OPT School Librarian Jobs
School Librarian jobs on OPT require a master's degree in library science (MLS or MLIS) in most states, which aligns well with STEM OPT extensions if your program qualifies. Public school positions often involve additional state licensure, so your 12-month OPT timeline matters when planning applications.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
The Science Reference Librarian will support the instructional, research, scholarship, creative activity, and public service missions of the University of Maine by providing information literacy instruction and design assistance, reference service, research assistance, and collection development. To participate in fostering learner success, to assist with creating and innovating for Maine and beyond, and to help grow and steward partnerships.
Typical hiring range for this position is $52,000 to $59,000 commensurate with qualifications and experience.
About the University:
The University of Maine is a community of more than 11,900 undergraduate and graduate students, and 2,500 employees located on the Orono campus, the regional campus in Machias, and throughout the state. UMaine is a land, sea and space grant university, and maintains a leadership role as the University of Maine System's flagship institution. UMaine is the state's public research university and a Carnegie R1 top-tier research institution, dedicated to providing excellent teaching, research and service for Maine, the nation and the world. More information about UMaine is at umaine.edu.
The University of Maine offers a wide range of benefits for employees including, but not limited to, tuition benefits (employee and dependent), comprehensive insurance coverage including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and short and long term disability as well as retirement plan options.
UMaine is located in beautiful Central Maine. Many employees report that a primary reason for choosing to come to UMaine is quality of life. Numerous cultural activities, excellent public schools, safe neighborhoods, high quality medical care, little traffic, and a reasonable cost of living make the greater Bangor area a wonderful place to live. Visit the Maine Office of Tourism to learn more about what the Bangor region has to offer.
QUALIFICATIONS
Required:
- Master's degree in library science from a school accredited by the American Library Association
- Reference services experience at an academic level
- Evidence of information literacy instruction experience
- Experience creating web guides and/or tutorials
- Experience with AI tools in library settings
- Clear understanding of the information needs of the members of a university community
- Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing
Preferred:
- Subject experience with natural science research
- Work with datasets
Other Information:
To be considered for this position you will need to “Apply” and upload the documentation listed below:
1.) a cover letter which describes your experience, interests, and suitability for the position
2.) a resume/curriculum vitae
Candidates selected to proceed to the final stages of the search process will be requested to provide a list of names and contact information for references.
Incomplete application materials cannot be considered. Materials received after the initial review date will be reviewed at the discretion of the University.
For full consideration, materials must be submitted by 4:30 p.m. EST on October 15, 2026.
The successful applicant is subject to appropriate background screening.
The University of Maine System (the System) is an equal opportunity institution committed to fostering a nondiscriminatory environment and complying with all applicable nondiscrimination laws. Consistent with State and Federal law, the System does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, transgender status, gender, gender identity or expression, ethnicity, national origin, citizenship status, familial status, ancestry, age, disability (physical or mental), genetic information, pregnancy, or veteran or military status in any aspect of its education, programs and activities, and employment. The System provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. If you believe you have experienced discrimination or harassment, you are encouraged to contact the System Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX Services at 5713 Chadbourne Hall, Room 412, Orono, ME 04469-5713, by calling 207.581.1226, or via TTY at 711 (Maine Relay System). For more information about Title IX or to file a complaint, please contact the UMS Title IX Coordinator at www.maine.edu/title-ix/.
Clery Act
The Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, or Clery Act, mandates that all Title IV institutions, such as the University, prepare, publish and distribute an Annual Security Report, (ASR) and provide notice of the availability of the ASR to all prospective employees. This report consists of two basic parts: disclosure of the University’s crime statistics for the past three calendar years; and disclosures regarding the University’s current campus security policies. You may view the University’s Annual Security Report. If you wish to have a paper copy of the ASR or you need to have a copy of the ASR in an accessible format, the University will provide such a copy upon request. Please contact: UMaine Police Department, 81 Rangeley Rd., The University of Maine, Orono, ME 04469-5794, or call 207.581.4053.
INTRODUCTION
The Science Reference Librarian will support the instructional, research, scholarship, creative activity, and public service missions of the University of Maine by providing information literacy instruction and design assistance, reference service, research assistance, and collection development. To participate in fostering learner success, to assist with creating and innovating for Maine and beyond, and to help grow and steward partnerships.
Typical hiring range for this position is $52,000 to $59,000 commensurate with qualifications and experience.
About the University:
The University of Maine is a community of more than 11,900 undergraduate and graduate students, and 2,500 employees located on the Orono campus, the regional campus in Machias, and throughout the state. UMaine is a land, sea and space grant university, and maintains a leadership role as the University of Maine System's flagship institution. UMaine is the state's public research university and a Carnegie R1 top-tier research institution, dedicated to providing excellent teaching, research and service for Maine, the nation and the world. More information about UMaine is at umaine.edu.
The University of Maine offers a wide range of benefits for employees including, but not limited to, tuition benefits (employee and dependent), comprehensive insurance coverage including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and short and long term disability as well as retirement plan options.
UMaine is located in beautiful Central Maine. Many employees report that a primary reason for choosing to come to UMaine is quality of life. Numerous cultural activities, excellent public schools, safe neighborhoods, high quality medical care, little traffic, and a reasonable cost of living make the greater Bangor area a wonderful place to live. Visit the Maine Office of Tourism to learn more about what the Bangor region has to offer.
