Technical Services Librarian Jobs in USA with Visa Sponsorship
Technical Services Librarians qualify for H-1B visa sponsorship as specialty occupation roles requiring a master's degree in library science. Academic libraries, research institutions, and large public library systems commonly sponsor these positions. The role's focus on cataloging, metadata management, and digital collections meets USCIS requirements for specialized knowledge. For detailed occupation requirements, see the O*NET profile.
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Important: Candidates that have recently graduated and have completed all the courses for the Master’s Degree program in Library and Information Studies (e.g. MLS/MLIS) from a college or university program accredited by the American Library Association, will be placed in a temporary conditional general waiver with the expectation that they submit verification of qualifying education. Qualifying education must be verified by a legible copy of diploma showing major OR transcripts showing coursework completed. The diploma and/or transcripts must show your name, the name of the institution, and the conferral date of your master’s degree. San Francisco is a vibrant and dynamic city, on the forefront of economic growth & innovation, urban development, arts & entertainment, as well as social issues & change. This rich tapestry of culture and ideas is sustained by our City's commitment to heighten the quality of life for the diverse population of San Franciscans and residents of the greater Bay Area. Our employees play an important role not only in making our City what it is today, but also in shaping the future of San Francisco.
THIS IS A CITYWIDE EXAM
Application Opening: August 14, 2026
Application Deadline: This job ad will close no sooner than September 4, 2026
Job Description
Under supervision, the 3630 Librarian I performs beginning level professional librarian work. The essential functions of this class include but are not limited to:
- Assisting patrons in locating and using library facilities, equipment, technology, and materials, in selecting materials, and in answering a wide variety of questions.
- Recommending library materials to be purchased, repaired, or weeded; deciding whether weeded materials should be discarded or selected for community redistribution.
- Performing reference work in person, via phone, chat, email, and mail; performing research and readers advisory; preparing detailed bibliographies, book lists and other information; teaching patrons to access, evaluate, and use digital resources, library equipment, technology, and digital devices.
- Planning, conducting, evaluating, and promoting programs, group visits, classes, and outreach for community members; meeting with educators; collaborating with various community groups to promote the use of and interest in the library, and representing and promoting the library at community events and on social media.
- Cataloging and classifying library material; creating metadata; determining and assigning main entry, cross references, and subject headings; adapting Library cataloging records for the library and participating in determining cataloging policy.
- Planning or assisting in planning and setting up programs, displays, and exhibits; promoting and merchandizing library collections.
- Participating in maintaining a welcoming, safe, and orderly atmosphere in the branch or department.
- Supporting digital content management; participating in digitization initiatives projects, programing, and collection development.
- May participate in committees to enhance library services or promote professional development.
Qualifications
The minimum qualification for the job class 3630 - Librarian I is:
Education: Possession of a master's degree in library and information sciences (e.g. MLS/MLIS) from a college, university, or program accredited by the American Library Association. Applicants must meet the minimum qualification by the final filing date unless otherwise noted.
You must have already attained your degree and completed your master's degree in Library and Information Sciences to be eligible for this recruitment. Qualifying education must be verified by a legible copy of your diploma showing major OR transcripts showing coursework completed. The diploma and/or transcripts must show your name, the name of the institution, and the conferral date of your master’s degree. Please attach your diploma and/or transcripts showing coursework completed to your application.
Special Conditions:
- Some positions require fluency in a variety of languages depending upon the department's bilingual needs. Eligibles who pass the bilingual proficiency test will be considered for bilingual positions. Applicants must indicate on the application form the language(s) in which they claim proficiency.
- Some positions require graduate level course work and/or experience performing the duties of a Children’s or Youth Services Librarian.
- Some positions require graduate level course work, training, and/or experience performing the duties of an Archivist Librarian.
- Some positions require graduate level course work and/or cataloging experience using AACR2R and MARC format.
- Some positions require college level coursework in special education or experience working with people who have learning disabilities and/or learning differences.
- Some positions in this class may require possession and maintenance of a valid California Driver's License.
