Reference Librarian Jobs
Reference Librarian jobs are open across public library systems, academic institutions, law firms, hospitals, and corporate research departments, at every level from entry-level to senior and department head, with specializations in research services, digital archives, and special collections. Find a role that fits from the openings below and apply directly.
Find Reference Librarian JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 8+ Reference Librarian jobs
DESCRIPTION
LAC Federal is seeking a highly motivated Science Research and Reference Services Librarian to support a federal library in the North Carolina area delivering high-quality scientific, technical, and research information services to researchers, scientists, analysts, and program staff. This position supports a federal scientific library environment and plays a critical role in providing reference, research, bibliographic, and information support services. The Librarian will work collaboratively with federal staff and other contractors to support scientific research, information discovery, and user engagement activities. The position requires strong research skills, excellent customer service, and experience working with scientific, technical, or academic information resources.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Respond to reference and research inquiries from NOAA staff using in-person, email, telephone, and virtual service channels
- Conduct complex literature searches and information retrieval using scientific and technical databases, repositories, and library systems
- Perform reference interviews to clarify research needs and identify appropriate resources and search strategies
- Develop research products including literature reviews, annotated bibliographies, research summaries, and briefing materials
- Assist with bibliometric analysis projects using tools such as Web of Science, Scopus, EndNote, and other analytical resources
- Support information discovery and access across NOAA library collections, databases, institutional repositories, and external information sources
- Provide training, instruction, and demonstrations on library resources, databases, and research tools
- Create research guides, instructional materials, and outreach content promoting library services and collections
- Track and report reference and research metrics, service activity, and customer engagement statistics
- Support interlibrary loan and document delivery services as needed
- Assist with collection development activities and user needs assessments
- Maintain awareness of emerging scientific information resources, library technologies, and federal research trends
- Ensure all work products meet applicable Section 508 accessibility requirements and NOAA standards
REQUIREMENTS
- Master’s Degree in Library Science (MLS/MLIS) from an ALA-accredited institution
- 2–3 years of equivalent full-time experience as a professional librarian
- Experience conducting reference and research services in academic, scientific, technical, or federal library environments
- Experience using scientific and technical databases such as Web of Science, Scopus, ProQuest, EBSCO, or similar platforms
- Strong research, analytical, and information retrieval skills
- Experience developing search strategies and synthesizing research findings
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Strong customer service and user engagement skills
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and common online collaboration tools
- Experience supporting federal scientific or technical libraries
- Experience conducting bibliometric or citation analysis
- Experience creating instructional materials, research guides, or library training content
- Familiarity with institutional repositories and digital library systems
- Experience with data visualization or reporting tools such as Tableau or Power BI
- Familiarity with Section 508 accessibility standards
Physical Requirements
- Ability to sit, stand, walk, bend, reach, and use hands and fingers for extended periods of time in an office or library environment.
- Ability to operate standard office equipment and computer systems, including keyboards, monitors, telephones, printers, scanners, and other electronic equipment, for prolonged periods.
- Ability to occasionally lift, carry, move, and transport books, library materials, files, boxes, and equipment weighing up to 25 pounds, and travel throughout office, library, meeting, and storage areas as needed.
BENEFITS
- Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision)
- Retirement Plan (401k, IRA)
- Life Insurance (Basic, Voluntary & AD&D)
- Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick & Public Holidays)
- Family Leave (Maternity, Paternity)
- Short Term & Long-Term Disability
- Training & Development
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 highly motivated Science Research and Reference Services Librarian to support a federal library in the North Carolina area delivering high-quality scientific, technical, and research information services to researchers, scientists, analysts, and program staff. This position supports a federal scientific library environment and plays a critical role in providing reference, research, bibliographic, and information support services. The Librarian will work collaboratively with federal staff and other contractors to support scientific research, information discovery, and user engagement activities. The position requires strong research skills, excellent customer service, and experience working with scientific, technical, or academic information resources.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Respond to reference and research inquiries from NOAA staff using in-person, email, telephone, and virtual service channels
- Conduct complex literature searches and information retrieval using scientific and technical databases, repositories, and library systems
- Perform reference interviews to clarify research needs and identify appropriate resources and search strategies
- Develop research products including literature reviews, annotated bibliographies, research summaries, and briefing materials
- Assist with bibliometric analysis projects using tools such as Web of Science, Scopus, EndNote, and other analytical resources
- Support information discovery and access across NOAA library collections, databases, institutional repositories, and external information sources
- Provide training, instruction, and demonstrations on library resources, databases, and research tools
- Create research guides, instructional materials, and outreach content promoting library services and collections
- Track and report reference and research metrics, service activity, and customer engagement statistics
- Support interlibrary loan and document delivery services as needed
- Assist with collection development activities and user needs assessments
- Maintain awareness of emerging scientific information resources, library technologies, and federal research trends
- Ensure all work products meet applicable Section 508 accessibility requirements and NOAA standards
REQUIREMENTS
- Master’s Degree in Library Science (MLS/MLIS) from an ALA-accredited institution
- 2–3 years of equivalent full-time experience as a professional librarian
- Experience conducting reference and research services in academic, scientific, technical, or federal library environments
- Experience using scientific and technical databases such as Web of Science, Scopus, ProQuest, EBSCO, or similar platforms
- Strong research, analytical, and information retrieval skills
- Experience developing search strategies and synthesizing research findings
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Strong customer service and user engagement skills
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and common online collaboration tools
- Experience supporting federal scientific or technical libraries
- Experience conducting bibliometric or citation analysis
- Experience creating instructional materials, research guides, or library training content
- Familiarity with institutional repositories and digital library systems
- Experience with data visualization or reporting tools such as Tableau or Power BI
- Familiarity with Section 508 accessibility standards
Physical Requirements
- Ability to sit, stand, walk, bend, reach, and use hands and fingers for extended periods of time in an office or library environment.
