Remote Library Jobs & How to Find Them

Back in the day, librarians helped people organize, retrieve, and conduct research with paper books, newspapers, and the dreaded microfiche. While there are still vast repositories of paper materials that need the ongoing talents of professional librarians, today, there are a growing number of digital assets that also require attention.

The shift to digital-first information, web-based research methods, online publications, and article repositories has created the need for a new kind of librarian. These librarians are technically-savvy and know their way around new and emerging information technologies. The shift to digital also freed librarians and other library service providers from the building itself, creating opportunities to work remotely. With the advent of live chat, online instruction, and digital resources accessible from anywhere, many tasks can now be completed with just a laptop.

However, librarianship is a traditional profession, and remote library jobs have been slow to take off. Those available at this point are most often found in the private sector with large corporations or digital information providers. However, due to the pandemic, many libraries are becoming more flexible and allowing some time to work remotely.

How to Become a Remote Librarian

It is not an easy task to become a librarian. To begin, candidates typically need a master’s degree in library science from an American Library Association (ALA) accredited program. If you want to specialize in a subject area such as law, healthcare, or a specific research discipline, you also need to supplement your education with a doctorate or professional degree in the field. For example, an MBA for a business librarian or a nursing degree for a medical librarian.

In addition, many states require librarians to be certified, and public school librarians may need teacher certification. You can increase your remote employment opportunities if you specialize in a high-demand or remote-friendly field. For example, some functions such as cataloging or managing digital resources lend themselves more easily to a remote employment situation.

Job Outlook & Salary Information

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), jobs for librarians are projected to grow 9% over the next decade. A rate that is just above average for all occupations. However, the competition is fierce. The pandemic hit the profession hard, resulting in layoffs, frozen hiring, and a lack of new positions. While the job market is rebounding, finding a remote job in a traditional librarian role will be a challenge, especially for entry-level applicants.

BLS attributes the strong growth rate in part to the expanding availability and use of digital media and information sources. The industry with the highest concentration of librarians and one of the highest employment levels is “other information services.” This industry encompasses many of the emerging, non-traditional jobs for librarians. Companies in this industry specialize in the electronic supply, storage, and access to information, including websites, search portals, and internet publishing and broadcasting.

The median annual wage for librarians was $60,820 in May 2020, with top pay offered for library positions with post-secondary education institutions and the lowest pay offered at the local government level.

Commonly Asked About Categories of Remote Library Jobs

When researching potential remote or hybrid librarian positions, it’s important to take into account your experience and area of specialization. Below is some information about remote opportunities for jobseekers in commonly asked about categories:

Entry-Level Remote Library Jobs

Due to pandemic restrictions and cutbacks in both hosting internships and hiring new entry-level employees, these jobs are in high demand. If you want to test-drive a career as a librarian, getting a position as a library assistant can be a great way to gain experience before investing time and money in a master’s degree in library science.

In addition, while most librarians work full time, part-time work is common and can be a good way to get your foot in the door. Apply for a job as a page or even in a volunteer capacity. Regardless of the position, entry-level library jobs rarely offer remote or even hybrid work arrangements. So, some time spent on-site will be needed before obtaining a remote position.

Remote Cataloging Library Jobs

Librarians who are catalogers process library resources in all formats to describe and classify them accurately and make them easily findable by library patrons. This area of specialization offers a growing number of remote opportunities due to the technical nature of the work. Jobs in this area are offered by digital resource providers and library-as-a-service software firms.

Remote Digital Collections Librarian Jobs

There is a growing demand for librarians that specialize in collecting and curating online collections. These can be collections of text, images, video, data, and geographic information system (GIS) data. To specialize in this area, it is a good idea to develop technical skills in database management and website development. Jobs in digital collections can be found in a wide variety of organizations, including public and academic libraries.

Remote Medical Librarian Jobs

For the most part, medical librarian jobs are not offered as fully remote. However, as noted above, more site-based library positions are becoming more flexible with hybrid work options. You can find remote opportunities with healthcare organizations that manage digital collections, online education providers, and library vendors.

Companies that Frequently Hire for Remote Library Jobs

Below are a few companies that frequently hire librarians for remote positions:

EBSCO Health (EBSCO Information Services)

EBSCO Health provides evidence-based information for the global healthcare community. This includes access to medical e-books, medical databases, clinical decision support tools such as reference books and medical journals.

Above the Treeline

Above the Treeline offers access to the Edelweiss+ platform used to market, sell, find, and order books. They support publishers, booksellers, libraries, and other book professionals.

Library Systems & Services

Library Systems & Services provides analysis and consulting services. These include planning and management services, collections, and technology to public libraries and public library systems.

In Summary

The job outlook for librarians over the next decade is good. However, there are significant barriers to securing a remote position as a librarian. In addition to the educational requirements and stiff competition, many traditional libraries are slow to offer remote or hybrid positions. Still, there are opportunities available with some private sector employers in specializations most suitable for remote employment. Careful targeting will lead to success when looking for remote library positions.

What skills do you think are necessary to get a remote library job? What appeals to you about working as a librarian? Connect with Virtual Vocations on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube to share your thoughts and tips. We’d love to hear from you!