QUALIFICATIONS
Required:
- Master's degree in library science from a school accredited by the American Library Association
- Reference services experience at an academic level
- Evidence of information literacy instruction experience
- Experience creating web guides and/or tutorials
- Experience with AI tools in library settings
- Clear understanding of the information needs of the members of a university community
- Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing
Preferred:
- Subject experience with natural science research
- Work with datasets
Other Information:
To be considered for this position you will need to “Apply” and upload the documentation listed below:
1.) a cover letter which describes your experience, interests, and suitability for the position
2.) a resume/curriculum vitae
Candidates selected to proceed to the final stages of the search process will be requested to provide a list of names and contact information for references.
Incomplete application materials cannot be considered. Materials received after the initial review date will be reviewed at the discretion of the University.
For full consideration, materials must be submitted by 4:30 p.m. EST on October 15, 2026.
The successful applicant is subject to appropriate background screening.
The University of Maine System (the System) is an equal opportunity institution committed to fostering a nondiscriminatory environment and complying with all applicable nondiscrimination laws. Consistent with State and Federal law, the System does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, transgender status, gender, gender identity or expression, ethnicity, national origin, citizenship status, familial status, ancestry, age, disability (physical or mental), genetic information, pregnancy, or veteran or military status in any aspect of its education, programs and activities, and employment. The System provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. If you believe you have experienced discrimination or harassment, you are encouraged to contact the System Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX Services at 5713 Chadbourne Hall, Room 412, Orono, ME 04469-5713, by calling 207.581.1226, or via TTY at 711 (Maine Relay System). For more information about Title IX or to file a complaint, please contact the UMS Title IX Coordinator at www.maine.edu/title-ix/.
Clery Act
The Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, or Clery Act, mandates that all Title IV institutions, such as the University, prepare, publish and distribute an Annual Security Report, (ASR) and provide notice of the availability of the ASR to all prospective employees. This report consists of two basic parts: disclosure of the University’s crime statistics for the past three calendar years; and disclosures regarding the University’s current campus security policies. You may view the University’s Annual Security Report. If you wish to have a paper copy of the ASR or you need to have a copy of the ASR in an accessible format, the University will provide such a copy upon request. Please contact: UMaine Police Department, 81 Rangeley Rd., The University of Maine, Orono, ME 04469-5794, or call 207.581.4053.
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship in School Librarian
Verify state licensure requirements before applying
Public school librarian positions require a state-issued library media specialist license in most states. Research your target state's requirements early since the credentialing process can take months and must align with your OPT authorization period.
Target private and independent schools first
Private and independent schools generally don't require state licensure, making them faster to hire international candidates on OPT. They also have more hiring flexibility and often recruit year-round rather than following the rigid public school academic calendar.
Align your job search with the school hiring cycle
Most K-12 schools post librarian openings between February and May for fall positions. If your OPT start date falls outside this window, target university libraries, public libraries, or special libraries, which hire throughout the year.
Lead with your MLIS and any digital library experience
Schools increasingly need librarians who can manage digital collections, teach information literacy, and support learning management systems. Highlighting these technical skills alongside your degree makes you a stronger candidate and broadens which institutions will consider sponsoring you.
Ask directly about H-1B sponsorship during early conversations
School districts and library systems vary widely in their willingness to sponsor H-1B visas after OPT. Raising sponsorship early, before investing in a lengthy interview process, saves time and signals that you're planning your immigration status responsibly.
Consider university and academic library roles for longer runways
College and university libraries are more experienced with international hiring than K-12 schools and often support H-1B sponsorship. They're also cap-exempt employers, meaning petitions aren't subject to the annual H-1B lottery.
School Librarian OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Does a School Librarian role qualify for a STEM OPT extension?
It depends on your degree, not the job title. If you earned your MLIS from a program classified under a STEM-designated CIP code, you may qualify for a 24-month STEM OPT extension. Many MLIS programs are not STEM-designated, so confirm your program's CIP code with your DSO before assuming you're eligible.
Can I work as a school librarian at a public school on OPT without state licensure?
Most public school districts require a state library media specialist credential before you can work in a librarian role, and the licensing process often takes several months. Starting that process immediately after your OPT is authorized is important if you're targeting public schools. Private schools typically don't have this requirement, making them a more accessible entry point on OPT.
Will school districts sponsor H-1B visas after my OPT ends?
Some do, but it varies significantly. Larger urban school districts are more likely to have experience sponsoring international employees than smaller rural ones. University and college libraries are often a better bet because many qualify as cap-exempt H-1B employers, which removes the lottery risk entirely. Migrate Mate can help you identify which types of employers in this field have a track record of sponsorship.
How does the school hiring calendar affect my OPT job search as a librarian?
K-12 schools hire librarians primarily between February and May for positions that begin in August or September. If your OPT authorization starts outside this window, you may miss the main hiring cycle. University libraries, public libraries, and special libraries in corporate or nonprofit settings hire year-round and are worth targeting if your OPT timing doesn't align with the academic calendar.
What employment authorization documents will a school employer need from me on OPT?
Your employer will need your Employment Authorization Document (EAD) card, which shows your work authorization start and end dates, along with your F-1 visa and passport for I-9 verification. Your DSO will also need to report your employer's details in SEVIS within 10 days of your start date. Keep a copy of your OPT approval notice and EAD accessible throughout your employment.