The above minimum qualifications reflect special conditions associated with the position(s) to be filled. They may differ from the standard minimum qualifications associated with this class code.
Verification Of Education And Experience
Every application is reviewed to ensure that you meet the minimum qualifications as listed in the job ad. Review SF Careers Employment Applications for considerations taken when reviewing applications. Applicants may be required to submit verification of qualifying education and experience at any point during the recruitment and selection process. If education verification is required, information on how to verify education requirements, including verifying foreign education credits or degree equivalency, can be found at https://careers.sf.gov/knowledge/experience-education/.
Note: Falsifying one’s education, training, or work experience or attempted deception on the application may result in disqualification for this and future job opportunities with the City and County of San Francisco.
Note: Some positions in this class are subject to irregular work schedules and may require evening and/or weekend work; and require constant public contact. Positions in this classification may be required to work at various locations within the library system.
Selection Procedures
- Job Application - Applicants must fully complete the job application. Information from resumes does not substitute for the information on the job application or preliminary questionnaire.
- Preliminary Questionnaire (Qualifying) - During the application process, candidates will be prompted to complete a Preliminary Questionnaire as part of the online employment process. Please answer the Preliminary Questionnaire carefully and thoroughly. The purpose of the Application and Preliminary Questionnaire is to obtain specific information regarding an applicant's education, experience, and training in relation to the Minimum Qualifications for this position. It is essential that an applicant provide complete information in identifying their education, experience, and training. After you have completed the Application, you will then be asked the questions for the Preliminary Questionnaire.
Computer Based Multiple Choice Examination (Weight: 100%):
Candidates meeting the minimum qualifications will be invited to participate in a computer based multiple-choice exam to measure knowledge, skills, and abilities in job related areas. To see a list of the knowledge, skills, and abilities being tested, click here. This is a standardized examination and, therefore, test questions and test answers are not available for public inspection or review. A passing score must be achieved to be placed on the eligible list/score report. The hiring department may administer additional position-specific selection procedures to make final hiring decisions. The score that you achieve on the examination will be valid and "banked" for three years, starting from the date of the examination. This means that for the next three years, you will not be required to take this test again should you apply and be found eligible for a future announcement for which this particular test is used. If the test for this future announcement is held within 12 months of the date of this examination, your score will be automatically applied to that announcement. However, after twelve months, you have the option to either (a) apply your test score to the other announcement or (b) re-take the test. Re-testing is permitted no sooner than twelve months from the date of the examination and only in association with your eligibility for another announcement for which this test is used. Please note that, should you re-test, your re-test score would become your official score going forward since it is the most recent score (even if it turns out to be lower than your original score). Candidate scores on this examination may also be applied to other announcements involving other job titles, when directed by the Human Resources Director.
Eligible List/Score Report
A confidential eligible list of applicant names that have passed the civil service examination process will be created and used for certification purposes only. An examination score report will be established, so applicants can view the ranks, final scores and number of eligible candidates. Applicant information, including names of applicants on the eligible list, shall not be made public unless required by law. However, an eligible list shall be made available for public inspection, upon request, once the eligible list is exhausted or expired and referrals resolved. The eligible list/score report resulting from this civil service examination process is subject to change after adoption (e.g., as a result of appeals), as directed by the Human Resources Director or the Civil Service Commission. The duration of the eligible list resulting from this examination process will be 6 months and may be extended with the approval of the Human Resources Director.
Certification Rule
The certification rule for this selection process will be Rule of the List. To find Departments which use this classification, please see the city’s Position Counts by Job Codes and Departments.
Terms of Announcement and Appeal Rights
Applicants must be guided solely by the provisions of this announcement, including requirements, time periods and other particulars, except when superseded by federal, state or local laws, rules or regulations.
[Note: The correction of clerical errors in an announcement may be posted on the Department of Human Resources website at https://careers.sf.gov/.] The terms of this announcement may be appealed under Civil Service Rule 110.4. Such appeals must be submitted in writing to the Department of Human Resources, 1 S Van Ness Avenue, 4th Floor, San Francisco, CA 94103-5413 by close of business on the 5th business day following the issuance date of this examination announcement. Information concerning other Civil Service Commission Rules involving announcements, applications and examination policies, including applicant appeal rights, can be found on the Civil Service Commission website at https://sf.gov/departments/civil-service-commission.
