1

Library Archivist Jobs in Wisconsin (NOW HIRING)

Head of Mills Music Library

Madison, WI ยท On-site +1

$75K - $110K/yr

Library/Archive Manager I Job Summary: The Head of Mills Music Library serves as the University of Wisconsin-Madison Libraries' lead librarian for music and dance, overseeing all operations, services ...

Preservation Binding Specialist

Madison, WI ยท On-site

$39K - $45K/yr

Demonstrated experience performing detailed, hands-on work with library and archival materials in a preservation context. * Demonstrated ability to follow established procedures and standards while ...

Blender / Barista

Verona, WI ยท On-site

$13 - $18/hr

... Libraries, Archives, and Museums, Higher Education-Student Affairs Department Overview: The biggest difference between BeneBlends and its competitors is its mission to create a positive impact on a ...

New

Its library, archives and collections, historic sites and museums, historic preservation office, and extensive educational programs and community outreach are focused on our vision to enrich and ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Library Archivist information

See Wisconsin salary details

$28.8K

$73.5K

$120.1K

How much do library archivist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for library archivist in Wisconsin is $73,462.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $55,000.00 and $84,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a library archivist?

Library archivists are professionals responsible for preserving, organizing, and providing access to historical documents, rare books, photographs, and other valuable records within a library setting. They assess, catalog, and maintain collections to ensure that important materials are preserved for future generations. Archivists also help researchers and the public locate and interpret archival resources, often using specialized knowledge of preservation techniques and digital archiving. Their work is essential for maintaining the integrity and accessibility of a library's unique and historical collections.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a library archivist?

To thrive as a Library Archivist, you need expertise in archival science, information management, and preservation, usually supported by a master's degree in library science or a related field. Familiarity with archival management software, digital preservation systems, and cataloging standards like MARC or EAD is typically required. Attention to detail, organizational skills, and strong communication abilities help you manage collections and collaborate with researchers or colleagues. These skills ensure the accurate preservation, organization, and accessibility of valuable historical records for future generations.

What are some common challenges a library archivist faces when organizing and preserving collections?

Library Archivists often encounter challenges such as managing large volumes of materials with limited resources, dealing with deteriorating or fragile items, and ensuring that collections are both preserved for the future and accessible to present-day researchers. Balancing the need for digital access with the preservation of original formats is also a frequent concern. Collaborating with librarians, IT specialists, and researchers helps archivists prioritize preservation efforts and improve access to valuable materials.

What is the difference between Library Archivist vs Library Technician?

AspectLibrary ArchivistLibrary Technician
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Library Science or Archival StudiesAssociate's degree or relevant certification
Work EnvironmentArchives, special collections, museumsPublic and academic libraries, assisting patrons
Job FocusPreserving, organizing, and managing archival collectionsAssisting with cataloging, shelving, and customer service

The main difference is that Library Archivists focus on preserving and managing archival collections, often requiring advanced degrees, while Library Technicians support daily library operations and assist patrons, typically with less formal education.

How to become a library archivist?

To become a library archivist, individuals typically need a bachelor's degree in history, library science, or a related field, with many positions requiring a master's degree in library and information science or archival studies. Gaining experience through internships or volunteer work, developing skills in cataloging, preservation, and digital archiving, and obtaining professional certifications can improve job prospects.

What are popular job titles related to Library Archivist jobs in Wisconsin?

For Library Archivist jobs in Wisconsin, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Library Archivist jobs in Wisconsin look for?

The top searched job categories for Library Archivist jobs in Wisconsin are:

Infographic showing various Library Archivist job openings in Wisconsin as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 83% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $73,462 per year, or $35.3 per hour.

Head of Mills Music Library

The Chronicle Of Higher Education, Inc.

Madison, WI โ€ข On-site

$75 - $110/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 3 days ago

New


Job description

Salary: Current employees โ€“ if you are currently employed at any of the Universities of Wisconsin, log in to Workday and apply through the internal application process.

Job Category: Academic Staff

Employment Type: Regular

Job Profile: Library/Archive Manager I

Job Summary

The Head of Mills Music Library serves as the University of Wisconsinโ€“Madison Librariesโ€™ lead librarian for music and dance, overseeing all operations, services, and staff of the music library. Reporting to the Associate Dean for Collections, the position provides strategic direction for the library, establishes departmental priorities, and leads a team of four full-time staff with responsibilities spanning archival processing, audio digitization, specialized research support, and instructional services. A major emphasis of the role is the development, stewardship, and management of extensive music and dance collections, including rare and unique special collections and archival materials for the Wisconsin Music Archives. The position advances services that support digital scholarship, composition, and creative work, ensuring that the libraryโ€™s collections and expertise foster innovation in teaching, performance, and research.

