How To Become A Reference Librarian: What It Is and Career Path

What is a reference librarian and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

3 min read

Quoted expert

Kerol Harrod

A Reference Librarian is responsible for providing reference, readers advisory, computer, and referral services to patrons in the library. This person also assists in terms of material selection for the library collection. As a reference librarian, expect your job to include things like assisting in accumulating information that can boost the company's performance. You will also evaluate the quality of information, organize the information, and replace or remove outdated books from the library. You will assist customers because it is part of your job to identify and attend to users' needs in the library.

To attain the position of reference librarian in a public library, you need at least a teacher's certificate. However, in many cases, employers want a master's degree in library science and information studies. Keep in mind that you need to be active, driven, and able to read, understand, and communicate well. Reference librarians make $50,395 per year, which is $24.23 hourly.

What general advice would you give to a reference librarian?

Kerol Harrod

Lecturer, School of Library and Information Studies, Texas Woman’s University, Texas Woman's University

Much of what I would advise involves just sticking to the basics. Show up to work on time. Have a good attitude and a growth mindset. Don't complain about menial tasks, and always be looking to learn the skills of the next position above you. I started out as the transit driver in my library system, loading and unloading boxes of books that circulated among the different library branches. I worked my way up, and now I am teaching graduate students how to become librarians. Put in the time and do the work. Networking is a huge part of success, so it's important to maintain good connections with co-workers, former professors, and fellow librarians. Finally, consider establishing a mentorship with a successful, trusted colleague who has experience in the position you want to attain. Personal connections go a long way.

ScoreReference LibrarianUS Average

Salary

3.9

Avg. Salary $50,409

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level

5.6

Growth rate 6%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity

2.5

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.33%

Asian 4.93%

Black or African American 6.49%

Hispanic or Latino 7.85%

Unknown 3.59%

White 76.81%

Gender

female 66.71%

male 33.29%

Age - 48

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 48

Stress level

5.6

Stress level is manageable

7.1 - high

Complexity level

5.6

Complexity level is intermediate

7 - challenging

Work life balance

9.5

Work life balance is excellent

6.4 - fair

Key steps to become a reference librarian

Explore reference librarian education requirements

Most common reference librarian degrees

Bachelor's

55.8 %

Master's

36.4 %

Associate

4.1 %

Start to develop specific reference librarian skills

Skills	Percentages
Reference Services	11.25%
Library Patrons	9.42%
Collection Development	8.90%
Library Services	6.57%
Research Guides	5.82%

Complete relevant reference librarian training and internships

Accountants spend an average of Less than 1 month on post-employment, on-the-job training. New reference librarians learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a reference librarian based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real reference librarian resumes.

Research reference librarian duties and responsibilities

Achieve proficiency cataloging electronic materials (audio records, video recordings, and streaming video) and continuing resources/serials.
Coordinate inter-library loan service, using OCLC searches to loan and borrow books and periodicals.
Perform reference and readers' advisory for patrons and staff via telephone, IM, email, and in person.
Perform copy-cataloging operations using OCLC database and online databases.

Prepare your reference librarian resume

When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your reference librarian resume.

You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a reference librarian resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

Choose from 10+ customizable reference librarian resume templates

Build a professional reference librarian resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your reference librarian resume.

Apply for reference librarian jobs

Now it's time to start searching for a reference librarian job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

Browse job boards for relevant postings
Consult your professional network
Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
Watch out for job scams

How do reference librarians rate their job?

-/5

5 stars

4 stars

3 stars

2 stars

1 star

Reference librarian reviews

A zippia user wrote a review on Jan 2020

Pros

I'm an academic librarian, so helping students learn about information and research, teaching classes about same, and the intellectual aspect of working with information access around colleagues who are smart and kind. I've also been a teacher and a sales and marketing executive, but librarianship is by far my most rewarding career.

Cons

The pay. The stereotypes. The people who ask, "do they even still have libraries"?