Additional Information
Additional Information Regarding Employment with the City and County of San Francisco
- Information About the Hiring Process
- Conviction History
- Employee Benefits Overview
- Equal Employment Opportunity
- Disaster Service Worker
- ADA Accommodation
- Veterans Preference
- Right to Work
- Copies of Application Documents
- Diversity Statement
Where to Apply
All job applications for the City and County of San Francisco must be submitted through our online portal. Please visit https://careers.sf.gov/ to begin your application process. Computers are available for the public (9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday) to file online applications in the lobby of the Dept. of Human Resources at 1 South Van Ness Avenue, 4th Floor and at the City Career Center at City Hall, 1 Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett Place, Room 110, San Francisco, CA. Ensure your application information is accurate, as changes may not be possible after submission. Your first and last name must match your legal ID for verification, and preferred names can be included in parentheses. Use your personal email address, not a shared or work email, to avoid unfixable issues. Applicants may be contacted by email about this recruitment and, therefore, it is their responsibility to ensure that their registered email address is accurate and kept up-to-date. Also, applicants must ensure that email from CCSF is not blocked on their computer by a spam filter. To prevent blocking, applicants should set up their email to accept CCSF mail from the following addresses (@sfgov.org, @sfdpw.org, @sfport.com, @flysfo.com, @sfwater.org, @sfdph.org, @asianart.org, @sfmta.com, @sfpl.org, @dcyf.org, @first5sf.org, @famsf.org, @ccsf.edu,@smartalerts.info, and @smartrecruiters.com). Applicants will receive a confirmation email from notification@smartrecruiters.com that their online application has been received in response to every announcement for which they file. Applicants should retain this confirmation email for their records.
Failure to receive this email means that the online application was not submitted or received. If you have any questions, you may contact Jennifer Landgren at jennifer.landgren@sfgov.org
All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines. The City and County of San Francisco encourages women, minorities and persons with disabilities to apply. Applicants will be considered regardless of their sex, race, age, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition (associated with cancer, a history of cancer, or genetic characteristics), HIV/AIDS status, genetic information, marital status, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, military and veteran status, or other protected category under the law.
Company Description
Important: Candidates that have recently graduated and have completed all the courses for the Master’s Degree program in Library and Information Studies (e.g. MLS/MLIS) from a college or university program accredited by the American Library Association, will be placed in a temporary conditional general waiver with the expectation that they submit verification of qualifying education. Qualifying education must be verified by a legible copy of diploma showing major OR transcripts showing coursework completed. The diploma and/or transcripts must show your name, the name of the institution, and the conferral date of your master’s degree. San Francisco is a vibrant and dynamic city, on the forefront of economic growth & innovation, urban development, arts & entertainment, as well as social issues & change. This rich tapestry of culture and ideas is sustained by our City's commitment to heighten the quality of life for the diverse population of San Franciscans and residents of the greater Bay Area. Our employees play an important role not only in making our City what it is today, but also in shaping the future of San Francisco.
THIS IS A CITYWIDE EXAM
Application Opening: August 14, 2026
Application Deadline: This job ad will close no sooner than September 4, 2026
Job Description
Under supervision, the 3630 Librarian I performs beginning level professional librarian work. The essential functions of this class include but are not limited to:
- Assisting patrons in locating and using library facilities, equipment, technology, and materials, in selecting materials, and in answering a wide variety of questions.
- Recommending library materials to be purchased, repaired, or weeded; deciding whether weeded materials should be discarded or selected for community redistribution.
- Performing reference work in person, via phone, chat, email, and mail; performing research and readers advisory; preparing detailed bibliographies, book lists and other information; teaching patrons to access, evaluate, and use digital resources, library equipment, technology, and digital devices.
