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Salary and Benefits

Reference Librarian
$46K-$57K / yr. (est.)
$47K
$51,970 / year
$57K
Average base salary
The salary information provided is based on data collected from various reliable sources and may vary depending on individual qualifications and other factors.

About Reference Librarian

What does a Reference Librarian do?

As Reference Librarians, we are responsible for maintaining relevant reference sources and assisting customers with information searches. We use both offline and online reference sources to answer customer's questions. We select new materials for the library's collection, including replacing damaged items. Educating customers about research methods and using reference sources is also a part of our duty. We encourage the use of printed and electronic information resources. Working as Reference Librarians, we are responsible for managing the library in the absence of a library director. We plan with the director of the library to prepare the annual library budget. Finally, we develop instructional materials on library services.

Core tasks:

  • giving access to basic reference services to students and staff
  • creating informational material on library resources
  • managing library operations manually and electronically
  • attending a meeting to gain professional development opportunities

Insights

How Many Years of Experience Do Professionals Need Before Becoming Reference Librarian?
On average, people work 5-7 years in other positions prior to becoming a Reference Librarian.
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Reference LibrarianPhiladelphia, PA - A year ago
I don't understand why people think experience automatically equates to competence. It's not always the case, you know?
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Reference LibrarianSan Francisco, CA - A year ago
🤬 Are you kidding me? I've been waiting for years to become a Reference Librarian, and now you're telling me I have to wait even longer?!
How Long Do Reference Librarian Employees Typically Stay in Their Roles?
On average, Reference Librarians works in this position for 5+ years across multiple employers.
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Customer Service RepresentativeHouston, TX - A year ago
I often have to deal with frustrated customers who couldn't find the information they need online. It would be much more efficient if reference librarians updated their skills to match the digital age!
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ProfessorBoston, MA - A year ago
🤔 I understand the value of reference librarians for students conducting research, but I wonder if their role has diminished with the rise of digital resources. It would be interesting to see how they adapt to the changing landscape.
What Is the Job Hopper Score for Reference Librarian Employees?
Frequent job changes in Reference Librarian, indicating a willingness to change companies and roles more frequently.
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English TeacherMiami, FL - A year ago
🧐 Wow, as a Reference Librarian, does this frequent job hopping hinder your ability to build a deep understanding of databases and resources in a particular library?
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Research ScientistHouston, TX - A year ago
I'm impressed by the versatility of Reference Librarians. Constant job changes means exposure to diverse collections and experience with different user needs. Good for them! 🔥

Career path

Path to job

Discover a Reference Librarian's areas of knowledge sorted by their majors.
Explore the list of higher education institutions that a Reference Librarian typically studied at.
Dominican University
Kent State University

Path after job

Community

Demographics

What Is the Age and Gender Ratio of Reference Librarian Employees?
Gender ratio in Reference Librarian position: 0.343039226458631 Male and 0.656960773541369 Female. Age ratio in Reference Librarian position: 16-20: 3%, 21-30: 55%, 31-40: 26%, 41-50: 11%, 51-60: 4%, 60+: 1%. Reference Librarian position is predominantly female (65.7%) with the largest age group being 21-30 years old, followed by 31-40 years old.
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Reference LibrarianPhiladelphia, PA - A year ago
I guess young people are just more into the whole 'book nerd' thing. 🤓
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Reference LibrarianSan Francisco, CA - A year ago
Well, it's not surprising that the majority are female when society still diminishes the value of male-dominated positions. 💁

Workplaces

Who Are the Top Employers for Reference Librarian?
Top employers of Reference Librarian position: Denver Public Library, Library of Congress, Lone Star College. People who work in Reference Librarian position most typically go on to work for the Denver Public Library.
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Reference LibrarianChicago, IL - A year ago
I'm a Reference Librarian at a small public library in Chicago, and our work is just as important as these larger institutions. We provide valuable services to our local community!
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Reference LibrarianSan Francisco, CA - A year ago
Having worked in a variety of libraries, I can say that being a Reference Librarian is a fulfilling profession. It's all about connecting people with the information they need!
Denver Public Library
Library of Congress
Lone Star College
What Industries Does Reference Librarian Typically Have Experience In?
Industry Background: The most typical industries of Reference Librarian: Education, Publishing & Broadcasting, Arts / Entertainment / Recreation, Professional / Scientific / Technical, Public Administration. Reference Librarian employees most likely come from a Education industry background.
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Reference LibrarianHouston, TX - A year ago
🙄 It's not just about finding information, but also about teaching information literacy skills and fostering critical thinking. Something you can't get with just a search engine!
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Reference LibrarianPhiladelphia, PA - A year ago
Yes, we help people find information, but we also connect individuals with community resources, provide personalized assistance, and promote lifelong learning. 💪

Find your job as Reference Librarian

Discussion about Reference Librarian

Want to know more about Reference Librarian position?
Share your thoughts and ideas about Reference Librarian position with others in our community.
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Do I need any certifications or degrees to work as a Reference Librarian?
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11 months ago
You need an MLIS
What is the women/men ratio in the job of Reference Librarian?
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Liam Brown3 years ago
This is a female-dominated profession with around
How old are people who work as a Reference Librarian?
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Liam Brown3 years ago
31 is the average age of people working as a Reference Librarian.
Is a Reference Librarian considered to be a senior profession?
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Liam Brown3 years ago
6 years of experience is needed on average for a Reference Librarian.
Which industries does a Reference Librarian typically work in?
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Liam Brown3 years ago
Information employs the most.
Is a higher education needed as a Reference Librarian?
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Sophie Hayes3 years ago
A Bachelor of Arts degree could not hurt if you want to be a Reference Librarian
Which company employs the most people in the Reference Librarian role?
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Benjamin Gardner3 years ago
Denver Public Library, Library of Congress, Lone Star College, Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County and Temple University has the most employees.
How long do people usually work as a Reference Librarian when they switch to another position?
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Sophie Hayes3 years ago
On average people change after more than 5 years.
Is it frequent for people to switch companies and still work as a Reference Librarian?
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Benjamin Gardner3 years ago
A Reference Librarian typically works for multiple companies.
What work history do people usually have before becoming a Reference Librarian?
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Benjamin Gardner3 years ago
Typical prior positions for a Reference Librarian are Librarian, Library Assistant or Youth Services Librarian
Working as a Reference Librarian what job titles should I consider to switch to?
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Isabella Holmes3 years ago
Librarian, Electronic Resources Librarian or Library Director are good next steps for a Reference Librarian
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