Part-Time Reference Librarian — Adult Services

State; Lexington (MA); Hybrid; USD 50,000 - 62,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Vacation time

Sick time

Union eligible

Job summary

Cary Memorial Library in Lexington, MA is seeking a Part-Time Reference Librarian in the Adult Services Department. The role centers on answering reference questions, providing readers’ advisory, and guiding patrons in using computers and library systems.

The schedule averages 15 hours per week with evenings and one Saturday every four weeks; accrues vacation and sick time, union eligible. MLS from an ALA-accredited program is required, with comfort in working as part of a team.

Qualifications

• MLS degree from an ALA-accredited program.
• Experience in reference service at a public library.
• Familiarity with computers and automated library systems.
• Spanish, Chinese, or Korean language ability is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Answer reference and research questions at the Main Adult Services Desk.
• Provide readers’ advisory and assistance with library programs.
• Instruct patrons on use of equipment and software.
• Support circulation tasks, museum passes, and self-check machines.
• Occasional substitute duties at Reference, Children’s and Teen desks.

Skills

Reference services

Public library experience

Computers and library systems

Team player

Attention to detail

Chinese language

Korean language

Spanish language

Education

MLS/Masters in Library Science

Tools

Integrated Library System (ILS)

Self-check kiosks

Job description

Part Time Reference Librarian, Cary Memorial Library (Lexington)

Cary Memorial Library has an opening for a part-time Reference Librarian in our Adult Services Department. As one of the busiest libraries in Massachusetts, Cary Memorial Library works hard to be at the forefront of library services. We celebrate the diversity of our community, through our programming and our collections. The Adult Services Department works as a strong team, playing to the strengths and skills of our members.

Reference Librarians work at the busy Main Adult Services Desk, answering reference/research questions and providing readers’ advisory. Other tasks include instructing patrons on use of equipment and software, and assisting with library programs. Reference staff also support circulation tasks such as museum passes and the use of our self-check machines. There will also be occasional substitute opportunities at all service desks including Reference, Children’s and Teen.

Schedule: 14 hours a week for three out of four weeks and 18 hours every fourth week, for average of 15 hours a week. This includes one evening a week until 9 PM and every fourth Saturday. The preferred schedule is Monday: 9 AM - 12 PM; Wednesday: 2 PM - 6 PM; Thursday: 5 PM - 9 PM; Friday 2 PM - 5 PM; every fourth Saturday 11 AM - 3 PM.

Accrued vacation and sick time benefits. No other benefits are available. This is a Union eligible position.

Qualifications

The ideal candidate will hold an MLS degree from an ALA accredited institution or equivalent combination of education, certification, and experience. They will have experience in reference service, working at a public library, and familiarity and comfort with computers and automated library systems. They will be a self-motivated team player, and will possess the ability to establish rapport with patrons of all ages, as well as demonstrate attention to detail. Knowledge of popular literature and audiovisual materials, and ability to speak Chinese, Korean, or Spanish are a plus. The Town of Lexington has a strong commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and we are actively seeking candidates who bring new voices and lived experiences to our organization.

Full/Part Time

Part Time

Education

MLS/Masters

Salary Range

$35.63- $44.56/hour

Back to Job Listings

Part Time Reference Librarian, Cary Memorial Library (Lexington)

Cary Memorial Library has an opening for a part-time Reference Librarian in our Adult Services Department. As one of the busiest libraries in Massachusetts, Cary Memorial Library works hard to be at the forefront of library services. We celebrate the diversity of our community, through our programming and our collections. The Adult Services Department works as a strong team, playing to the strengths and skills of our members.

Reference Librarians work at the busy Main Adult Services Desk, answering reference/research questions and providing readers’ advisory. Other tasks include instructing patrons on use of equipment and software, and assisting with library programs. Reference staff also support circulation tasks such as museum passes and the use of our self-check machines. There will also be occasional substitute opportunities at all service desks including Reference, Children’s and Teen.

Schedule: 14 hours a week for three out of four weeks and 18 hours every fourth week, for average of 15 hours a week. This includes one evening a week until 9 PM and every fourth Saturday. The preferred schedule is Monday: 9 AM - 12 PM; Wednesday: 2 PM - 6 PM; Thursday: 5 PM - 9 PM; Friday 2 PM - 5 PM; every fourth Saturday 11 AM - 3 PM.

Accrued vacation and sick time benefits. No other benefits are available. This is a Union eligible position.

Qualifications

The ideal candidate will hold an MLS degree from an ALA accredited institution or equivalent combination of education, certification, and experience. They will have experience in reference service, working at a public library, and familiarity and comfort with computers and automated library systems. They will be a self-motivated team player, and will possess the ability to establish rapport with patrons of all ages, as well as demonstrate attention to detail. Knowledge of popular literature and audiovisual materials, and ability to speak Chinese, Korean, or Spanish are a plus. The Town of Lexington has a strong commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and we are actively seeking candidates who bring new voices and lived experiences to our organization.

Full/Part Time

Part Time

Education

MLS/Masters

Salary Range

$35.63- $44.56/hour

Salary Notes

Differential Pay on Saturdays and evenings after 6 PM. Opportunities to work Sundays for overtime pay may also be available

Closing Date

How to Apply

Please send one PDF packet of your resume, cover letter, and names of three references by Friday, October 30 at 5:00 PM to Susan Lusk, Office Manager, Cary Memorial Library, 1874 Massachusetts Avenue, Lexington, MA 02420 ([e-mail])

Posted

2026-10-05| Quick link to this job