- Planning, conducting, evaluating, and promoting programs, group visits, classes, and outreach for community members; meeting with educators; collaborating with various community groups to promote the use of and interest in the library, and representing and promoting the library at community events and on social media.
- Cataloging and classifying library material; creating metadata; determining and assigning main entry, cross references, and subject headings; adapting Library cataloging records for the library and participating in determining cataloging policy.
- Planning or assisting in planning and setting up programs, displays, and exhibits; promoting and merchandizing library collections.
- Participating in maintaining a welcoming, safe, and orderly atmosphere in the branch or department.
- Supporting digital content management; participating in digitization initiatives projects, programing, and collection development.
- May participate in committees to enhance library services or promote professional development.
Qualifications
The minimum qualification for the job class 3630 - Librarian I is:
Education: Possession of a master's degree in library and information sciences (e.g. MLS/MLIS) from a college, university, or program accredited by the American Library Association. Applicants must meet the minimum qualification by the final filing date unless otherwise noted.
You must have already attained your degree and completed your master's degree in Library and Information Sciences to be eligible for this recruitment. Qualifying education must be verified by a legible copy of your diploma showing major OR transcripts showing coursework completed. The diploma and/or transcripts must show your name, the name of the institution, and the conferral date of your master’s degree. Please attach your diploma and/or transcripts showing coursework completed to your application.
Special Conditions:
- Some positions require fluency in a variety of languages depending upon the department's bilingual needs. Eligibles who pass the bilingual proficiency test will be considered for bilingual positions. Applicants must indicate on the application form the language(s) in which they claim proficiency.
- Some positions require graduate level course work and/or experience performing the duties of a Children’s or Youth Services Librarian.
- Some positions require graduate level course work, training, and/or experience performing the duties of an Archivist Librarian.
- Some positions require graduate level course work and/or cataloging experience using AACR2R and MARC format.
- Some positions require college level coursework in special education or experience working with people who have learning disabilities and/or learning differences.
- Some positions in this class may require possession and maintenance of a valid California Driver's License.
The above minimum qualifications reflect special conditions associated with the position(s) to be filled. They may differ from the standard minimum qualifications associated with this class code.
Verification Of Education And Experience
Every application is reviewed to ensure that you meet the minimum qualifications as listed in the job ad. Review SF Careers Employment Applications for considerations taken when reviewing applications. Applicants may be required to submit verification of qualifying education and experience at any point during the recruitment and selection process. If education verification is required, information on how to verify education requirements, including verifying foreign education credits or degree equivalency, can be found at https://careers.sf.gov/knowledge/experience-education/.
Note: Falsifying one’s education, training, or work experience or attempted deception on the application may result in disqualification for this and future job opportunities with the City and County of San Francisco.
Note: Some positions in this class are subject to irregular work schedules and may require evening and/or weekend work; and require constant public contact. Positions in this classification may be required to work at various locations within the library system.
Selection Procedures
- Job Application - Applicants must fully complete the job application. Information from resumes does not substitute for the information on the job application or preliminary questionnaire.
- Preliminary Questionnaire (Qualifying) - During the application process, candidates will be prompted to complete a Preliminary Questionnaire as part of the online employment process. Please answer the Preliminary Questionnaire carefully and thoroughly. The purpose of the Application and Preliminary Questionnaire is to obtain specific information regarding an applicant's education, experience, and training in relation to the Minimum Qualifications for this position. It is essential that an applicant provide complete information in identifying their education, experience, and training. After you have completed the Application, you will then be asked the questions for the Preliminary Questionnaire.
