How to hire an electronic resources librarian

How to hire an electronic resources librarian, step by step

Here's a step-by-step electronic resources librarian hiring guide:

• Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
• Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
• Step 3: Make a budget
• Step 4: Write an electronic resources librarian job description
• Step 5: Post your job
• Step 6: Interview candidates
• Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new electronic resources librarian
• Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

What does an electronic resources librarian do?

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   Before you start hiring an electronic resources librarian, identify what type of worker you actually need. Certain positions might call for a full-time employee, while others can be done by a part-time worker or contractor.

   Determine employee vs contractor status

   Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

   Yes

   No

   An electronic resources librarian's background is also an important factor in determining whether they'll be a good fit for the position. For example, electronic resources librarians from different industries or fields will have radically different experiences and will bring different viewpoints to the role. You also need to consider the candidate's previous level of experience to make sure they'll be comfortable with the job's level of seniority.

   Here's a comparison of electronic resources librarian salaries for various roles:

   Type of Electronic Resources Librarian	Description	Hourly rate
   Electronic Resources Librarian	Librarians help people find information and conduct research for personal and professional use. Their job duties may change based on the type of library they work in, such as public, school, and medical libraries.	$16-36
   Librarian	Librarians are trained in the field of information science so they can assist people in search of information. They direct and develop information systems and programs for the public... Show more	$18-35
   Children's Librarian	A Children's Librarian involves reading stories to young library users/patrons and returning books to their respective shelves. These librarians coordinate library references and services for caregivers and children... Show more	$16-33

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • Electronic Resources
   • Library Services
   • Collection Development
   • Management System
   • Library System
   • Library Resources
   • Cataloging
   • Ezproxy
   • Library Materials
   • ILS
   • License Agreements
   • Openurl
   • OCLC
   • Libguides

   Check all skills

   Responsibilities:

   • Manage integrated library system including OPAC, serials control, cataloging and acquisitions.
   • Implement EZProxy and an OpenURL link resolver to improve access for state employees.
   • Upload e-journal MARC records in ILS system.
   • Coordinate the cataloging of electronic/digital materials with MARC records.
   • Utilize electronic resources to create reports and spreadsheets from research and statistical information.
   • Provide interlibrary loan service through OCLC.

   More electronic resources librarian duties

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in your electronic resources librarian job description helps attract top candidates to the position. An electronic resources librarian salary can be affected by several factors, such as geography, experience, seniority, certifications, and the prestige of the hiring company.

   For example, the average salary for an electronic resources librarian in South Dakota may be lower than in Alaska, and an entry-level electronic resources librarian usually earns less than a senior-level electronic resources librarian. Additionally, an electronic resources librarian with certifications may command a higher salary, and working for a well-known company or start-up may also impact an employee's pay.

   Average electronic resources librarian salary

   $51,325yearly

   $24.68 hourly rate

   ---

   Entry-level electronic resources librarian salary

   $34,000 yearly salary

   Updated December 20, 2025

   Average electronic resources librarian salary by state

   Rank	State	Avg. salary	Hourly rate
   1	Pennsylvania	$63,746	$31
   2	California	$62,780	$30
   3	Virginia	$61,653	$30
   4	Massachusetts	$58,130	$28
   5	Maryland	$57,394	$28
   6	Minnesota	$56,595	$27
   7	New York	$55,577	$27
   8	Rhode Island	$53,749	$26
   9	Illinois	$50,810	$24
   10	Iowa	$44,935	$22
   11	Texas	$44,603	$21
   12	Kansas	$43,713	$21
   13	Missouri	$41,959	$20
   14	Montana	$40,840	$20
   15	Colorado	$40,740	$20
   16	Louisiana	$39,895	$19
   17	Wyoming	$38,808	$19