The Head of Mills Music Library oversees all collection development activities and collection funds for music and dance, manages donor relations and giftsโ€‘inโ€‘kind, and identifies grant opportunities to support library and campus initiatives. The role directs preservation, technical services, and digitization projects and provides expert guidance on copyright and fair use. Acting as the primary liaison to the Mead Witter School of Music, the Dance Department, and related programs, the position provides advanced research services, leads instructional and outreach activities, and strengthens connections between the libraries and the broader Madison music and dance communities. The role also includes ongoing professional development, participation in professional organizations, and service on library and campus committees to advance the mission of the Libraries. The UWโ€“Madison Libraries lead in curating, preserving, and sharing knowledge through environments that inspire engagement, discovery, and learning. The Libraries deliver exemplary information services to advance the mission and strategic priorities of one of the nationโ€™s leading research universities. Shared values at Libraries include respect, inclusion, communication, collaboration, and empowerment.

This position is eligible for partial remote work. A remote work agreement may allow for a maximum of 20% remote per week. The position is fullโ€‘time, 100% (Ongoing/Renewable).

Key Job Responsibilities
  • Actively participate in an inclusive, welcoming, and respectful workplace (5%)
  • Collaborate with other managers to develop and implement initiatives and technological enterprises which directly affect the libraries (5%)
  • Oversee dayโ€‘toโ€‘day management of unit operations, services, and space (15%)
  • Advance librarianship/archives at the campus, local, and state level through committee participation (10%)
  • Manage and implement collection development for the subjects of music and dance across a variety of formats (10%)
  • Communicate the strategic direction of the department as determined by leadership (5%)
  • Design, develop, and provide leadership on projects, programs, procedures, and services (10%)
  • Resolve complex issues which may impact policies and procedures within the unit (5%)
  • May manage the operating budget (5%)
  • Perform and direct research services related to music and dance for university faculty, staff, students, and other library patrons (10%)
  • May supervise unit personnel; may hire, train, coach, and evaluate employees to manage and improve performance (20%)
Required Qualifications
  • At least three years of professional experience working in an academic or research library.
  • Demonstrated knowledge and experience in music librarianship.
  • Proven experience with public services in an academic or research library.
  • Experience with collection development in an academic or research library.
  • Supervisory experience or experience leading teams or projects.
  • Excellent communication skills with the ability to collaborate effectively with colleagues, faculty, students, and other stakeholders.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience working with historic collections such as archives, historic audio formats, and realia.
  • Experience with digital initiatives such as digitization, digital humanities, and digital arts projects.
  • Experience engaging with donors.
Education

Masterโ€™s Degree required in Library Sciences, Library Information Services, or related field, or PhD in a relevant field.

Compensation

Starting salary will be based on experience and qualifications. Wellโ€‘qualified applicants can anticipate earning between $75,000 and $110,000 with final salary based on experience and qualifications.

Benefits Summary

This position offers a comprehensive benefits package, including generous paid time off, competitively priced health/dental/vision/life insurance, taxโ€‘advantaged savings accounts, and participation in the nationally recognized Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS) pension fund. For a summary of benefits, please see https://www.wisconsin.edu/ohrwd/benefits/download/fasl.pdf. Employees can expect to receive benefits such as generous vacation, holidays, and sick leave; competitive insurances and savings accounts; and retirement benefits. Benefits information can be found at https://hr.wisc.edu/benefits/.

Other Employment Information

This position is fullโ€‘time, 100%, and supports partial remote work (up to 20%).

Contact Information

Abram Hopp, abram.hopp@wisc.edu, (608) 890โ€‘1795

Relay Access (WTRS): 7โ€‘1โ€‘1. See RELAY_SERVICE for further information.

Institutional Statement on Diversity

Diversity is a source of strength, creativity, and innovation for UWโ€‘Madison. We value the contributions of each person and respect the profound ways their identity, culture, background, experience, status, abilities, and opinion enrich the university community. We commit ourselves to the pursuit of excellence in teaching, research, outreach, and diversity as inextricably linked goals. The University of Wisconsinโ€‘Madison fulfills its public mission by creating a welcoming and inclusive community for people from every background โ€“ people who, as students, faculty, and staff, serve Wisconsin and the world.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to, including but not limited to, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, pregnancy, disability, or status as a protected veteran and other bases as defined by federal regulations and UW System policies. We promote excellence by acknowledging skills and expertise from all backgrounds and encourage all qualified individuals to apply. For more information regarding applicant and employee rights and to view federal and state required postings, visit the HumanResources Workplace Poster website.

Accommodations

To request a disability or pregnancyโ€‘related accommodation for any step in the hiring process (e.g., application, interview, preโ€‘employment testing, etc.), please contact the Divisional Disability Representative (DDR) in the division you are applying to. Please make your request as soon as possible to help the university respond most effectively to you.

Employment Requirements

Employment may require a criminal background check. It may also require your references to answer questions regarding misconduct, including sexual violence and sexual harassment. The University of Wisconsin System will not reveal the identities of applicants who request confidentiality in writing, except that the identity of the successful candidate will be released. See Wis. Stat. ยง 19.36(7). The Annual Security and Fire Safety Report contains current campus safety and disciplinary policies, crime statistics for the previous 3 calendar years, and onโ€‘campus student housing fire safety policies and fire statistics for the previous 3 calendar years. UWโ€‘Madison will provide a paper copy upon request; please contact the University of Wisconsin Police Department.

#J-18808-Ljbffr