Computer Based Multiple Choice Examination (Weight: 100%):
Candidates meeting the minimum qualifications will be invited to participate in a computer based multiple-choice exam to measure knowledge, skills, and abilities in job related areas. To see a list of the knowledge, skills, and abilities being tested, click here. This is a standardized examination and, therefore, test questions and test answers are not available for public inspection or review. A passing score must be achieved to be placed on the eligible list/score report. The hiring department may administer additional position-specific selection procedures to make final hiring decisions. The score that you achieve on the examination will be valid and "banked" for three years, starting from the date of the examination. This means that for the next three years, you will not be required to take this test again should you apply and be found eligible for a future announcement for which this particular test is used. If the test for this future announcement is held within 12 months of the date of this examination, your score will be automatically applied to that announcement. However, after twelve months, you have the option to either (a) apply your test score to the other announcement or (b) re-take the test. Re-testing is permitted no sooner than twelve months from the date of the examination and only in association with your eligibility for another announcement for which this test is used. Please note that, should you re-test, your re-test score would become your official score going forward since it is the most recent score (even if it turns out to be lower than your original score). Candidate scores on this examination may also be applied to other announcements involving other job titles, when directed by the Human Resources Director.
Eligible List/Score Report
A confidential eligible list of applicant names that have passed the civil service examination process will be created and used for certification purposes only. An examination score report will be established, so applicants can view the ranks, final scores and number of eligible candidates. Applicant information, including names of applicants on the eligible list, shall not be made public unless required by law. However, an eligible list shall be made available for public inspection, upon request, once the eligible list is exhausted or expired and referrals resolved. The eligible list/score report resulting from this civil service examination process is subject to change after adoption (e.g., as a result of appeals), as directed by the Human Resources Director or the Civil Service Commission. The duration of the eligible list resulting from this examination process will be 6 months and may be extended with the approval of the Human Resources Director.
Certification Rule
The certification rule for this selection process will be Rule of the List. To find Departments which use this classification, please see the city’s Position Counts by Job Codes and Departments.
Terms of Announcement and Appeal Rights
Applicants must be guided solely by the provisions of this announcement, including requirements, time periods and other particulars, except when superseded by federal, state or local laws, rules or regulations.
[Note: The correction of clerical errors in an announcement may be posted on the Department of Human Resources website at https://careers.sf.gov/.] The terms of this announcement may be appealed under Civil Service Rule 110.4. Such appeals must be submitted in writing to the Department of Human Resources, 1 S Van Ness Avenue, 4th Floor, San Francisco, CA 94103-5413 by close of business on the 5th business day following the issuance date of this examination announcement. Information concerning other Civil Service Commission Rules involving announcements, applications and examination policies, including applicant appeal rights, can be found on the Civil Service Commission website at https://sf.gov/departments/civil-service-commission.
Additional Information
Additional Information Regarding Employment with the City and County of San Francisco
- Information About the Hiring Process
- Conviction History
- Employee Benefits Overview
- Equal Employment Opportunity
- Disaster Service Worker
- ADA Accommodation
- Veterans Preference
- Right to Work
- Copies of Application Documents
- Diversity Statement
Where to Apply
All job applications for the City and County of San Francisco must be submitted through our online portal. Please visit https://careers.sf.gov/ to begin your application process. Computers are available for the public (9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday) to file online applications in the lobby of the Dept. of Human Resources at 1 South Van Ness Avenue, 4th Floor and at the City Career Center at City Hall, 1 Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett Place, Room 110, San Francisco, CA. Ensure your application information is accurate, as changes may not be possible after submission. Your first and last name must match your legal ID for verification, and preferred names can be included in parentheses. Use your personal email address, not a shared or work email, to avoid unfixable issues. Applicants may be contacted by email about this recruitment and, therefore, it is their responsibility to ensure that their registered email address is accurate and kept up-to-date. Also, applicants must ensure that email from CCSF is not blocked on their computer by a spam filter. To prevent blocking, applicants should set up their email to accept CCSF mail from the following addresses (@sfgov.org, @sfdpw.org, @sfport.com, @flysfo.com, @sfwater.org, @sfdph.org, @asianart.org, @sfmta.com, @sfpl.org, @dcyf.org, @first5sf.org, @famsf.org, @ccsf.edu,@smartalerts.info, and @smartrecruiters.com). Applicants will receive a confirmation email from notification@smartrecruiters.com that their online application has been received in response to every announcement for which they file. Applicants should retain this confirmation email for their records.
