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Digital Collections Assistant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Under the general direction of the Head of Digital Scholarship and Open Strategies (DSOS): assist with creation, quality control, and ingest of metadata and digital assets for digital collections ...

Under the general direction of the Head of Digital Scholarship and Open Strategies (DSOS): assist with creation, quality control, and ingest of metadata and digital assets for digital collections ...

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Digital Collections Assistant information

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How much do digital collections assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for digital collections assistant in the United States is $20.03, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.11 and $23.08 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Digital Collections Assistant vs Archivist?

AspectDigital Collections AssistantArchivist
CredentialsTypically requires a bachelor's degree in library science, information management, or related fieldUsually requires a master's degree in library science, archival studies, or related field
Work EnvironmentLibraries, museums, cultural institutions focusing on digital asset managementArchives, historical societies, institutions managing physical and digital records
Job FocusManaging, organizing, and maintaining digital collections and metadataAppraising, preserving, and providing access to both physical and digital records

The Digital Collections Assistant primarily handles digital assets, focusing on organization and access, while the Archivist manages both physical and digital records, including appraisal and preservation. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds but differ in scope and responsibilities.

What are some common challenges faced by Digital Collections Assistants when managing digital assets, and how can they be addressed?

Digital Collections Assistants often encounter challenges such as ensuring accurate metadata entry, maintaining consistent file organization, and navigating copyright or access restrictions. Staying detail-oriented and following established cataloging standards can help maintain data quality. Regular communication with archivists, librarians, and IT staff is crucial for resolving access issues and ensuring the long-term preservation of digital assets. Embracing new digital tools and ongoing professional development also supports efficiency and accuracy in the role.

What are Digital Collections Assistants?

Digital Collections Assistants are professionals who help manage, organize, and maintain digital assets in libraries, museums, archives, or similar institutions. Their responsibilities often include digitizing physical materials, cataloging digital items, assisting with metadata creation, and supporting online access to digital collections. They work closely with librarians, archivists, and IT staff to ensure digital materials are preserved and accessible for research, education, or public use. This role often requires attention to detail, technical proficiency, and an understanding of digital preservation standards.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Digital Collections Assistant, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Digital Collections Assistant, you need a background in library science or museum studies, strong organizational skills, and familiarity with digital asset management. Proficiency with collection management systems, digitization equipment, and metadata standards such as Dublin Core is typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving, and effective communication are important soft skills that help manage digital records and support team collaboration. These skills and qualities ensure the accurate preservation, accessibility, and efficient management of digital collections.
More about Digital Collections Assistant jobs
What cities are hiring for Digital Collections Assistant jobs? Cities with the most Digital Collections Assistant job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Digital Collections jobs? The most popular types of Digital Collections jobs are:
What states have the most Digital Collections Assistant jobs? States with the most job openings for Digital Collections Assistant jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Digital Collections Assistant jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Digital Collections Assistant jobs are:
Infographic showing various Digital Collections Assistant job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $41,672 per year, or $20 per hour.
Special Collections Librarian

Special Collections Librarian

Howard University

Washington, DC • On-site

$75K - $80K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 8 days ago


Howard University rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

134th of 553 rated colleges and universities


Job description

The Talent Acquisition department hires qualified candidates to fill positions which contribute to the overall strategic success of Howard University. Hiring staff "for fit" makes significant contributions to Howard University's overall mission.
At Howard University, we prioritize well-being and professional growth.
Here is what we offer:
  • Health & Wellness: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance, plus mental health support
  • Work-Life Balance: PTO, paid holidays, flexible work arrangements
  • Financial Wellness: Competitive salary, 403(b) with company match
  • Professional Development: Ongoing training, tuition reimbursement, and career advancement paths
  • Additional Perks: Wellness programs, commuter benefits, and a vibrant company culture

Join Howard University and thrive with us!
https://hr.howard.edu/benefits-wellness
JOB PURPOSE:
The Special Collections Librarian reports to the Head of Collection Services and Special Collections. The Special Collections Librarian is responsible for overseeing the School of Law Library archives and special collections. Responsible for arranging and describing the archival and special collections according to best practices. Performing reference, building relationships with alumni, community organizations and engaging in activities that promote the special collections and archives that demonstrates and showcases the history and role of the School of Law and African-American attorneys in the history of the United States.
SUPERVISORY AUTHORITY:
Responsible for directing library specialists and student library research assistants. Reports to the Director of the Law Library, Alicia Jones.
NATURE AND SCOPE:
Internal contacts include administrators, faculty, students and staff of the School of Law and the university at large. External contacts include vendors, representatives from other colleges and universities, visitors and the general public
PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES:
  • Manages and processes rare books and other printed materials, archival materials in all formats for the law library archives and special collections department.
  • Develops processing plans for new materials and backlog.
  • Creates digital collections and finding aids in the University's and School of Law's institutional repository.
  • Engages in education planning and instruction for first year legal research and advanced legal research courses.
  • Creates and develops library displays to showcase special collections programs and special events.
  • Other duties as assigned.

CORE COMPETENCIES:
  • Assess the condition of materials and initiate repairs and/or digitization where needed
  • Assess potential donations to the collection and recommend whether to accept
  • Prepare documents needed to transfer or add collection materials and update collection administrative files to reflect changes/additions.
  • Accession of new materials into the collection and update finding aids to reflect additions
  • Monitor and report on collection usage.
  • Prepare for and participate in tours and outreach; create displays of representative items from the collection and associated talking points.
  • Prepare physical materials for digitization; coordinate in-house and external digitization production; and collaborate with digital archivists to preserve and present the digitized content.
  • Ability to lift and move books and manuscript boxes, climb ladders to retrieve materials, and push book trucks.
  • Ability to respond to research and reference questions

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
  • Master's degree from ALA-accredited library and information science program (or equivalent)
  • Work effectively with a diverse, accomplished community of students, faculty, and staff
  • Commitment to advancing the missions of the law school and library
  • Model positive, solutions-driven responses to challenges; creative problem-solver
  • Excellent communication skills; emotionally intelligent
  • Project management skills (e.g., ability to prioritize, manage deadlines and expectations, make appropriate adjustments, communicate proactively)
  • Ability to work both independently and collaboratively
  • Strong service orientation

Compliance Salary Range Disclosure
Compensation Range - $75,000 - $80,000

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