm your employer's timeline includes the LCA certification step, which typically takes up to seven business days, to avoid delays in your start date.
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Find Reference Librarian JobsReference Librarian H-1B Visa: Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Reference Librarian role qualify as an H-1B specialty occupation?
Yes. USCIS treats Reference Librarian positions as specialty occupations because the role normally requires at least a Master of Library Science or equivalent graduate degree. The O*NET profile for the occupation supports this classification. Your employer will need to document that the specific position requires a degree in a directly related field, not just any bachelor's degree.
Which employers sponsor H-1B visas for Reference Librarians?
Universities, medical center libraries, law school libraries, and large research institutions are the most active H-1B sponsors for this role because many qualify as cap-exempt under the INA. Public library systems affiliated with municipal or county governments also sponsor, though less frequently. Use Migrate Mate to filter employers by LCA filing history for Reference Librarian and related library roles.
Can I apply for H-1B sponsorship as a Reference Librarian outside the annual lottery?
You can if your employer qualifies as cap-exempt. Institutions of higher education, affiliated nonprofits, and government research organizations are exempt from the 85,000 annual cap. This means your employer can file your H-1B petition at any point during the year and your start date isn't tied to the October 1 fiscal year cycle.
What does the H-1B Labor Condition Application process look like for library roles?
Your employer files the LCA with DOL before submitting the I-129 to USCIS. The LCA certifies that you'll be paid at least the prevailing wage for a Reference Librarian in your work location and that hiring you won't adversely affect working conditions for U.S. workers. DOL typically certifies LCAs within seven business days of submission.
Does changing library employers affect my H-1B status?
Yes, but portability rules under AC21 allow you to transfer to a new employer once your I-129 has been pending for 180 days, provided the new role is in the same or a similar occupational classification. Your new employer must file an H-1B transfer petition before you begin work. Reference Librarian to related library or information science roles generally qualifies as same or similar.
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