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Executive Rare Book Librarian Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Master's in Library Science, English, or History preferred. * Minimum five years of cataloging experience with antiquarian or rare books in a Rare Book Seller environment or Special Collections ...

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Executive Rare Book Librarian information

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$31K

$65.2K

$102.5K

How much do executive rare book librarian jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for executive rare book librarian in the United States is $65,193.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $51,500.00 and $75,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an executive rare book librarian?

Executive Rare Book Librarians are specialized professionals who manage, preserve, and provide access to rare and valuable collections of books and manuscripts within libraries, museums, or special collections. They oversee acquisition, cataloging, conservation, and sometimes public programming related to rare materials. Their role often includes developing collection policies, fundraising, and collaborating with scholars or donors. Executive Rare Book Librarians typically hold advanced degrees in library science or a related field and possess expertise in rare books, archival practices, and historical research.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an executive rare book librarian?

To thrive as an Executive Rare Book Librarian, you need expertise in rare book handling, bibliographic research, preservation techniques, and typically a master's degree in library science with a specialization in rare books or archival studies. Familiarity with cataloging systems like MARC, digital asset management tools, and conservation equipment is essential. Exceptional attention to detail, leadership, and strong communication skills help manage collections, coordinate staff, and engage with donors and researchers. These skills ensure the preservation, accessibility, and growth of rare book collections, supporting institutional missions and scholarly research.

How does an executive rare book librarian collaborate with other departments to enhance collection accessibility and preservation?

As an Executive Rare Book Librarian, you will regularly collaborate with archivists, conservators, digital specialists, and public service staff to ensure rare materials are both well-preserved and accessible to researchers. This often involves joint planning for conservation projects, digitization initiatives, and special exhibitions. You may also coordinate outreach with development and communications teams to promote the collection and secure funding for preservation. Strong communication and organizational skills are essential, as you'll be leading cross-functional projects and representing the collection to both internal and external stakeholders.

What is the difference between Executive Rare Book Librarian vs Archivist?

AspectExecutive Rare Book LibrarianArchivist
CredentialsMaster's degree in Library Science or related field, specialized knowledge in rare booksMaster's degree in Library Science, Archival Studies, or History
Work EnvironmentRare book libraries, special collections, academic institutionsArchives, museums, government agencies, historical societies
Industry UsageSpecial collections, rare book preservation, academic researchRecords management, historical preservation, document conservation

The Executive Rare Book Librarian focuses on managing and preserving rare books and special collections within libraries, often requiring specialized knowledge of rare materials. Archivists, on the other hand, primarily handle records and historical documents, focusing on preservation, organization, and access. While both roles require similar credentials and work in related environments, their core responsibilities and focus areas differ significantly.

What cities are hiring for Executive Rare Book Librarian jobs?

Cities with the most Executive Rare Book Librarian job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Rare Book Librarian jobs?

The most popular types of Rare Book Librarian jobs are:

What states have the most Executive Rare Book Librarian jobs?

States with the most job openings for Executive Rare Book Librarian jobs include:

Infographic showing various Executive Rare Book Librarian job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $65,193 per year, or $31.3 per hour.

Rare Book Collection Research Fellowships [2024]

Chapel Hill, NC • On-site


University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools • 10K+ employees

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$18 - $24.50/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 10 days ago


Job description

Description
Please note: Wilson Library is currently planning for the multi-year Wilson Library Improvement Project, which will disrupt access to special collections materials beginning in 2024. Fellowship recipients should plan to complete their research in the collections by July 31, 2024.
Wilson Special Collection Library Rare Book Collection Fellowships
The Rare Book Collection Fellowships support scholarly research that makes significant use of the rich and deep rare book resources available in the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill's special collections.
Three types of awardsare available:
  • The Marjorie Bond Research Fellowship
    • For the broader community of doctoral students and candidates, faculty, and independent scholars whose research projects draw deeply and substantively on the Wilson Library's Rare Book Collection
    • Supports a one-month residency which must be completed by July 31, 2024
    • Total award is $3,000
  • The Hanes Graduate Fellowship
    • For UNC Chapel Hill master's and doctoral students working on a thesis or dissertation that significantly relies upon Rare Book Collection materials
    • Supports a one-month residency which must be completed by July 31, 2024
    • Total award is $3,000
  • The McLendon-Thomas Award
    • For the broader community of master's and doctoral students whose research projects focus on the history of medicine and draw deeply and substantively on the Wilson Library's Rare Book Collection
    • Supports a one-month residency which must be completed by July 31, 2024
    • Total award is $3,000