- Ability to operate standard office equipment and computer systems, including keyboards, monitors, telephones, printers, scanners, and other electronic equipment, for prolonged periods.
- Ability to occasionally lift, carry, move, and transport books, library materials, files, boxes, and equipment weighing up to 25 pounds, and travel throughout office, library, meeting, and storage areas as needed.
BENEFITS
- Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision)
- Retirement Plan (401k, IRA)
- Life Insurance (Basic, Voluntary & AD&D)
- Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick & Public Holidays)
- Family Leave (Maternity, Paternity)
- Short Term & Long-Term Disability
- Training & Development
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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Jump back to the full list of openings and apply to any reference librarian role that fits.
Find Reference Librarian JobsReference Librarian Job Market
A snapshot from current openings nationwide, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- Barry University1
- Library Systems & Services1
- Marquette University1
- Minnesota State1
- Mississippi Valley State University1
Top Industries Hiring
- Education6
- Healthcare & Medical Services1
- News & Publishing1
What Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in reference librarian jobs.
- Master's degree in Library Science from an ALA-accredited program
- Proficiency with integrated library systems such as Alma, Sierra, or Koha
- Experience conducting in-depth reference interviews with diverse patron populations
- Familiarity with academic or legal research databases including ProQuest and LexisNexis
- Ability to develop and deliver information literacy instruction sessions
- Experience with collection development, cataloging, or metadata standards such as MARC
Tips for Your Reference Librarian Job Search
Tailor your resume to the setting
Public, academic, law, and medical libraries each prioritize different skills. Highlight cataloging experience for academic roles, legal database proficiency for law firms, and community programming for public libraries. A single generic resume will underperform across all of them.
List every database platform you know
Employers filter candidates by familiarity with specific tools. Call out systems like EBSCOhost, ProQuest, LexisNexis, Westlaw, PubMed, and your integrated library system by name in your resume skills section, not buried in job descriptions.
Apply early to roles that fit
Migrate Mate lists reference librarian openings from across the United States in one place, so you can find roles that match and apply directly to each listing.
Demonstrate reference interview skills in writing
Many hiring committees ask for a cover letter that shows how you approach a patron research query. Walk through your reference interview process concisely, because the ability to translate vague questions into actionable search strategies is the core of the role.
Prepare a teaching or instruction portfolio
Academic and public library roles increasingly require information literacy instruction. Bring a sample lesson plan, LibGuide, or workshop outline to your interview. Hiring managers want evidence you can teach research skills to groups, not just assist individuals one-on-one.
Negotiate start date around accreditation timelines
If you are finishing your MLIS degree, confirm your graduation and accreditation date before accepting an offer. Many positions require an ALA-accredited degree on day one, and a misaligned start date can complicate your hire or delay your first paycheck.
Reference Librarian Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies are hiring the most reference librarians?
The companies hiring the most reference librarians right now include Barry University, Library Systems & Services, and Marquette University, with the largest share of openings in Mississippi, Nebraska, and Wisconsin, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of June 2026. Openings are distributed across public library systems, university libraries, and specialized corporate or legal research departments.
How many reference librarian jobs are remote?
About 13% of reference librarian openings are fully remote or hybrid as of June 2026, with remote availability concentrated in digital services, virtual reference, and online instruction roles. Positions tied to physical collections, in-person patron assistance, or on-site cataloging remain predominantly in-person.
How do you become a reference librarian?
You become a reference librarian by earning a Master's degree in Library Science from an ALA-accredited program, which is the standard entry requirement across public, academic, and special library settings. During your program, seek practicum placements in the type of library you want to work in. Build hands-on experience with research databases, library management systems, and instruction. Specialized libraries such as law or medical often expect additional subject knowledge or coursework in the relevant field.
Can you get hired as a reference librarian with little experience?
Yes, you can get hired as a reference librarian with limited professional experience if you frame your graduate practicums, library assistant roles, and relevant coursework as substantive evidence of skill. Public and community college libraries tend to be more open to newer graduates than research universities or specialized law libraries. Demonstrating fluency with specific databases and a clear approach to the reference interview process will differentiate you from other entry-level candidates.
What does the reference librarian interview process look like?
The reference librarian interview process typically involves an initial phone or video screen with HR or a hiring coordinator, followed by a panel interview with library staff and administrators. Many employers include a practical component, such as a reference scenario, a mock instruction session, or a tour of a sample research question. Final rounds at academic institutions often involve a campus visit and a formal teaching demonstration before the committee makes its recommendation.
Where can I find and apply to reference librarian jobs?
You can find and apply to reference librarian jobs on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from across the United States in one place. Find roles that match your background, setting preference, and seniority level, then apply directly to each listing. No third-party redirects or extra steps are involved.
See All Reference Librarian Jobs
Jump back to the full list of openings and apply to any reference librarian role that fits.
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