   Average electronic resources librarian salary by company

   Company

   Rank	Company	Average salary	Hourly rate	Job openings
   1	Simpson Thacher & Bartlett	$90,050	$43.29
   2	Stanford University	$81,968	$39.41	2
   3	Harvard University	$80,834	$38.86
   4	Novant Health	$66,397	$31.92	3
   5	Mercy College	$64,070	$30.80
   6	Brown University	$62,976	$30.28
   7	Sonalysts	$62,761	$30.17
   8	Univ Of Colorado-Colorado Spgs	$59,695	$28.70
   9	Suffolk University	$55,075	$26.48
   10	LA State University Continuing	$54,182	$26.05	17
   11	UMass Dartmouth	$53,940	$25.93	1
   12	Vermont Law School	$53,247	$25.60	1
   13	Texas Christian University	$52,652	$25.31	2
   14	Johns Hopkins University	$51,884	$24.94	1
   15	University of Wyoming	$51,766	$24.89	12
   16	Kansas State University	$50,775	$24.41	1
   17	SUNY Delhi	$50,545	$24.30
   18	University Of Minnesota Physicians	$49,418	$23.76
   19	The University of Kansas Health System	$49,089	$23.60	1
   20	Atla	$48,650	$23.39

4. Writing an electronic resources librarian job description

   A good electronic resources librarian job description should include a few things:

   • Summary of the role
   • List of responsibilities
   • Required skills and experience

   Including a salary range and the first name of the hiring manager is also appreciated by candidates. Here's an example of an electronic resources librarian job description:

   Electronic resources librarian job description example

   This faculty position, under the general direction of the Director of the Library, activates, troubleshoots, and maintains access for Library's electronic resources, and develops and maintains the Library's website. Working with another librarian, provides instruction and reference to the College of Pharmacy and the Physician Assistant Studies and Public Health Programs and selects and maintains the Library resources for this college and schools. Provides general library instruction and reference and participates in the overall growth and development of the Library and its services.
   Responsibilities • Working with vendors, TUC IT staff, and counterparts at other Touro libraries, activates, maintains, and troubleshoots access to Library electronic resources and databases including mobile services. Provides and maintains documentation to e-resources/databases.
   • Obtains and compiles usage statistics for electronic resources and provides analysis pertaining to their usage and cost per use.
   • Assists users with electronic access problems and questions.
   • Provides EndNote training, documentation, coordination with IT staff, and assistance to patrons.
   • Maintains the accuracy and currency of holdings including serial holdings on Summon and Serials Solutions and maintains link resolver.
   • Develops and maintains content for Library website and maintains the Library's presence on social media such as Facebook, etc.
   • Investigates new e-resource products that may be of interest to TUC including setting up trials and assessments of products being tested.
   • Drafts and serves as editor of the Library online newsletter and readies to the point of publication.
   • As the primary librarian of a two-librarian support team to the Public Health & Physician Assistant Programs, provides library instruction, orientations, monograph and journal collection development, program-oriented reference and support to the students, faculty and staff of the PH and PA programs, supported and assisted by the second librarian as needed and desirable, for excellent service.
   • Working with the lead librarian for the College of Pharmacy, provides support, assistance, and back-up with Library instruction, orientation, reference, and collection development to students, faculty and staff in the College of Pharmacy (COP)
   • Representing the curriculum and research needs of the COP, PA and PH in conjunction with the other librarians and the Library Director, participates in the Library process for the selection, renewal and deselection of databases and aggregate electronic resources.
   • Provides general reference and instruction service. May be required to work evening hours.
   • Serves as back-up as needed for providing interlibrary loan service.
   • Participates in overall discussions and efforts to promote the Library's growth and services.
   • Through professional conferences, workshops, readings, scholarship and/or research maintains currency in the field particularly those aspects of librarianship that pertain to this position.
   • As a member of the TUC Faculty and a representative of the Library, participates in TUC campus and faculty committees and functions. SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES (if applicable):
   • N/A Qualifications REQUIRED:
   • Master's degree from an ALA accredited library or information science program.
   • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
   • Strong service orientation
   • Ability to be a flexible and productive team member
   • Keeps abreast of new technologies and library trends and products pertaining to this area of librarianship DESIRED:
   • Previous library experience in a college or university setting
   • Experience with an integrated library system
   • Experience with digital resources, discovery systems, link resolvers and authentication methods
   • Experience with web design and web technologies
   • Library instruction experience
   • Reference experience
   • User services experience
   • Work experience and/or educational background related to pharmacy and/or the health sciences CORE COMPETENCIES:
   • Is able to maintain a consistent and reliable operation, delivery of, and access to the Library's e-resources including timely implementation of new e-resources and troubleshooting of problems related to e-resources using initiative, good judgment, timely follow-up as appropriate.
   • Maintains up-to-date, timely and well-organized statistics and sound analysis related to e-resources including usage trends, cost per use, type of use.
   • Is able to provide Library users accurate and prompt assistance and training when dealing with e-resources and EndNote.
   • Stays informed about web technology, mobile services, social media, particularly as it is applicable to libraries and library services.
   • Provides clear, well-organized subject-oriented library instruction appropriate to a particular class or program, and also provides general library instruction as needed.
   • Maintains a very good command of print and electronic library resources for pharmacy, physician assistant studies and public health as well as currency of what new library resources are available in assigned subject fields; ability to exercise good judgment about their applicability for the Touro University California Library and to make sound decisions regarding their selection and de-selection.
   • Maintains currency and training in interlibrary loan processes in order to serve as back-up to Interlibrary loan operation when needed.
   • Demonstrates excellent oral and written communication skills.
   • Demonstrates excellent productivity and organizational skills.
   • Demonstrates ability to work effectively and productively with others.
   • Demonstrates reliability, flexibility, initiative, and attention to detail in carrying out specific job responsibilities and as a member of the Library Faculty.
   • Demonstrates a strong customer service orientation.
   • Excellent computer skills including MS Office, web and digital resource technologies such as link resolvers, proxy systems, APIs, XHTML, XML, SQL.

