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Library Archive Jobs in New York (NOW HIRING)

Public Affairs / Library and Archives Position: Project Archivist (Shelby White and Leon Levy Access Initiative) Location: Bronx Zoo / Hybrid Category Type: Temporary, Full-Time (Grant funded, 3 ...

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Library Archive information

See New York salary details

$31.2K

$79.8K

$135.7K

How much do library archive jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for library archive in New York is $79,846.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $62,400.00 and $93,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some of the main challenges faced by professionals working in library archives?

Library archive professionals often face challenges such as preserving delicate or aging materials, managing large and diverse collections, and keeping up with the latest digitization technologies. Balancing the need for public access with the protection of fragile items is a daily responsibility. Additionally, archival staff frequently collaborate with librarians, historians, and IT specialists to organize, catalog, and make materials accessible to researchers and the general public.

What is a library archive?

Library archives are specialized collections within libraries that preserve, organize, and provide access to historical documents, rare books, manuscripts, photographs, and other primary source materials. Unlike general library collections, archives focus on unique or rare items that have enduring value for research and history. Archivists ensure these materials are carefully cataloged and maintained so that researchers and the public can access them for scholarship, genealogy, or cultural heritage purposes.

How to be a library archivist?

To become a library archivist, typically a bachelor's degree in library science, history, or a related field is required, often supplemented by a master's degree in archival studies or library science. Skills in cataloging, preservation, and familiarity with archival management software are essential, along with attention to detail and organizational abilities. Certification from professional organizations can enhance job prospects.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a library archivist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Library Archivist, you need a solid background in archival science, information management, and typically a master's degree in library science or a related field. Familiarity with digital archiving tools, cataloging systems like MARC or Dublin Core, and preservation technologies is essential. Attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and effective communication are standout soft skills in this role. These competencies ensure the accurate preservation, organization, and accessibility of valuable historical and informational resources.
Infographic showing various Library Archive job openings in New York as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Part Time, and 50% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $79,846 per year, or $38.4 per hour.

Research Resources: Library and Archives Assistant

Whitney Museum

Manhattan, NY • On-site

$32/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 7 days ago


Job description

Library and Archives Assistant

The Library and Archives Assistant will support the Library and Archives team in all aspects of collections development, cataloging, processing, circulation, reference, access, organization, and storage. This is a part-time role, 28 hours weekly.

Responsibilities
  • Assist staff with library and archives collection development.
  • Create original and copy cataloging in MARC for library materials, with particular attention to our ongoing work in reparative and equitable metadata.
  • Assist with onsite and remote reference and circulation requests from staff and external researchers, including paging and shelving.
  • Process library and archives materials for secure storage, including items requiring custom preservation housings and encapsulations.
  • Survey, arrange, and describe Whitney archival collections according to best practices.
  • Prepare DACS records for export to the archives' online public access portal, ArchivesSpace.
  • Prepare select materials for our digital preservation pipeline via ArchiveSpace, Archivematica, and ResourceSpace.
Education Background/Degree Requirements
  • MLIS or related degree, with experience in art sources and services
Specific Knowledge, Abilities and/or Skills
  • Experience with library cataloging (MARC, RDA, LCSH, LC classification).
  • Ability to work independently with attention to detail.
  • Experience with an ILS.
  • Proficiency in ArchivesSpace, or similar collection management systems.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft 365, including Microsoft Excel.
  • Strong working knowledge of DACS and EAD.
  • Demonstrated familiarity with archival theory and practice, including applying processing strategies and records retention policies.
  • Ability to lift cartons up to 30lbs is helpful.
Compensation & Benefits
  • Hourly rate of $32.00
  • Medical, Dental, Vision, 403(B) elections
  • Generous PTO benefits
  • Commuter benefits - parking and mass transit
  • Admission to world-renowned museums across the city and nationally
  • Pet insurance and discounted membership for Citibike
  • This position may be covered by UAW Local 2110

If you believe that you could excel in this role, we encourage you to apply. We are dedicated to considering a broad array of candidates. Whether you're new to arts and culture administration, returning to work after a gap in employment, simply looking to transition, or take the next step in your career path, we will be glad to have you on our radar. Please use your cover letter to tell us about your interest in the arts and culture space and what you hope to bring to this role.

About the Whitney The Whitney Museum of American Art, founded in 1930 by the artist and philanthropist Gertrude Vanderbilt Whitney, houses the foremost collection of American art from the twentieth and twenty-first centuries. From her vision arose the Whitney Museum of American Art, which has been championing the most innovative art of the United States for 86 years. The core of the Whitney's mission is to collect, preserve, interpret, and exhibit American art of our time and serve a wide variety of audiences in celebration of the complexity and diversity of art and culture in the United States. Through this mission and a steadfast commitment to artists themselves, the Whitney has long been a powerful force in support of modern and contemporary art and continues to help define what is innovative and influential in American art today. Its signature exhibition, the Biennial, is the country's leading survey of the most recent developments in American art. EEO Statement The Whitney Museum of American Art is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The Museum does not discriminate because of age, sex, religion, race, color, creed, national origin, alienage or citizenship, disability, marital status, pregnancy, partnership status, caregiver status, veteran status, gender (including gender identity), sexual orientation, genetic information, predisposition, or carrier status, arrest or conviction record to the extent required by applicable law, credit history, domestic violence, sexual violence, or stalking victim status, or any other factor prohibited by law. The Museum hires and promotes individuals solely on the basis of their qualifications for the job to be filled. The Museum encourages all qualified candidates to apply for vacant positions at all levels.