Failure to receive this email means that the online application was not submitted or received. If you have any questions, you may contact Jennifer Landgren at jennifer.landgren@sfgov.org
All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines. The City and County of San Francisco encourages women, minorities and persons with disabilities to apply. Applicants will be considered regardless of their sex, race, age, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition (associated with cancer, a history of cancer, or genetic characteristics), HIV/AIDS status, genetic information, marital status, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, military and veteran status, or other protected category under the law.
See all 144+ Technical Services Librarian Jobs
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding Technical Services Librarian Jobs
Target academic and research libraries
Universities and research institutions have established visa sponsorship programs and regularly hire international librarians. They understand the specialty occupation requirements better than smaller public libraries.
Emphasize technical specializations
Highlight expertise in digital asset management, integrated library systems, or metadata standards like Dublin Core. These technical skills strengthen your specialty occupation case with USCIS.
Consider consortium and state library systems
Large multi-library systems often have legal teams experienced with visa sponsorship. State library networks and academic consortiums frequently sponsor technical positions requiring specialized knowledge.
Network through library associations
Join ALA's International Relations Round Table and attend conferences. Many sponsoring employers recruit internationally and post positions through professional library associations rather than general job boards.
Leverage digital humanities experience
Experience with digital scholarship platforms, repository systems, or data visualization tools appeals to academic libraries. These emerging specializations demonstrate the advanced knowledge H-1B requires.
Apply early in the academic hiring cycle
Academic libraries typically hire for fall positions between January and April. This timing aligns well with H-1B filing deadlines and gives employers time for visa processing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Technical Services Librarians qualify for H-1B sponsorship?
Yes, Technical Services Librarians qualify for H-1B visa sponsorship as specialty occupation roles. The position requires a Master of Library Science degree and specialized knowledge in cataloging, metadata, and information systems. USCIS recognizes librarianship as a specialty occupation when the role requires advanced degree-level knowledge in library science.
What degree do I need for H-1B sponsorship as a Technical Services Librarian?
You need a Master of Library Science (MLS) or Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS) degree from an accredited program. Some employers may accept a master's in information science with library experience. Your degree must be from an accredited institution, and foreign degrees need credential evaluation through organizations like WES or ECE.
How to find Technical Services Librarian jobs with visa sponsorship?
To find Technical Services Librarian positions with visa sponsorship, use Migrate Mate, which specializes in connecting international candidates with sponsoring employers. Focus on academic institutions, research universities, and large public library systems that commonly sponsor H-1B and other work visas. These organizations frequently need specialized librarians for cataloging, metadata management, and digital collection services, making them more likely to sponsor qualified international candidates.
Which types of libraries sponsor H-1B visas for technical services roles?
Academic libraries at universities and colleges are the most common sponsors, followed by large public library systems and research institutions. Special libraries at corporations or government agencies rarely sponsor due to budget constraints. State library networks and library consortiums also occasionally sponsor technical positions requiring specialized expertise.
How competitive is H-1B sponsorship for librarian positions?
Librarian positions face moderate competition in the H-1B lottery, but approval rates are high once selected because librarianship is well-established as a specialty occupation. Academic institutions often have experience with visa sponsorship and understand the requirements. The main challenge is finding employers willing to sponsor rather than proving the role qualifies.
Can I get sponsored if my library degree is from outside the U.S.?
Yes, foreign library science degrees are acceptable with proper credential evaluation. You'll need to obtain an evaluation from a NACES-approved organization like WES, ECE, or Josef Silny showing your degree is equivalent to a U.S. master's degree. Some employers prefer candidates with ALA-accredited degrees, but this isn't a legal requirement for H-1B eligibility.
What is the prevailing wage requirement for sponsored Technical Services Librarian jobs?
U.S. employers sponsoring a visa must pay at least the prevailing wage, which is what workers in the same role, area, and experience level typically earn. The Department of Labor sets this rate to make sure companies aren't hiring foreign workers simply because they'd accept lower pay than a U.S. worker. It varies by job title, location, and experience. You can look up current prevailing wage rates for any occupation and location using the OFLC Wage Search page.