{"id":418006,"date":"2021-12-16T07:00:00","date_gmt":"2021-12-16T12:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.virtualvocations.com\/blog\/?p=418006"},"modified":"2025-08-22T17:23:13","modified_gmt":"2025-08-22T21:23:13","slug":"remote-library-jobs","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.virtualvocations.com\/blog\/remote-jobs\/remote-library-jobs\/","title":{"rendered":"Remote Library Jobs & How to Find Them"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Updated August 2025<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Click Here to View the Virtual Vocations Guide to Transitioning to Remote Work<\/a><\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n
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How to Become a Remote Librarian<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

It is not an easy task to become a librarian<\/a>. To begin, candidates typically need a master\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Skills for Remote Librarianship<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Beyond education and certification, remote librarians need a mix of technical expertise and soft skills to thrive outside a traditional library setting. Employers are increasingly looking for candidates who can manage digital resources with ease, communicate effectively with colleagues and patrons online, and stay organized without the structure of an in-person environment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Key technical skills include:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n