   Copy this example

   

5. Post your job

   To find the right electronic resources librarian for your business, consider trying out a few different recruiting strategies:

   • Consider internal talent. One of the most important sources of talent for any company is its existing workforce.
   • Ask for referrals. Reach out to friends, family members, and current employees and ask if they know or have worked with electronic resources librarians they would recommend.
   • Recruit at local colleges. Attend job fairs at local colleges to recruit electronic resources librarians who meet your education requirements.
   • Social media platforms. LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter now have more than 3.5 billion users, and you can use social media to reach potential job candidates.

   Post your job online:

   • Post your electronic resources librarian job on Zippia to find and recruit electronic resources librarian candidates who meet your exact specifications.
   • Use field-specific websites.
   • Post a job on free websites.

6. Interview candidates

   Recruiting electronic resources librarians requires you to bring your A-game to the interview process. The first interview should introduce the company and the role to the candidate as much as they present their background experience and reasons for applying for the job. During later interviews, you can go into more detail about the technical details of the job and ask behavioral questions to gauge how they'd fit into your current company culture.

   Remember to include a few questions that allow candidates to expand on their strengths in their own words. Asking about their unique skills might reveal things you'd miss otherwise. At this point, good candidates can move on to the technical interview.

   The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

7. Send a job offer and onboard your new electronic resources librarian

   Once you've selected the best electronic resources librarian candidate for the job, it's time to write an offer letter. In addition to salary, this letter should include details about the benefits and perks you offer the candidate. Ensuring that your offer is competitive is essential, as qualified candidates may be considering other job opportunities. The candidate may wish to negotiate the terms of the offer, and you should be open to discussion. After you reach an agreement, the final step is formalizing the agreement with a contract.

   It's also important to follow up with applicants who do not get the job with an email letting them know that the position is filled.

   To prepare for the new employee's start date, you can create an onboarding schedule and complete any necessary paperwork, such as employee action forms and onboarding documents like I-9 forms, benefits enrollment, and federal and state tax forms. Human Resources should also ensure that a new employee file is created.

8. Go through the hiring process checklist

   • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
   • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
   • Define job responsibilities and requirements
   • Establish budget and timeline
   • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
   • Write job description
   • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
   • Promote the job internally
   • Process applications through applicant tracking system
   • Review resumes and cover letters
   • Shortlist candidates for screening
   • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
   • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
   • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
   • Conduct background checks on top candidates
   • Check references of top candidates
   • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
   • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
   • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
   • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
   • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
   • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)

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