Fellowship awards will be disbursed after the completion of a fellowship residency. It is strongly recommended that fellows arrive with the funds necessary to support their research residency.
Timeline
  • December 1: Applications open for electronic submissions via Interfolio
  • January 31: Application materials received by midnight ET will be given priority. We will continue to accept applications on a rolling basis past this date
  • Submission deadlines:
    • March 15: deadline to submit applications for students and candidates enrolled at universities outside of UNC-Chapel Hill
    • May 1: deadline to submit applications for UNC-Chapel Hill students and candidates
  • Acceptance deadlines:
    • Preliminary acceptance of award must occur within 7 calendar days of the email's receipt
    • Accepting applicants must return all required documentation and biographical information 14 calendar days of the email's receipt
    • Research cannot begin until the completion of a background check
  • July 31, 2024: Research residencies must be completed
    • Research reports are due one month after completing the research residency

To view other funded research opportunities at Wilson Library, please consult our Fellowship page.
Qualifications
Fellowship Eligibility
The Bond Fellowship
  • Scholarly researchers
    • Doctoral student or candidate
    • Faculty
    • Independent scholar
  • Have or be actively pursuing the terminal degree in your discipline

The Hanes Fellowship
  • Full-time master's or doctoral students
  • Enrolled in a graduate program in the College of Arts and Sciences at UNC-Chapel Hill
  • Currently working on a thesis or dissertation project

The McLendon-Thomas Award
  • Full-time master's or doctoral students
  • Enrolled in a graduate program
  • Currently working on a thesis or dissertation project on the history of medicine

Agree to
  • Submit a research proposal and research plan that draws deeply and substantively on the Rare Book Collection
  • Commit to a full-time research residency at Wilson Library for the duration of the award
    • Research cannot begin until the completion of a background check
    • The residency must be completed by July 31, 2024
  • Participate in the intellectual life of the Library and the fellowship program, which includes:
    • A public presentation of research findings and experiences
    • The submission of a brief research report
    • For the McLendon-Thomas Award, a presentation at the Bullitt History of Medicine Club lecture series

Application Instructions
Application materials will be accepted on a rolling basis. Applications submitted by midnight ET on January 31 will be given priority. We will continue to accept applications until May 1 for UNC-Chapel Hill students and candidates and March 15 for students and candidates enrolled at other universities.
The following supporting materials must be included:
  • Research Proposal: A brief narrative (no more than 1200 words) that describes your proposed research and its intellectual significance
  • Research Plan: A substantive preliminary list of Wilson Library Rare Book Collection materials that you will consult during your residency. Include brief annotations concerning the relevancy of each collection
  • Curriculum vitae
  • Two confidential letters of recommendation. For graduate students, one letter must be from your academic advisor
  • For graduate students, a letter from the Director of Graduate Studies confirming your current academic status

Applications will be evaluated based on the following criteria:
  • Merit of the proposal
  • Applicant's qualifications and letters of recommendations
  • Demonstrated need to access in person the holdings of the Wilson Special Collections Library

Questions about the fellowships or the application process should be directed to Matt Turi via wilsonlibrary@unc.edu.
For technical assistance with this application system, please contact Interfolio at help@interfolio.com or call (877) 997-8807.

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About University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

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The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC-Chapel Hill), located in Chapel Hill, NC, US, is renowned for being one of the leading research institutes in the world. Operating within the education industry, this public research university offers a broad range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs across various disciplines. UNC-Chapel Hill was chartered in 1789 and has maintained its legacy of academic excellence and innovative research for more than two centuries. The institution operates under the core values of excellence, innovation, engagement, accessibility, diversity, and inclusivity. Their mission is to serve the people of North Carolina and the United States by teaching a diverse community of students to become the next generation of leaders.

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