Reference & Research Librarian

George Washington University; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 43,000 - 50,000; Part time

Job summary

George Washington University in Foggy Bottom, Washington, DC, seeks a Reference and Instruction Librarian to provide research and information literacy support for students and faculty. You will lead one-on-one consultations and assist users with databases, citations, and research tools, while maintaining online guides.

The role is available part-time or full-time (20–40 hrs/week), on campus, with a schedule typically 8am–5pm, and requires background checks and verification of credentials.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in library science or related field required by start date.
• MLS or equivalent degree with professional library experience preferred.
• Experience teaching information literacy and providing reference services.
• Experience with literature searching and systematic/scoping reviews is a plus.
• Strong customer service and communication skills; ability to work independently and with others.

Responsibilities

• Provide research and information literacy support to GW students and faculty.
• Conduct one-on-one research consultations by appointment or outreach.
• Train users on library databases, citation tools, and online resources; maintain research guides.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Skills

Information literacy instruction

Research consultations

Customer service

Oral and written communication

Independent and collaborative work

Systematic/scoping review knowledge

Education

Master's degree in library science or related field

MLS or graduate degree with professional experience

Job description

I. DEPARTMENT INFORMATION

The Reference and Instruction Librarian will

• Provide research and information literacy support and instruction to GW students and faculty.
• Hold in-depth, one-on-one research consultations with students and faculty on a variety of topics and provide research assistance via chat, email, and phone.
• Provide support and training to users for the library's online resources including databases, citation management, and research tools, and maintains research guides and other online materials to support student and faculty educational and research activities

Performs other related duties as assigned. The omission of specific duties does not preclude the supervisor from assigning duties that are logically related to the posistion.

Qualified candidates will hold a Master's degree in an appropriate area of specialization. Degree must be conferred by the start date of the position. Degree requirements may be substituted with an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• MLS or a combination of a graduate degree and professional experience in libraries.
• Experience searching literature and full-text databases.
• Experience teaching information literacy skills and providing reference services.
• Experience with supporting systematic and scoping review projects or teaching about systematic and scoping review methodologies.
• Demonstrate a commitment to providing excellent customer service.
• Demonstrate effective oral and written communication skills.
• Demonstrate the ability to work independently and collaboratively.

II. POSITION INFORMATION

Campus Location: Foggy Bottom, Washington, D.C.

College/School/Department: University Libraries

Hours Per Week: 20-40

Hiring Range: 31.20-36.00

Work Schedule: Hours vary based on business need. Hours generally 8am-5pm (Monday through Friday)

Employee Onsite Status: On-campus (in person)

Required Background Check: Criminal History Screening, Education/Degree/Certifications Verification, Social Security Number Trace, and Sex Offender Registry Search

Special Instructions to Applicants: This role is available on either a part-time or full-time basis (20-40 hours per week) based on business need.

Posting Number: T001344

Job Open Date: 11/05/2026

Open Until Filled: Yes

Background Screening: Successful Completion of a Background Screening will be required as a condition of hire.

The university is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer that does not unlawfully discriminate in any of its programs or activities on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or on any other basis prohibited by applicable law.