1

Library Archivist Jobs in Austin, TX (NOW HIRING)

Master's degree in Library or Information Science, or related to the assigned program from an ALA-accredited university, with specialization in archival enterprise and/or administration, plus two (2) ...

This role is ideal for students interested in pursuing graduate studies in Library and Information Studies (LIS), Archival Studies, or the broader Library, Archives, and Museum (LAM) fields. Role ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Library Archivist information

See Austin, TX salary details

$28.2K

$72.1K

$118K

How much do library archivist jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for library archivist in Austin, TX is $72,141.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $54,000.00 and $82,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What type of archivist makes the most money?

Among archivists, those specializing in digital or electronic records tend to earn higher salaries due to the technical skills required. Archivists working in large institutions, government agencies, or with specialized collections also typically have higher pay. Advanced certifications and experience can further increase earning potential in this field.

How to become a library archivist?

To become a library archivist, typically a master's degree in library science, archival studies, or a related field is required. Relevant skills include knowledge of cataloging, preservation, and digital archiving tools, along with experience in managing collections. Certification from professional organizations can also enhance job prospects.

What qualifications do I need to be an archivist?

To become a library archivist, a bachelor's degree in history, library science, or a related field is typically required, often followed by a master's degree in library and information science or archival studies. Relevant skills include attention to detail, organization, and familiarity with archival management software; some positions may also require professional certification.

What are library archivists?

Library archivists are professionals responsible for preserving, organizing, and providing access to historical documents, rare books, photographs, and other valuable records within a library setting.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 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.

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 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 does an archivist do in a library?

A library archivist is responsible for preserving, organizing, and managing historical documents and records. They evaluate, catalog, and maintain collections using specialized tools and standards, ensuring long-term access and research usability.

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 are popular job titles related to Library Archivist jobs in Austin, TX? For Library Archivist jobs in Austin, TX, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Library Archivist jobs in Austin, TX look for? The top searched job categories for Library Archivist jobs in Austin, TX are:
What cities near Austin, TX are hiring for Library Archivist jobs? Cities near Austin, TX with the most Library Archivist job openings:
Infographic showing various Library Archivist job openings in Austin, TX as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, and 14% Part Time. Highlights an 93% In-person, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $72,141 per year, or $34.7 per hour.

Archivist II - Audiovisual

Austintexas

Austin, TX

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 6 days ago


Job description

About This Position


Job Description:

Purpose:

Under limited direction, processes archival collections and City of Austin records, provides reference services to the public, and provides public programs.

Duties, Functions and Responsibilities:

Essential duties and functions, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following. Other related duties may be assigned.

  • Appraises, organizes, processes, catalogs, and conserves archival collections and materials.

  • Curates one or more of the collection units (Periodicals, Maps, Recordings, Photos, etc.) by making

  • selection and acquisition decisions, processing and cataloging materials in that unit.

  • Compiles finding aids, reference guides, articles, statistics, and reports.

  • Provides archival reference and research services.

  • Assists with the acquisition and appraisal of collections by helping to determine whether the

  • collection or acquisition is suitable for inclusion in the AHC collections; assists under the

  • supervision of the AHC manager or a supervisor.

  • Provides public liaison activities including lectures, media appearances, and interviews.

  • Explains research policies and procedures, demonstrates research methods, explains the use of reference materials/equipment, and explains fees to customers.

  • Coordinates and conducts meetings, training, tours, and public programs to the public and staff.

  • Assists in planning exhibits by organizing and interpreting historical records for public presentation.

  • May serve as the collections registrar by registering donations into the collection (this is an archives and museum function) and maintaining donor records.

  • Serves as 'in-charge' staff person in management's absence.

Responsibilities - Supervisor and/or Leadership Exercised:

  • May provide leadership, work assignments, evaluation, training, and guidance to others.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Must possess required knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience and be able to explain and demonstrate, with or without reasonable accommodations, that the essential functions of the job can be performed.

  • Knowledge of archival and Encoded Archival Description standards, issues, practices, and trends.

  • Knowledge of reference tools and procedures.

  • Knowledge of records management issues and practices.

  • Knowledge of digital imaging issues and trends, especially in regards to archival practice.

  • Knowledge of electronic records management and preservation.

  • Skill in processing/arranging archival collections.

  • Skill in oral and written communication including presentation.

  • Skill in organizing and interpreting historical records for public presentation.

  • Skill in using computers and related software, including Microsoft Office products.

  • Skill in prioritizing work assignments.

  • Skill in establishing and maintaining effective relationships with City employees and the public.

  • Ability to use and apply standards for archival description, cataloging, and networked resource sharing for archival objects and descriptions.

  • Ability to appraise records for archival and/or historical significance.

  • Ability to work with people of diverse backgrounds.


Minimum Qualifications:

  • Master's degree in Library or Information Science, or related to the assigned program from an ALA-accredited university, with specialization in archival enterprise and/or administration, plus two (2) years professional experience working in an archives, library, museum, or other cultural heritage institution, or

  • Master's degree in History/Public History with coursework in archival administration, or a Master's Degree in a related field, may substitute for the required Master's degree in Library or Information Science.

Licenses and Certifications Required:

  • May require a valid operator's license and the use of a personal vehicle.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Experience with legacy audiovisual collections and playback equipment.

  • Ability to determine preservation priorities and expertly perform preservation best practices for a wide range of analog audiovisual materials.

  • Experience leading large-scale digitization projects, establishing and adhering to digitization workflows and file naming conventions, and knowledge of video codecs and best practices for encoding video files for preservation and access.

  • Experience managing large sets of digital assets in a digital asset management system, ensuring files are organized and accessible, and experience creating metadata records for archival objects.

  • Experience answering archival/historically-related reference questions from the public.

  • Demonstrated commitment to proactively promoting and embracing diversity in ideas, people, and organizations, and to contributing to an inclusive working and learning environment.

  • Ability to travel to more than one work location.


Notes to Candidate:

The Audiovisual Archivist manages the Austin History Center's audiovisual collections across multiple formats, including videotape, motion picture film, audio recordings, and borndigital materials. Responsibilities include acquiring, cataloging, digitizing, describing, and retrieving collection items, as well as preparing finding aids, reference guides, statistics, and reports. The role also requires operating and maintaining all related playback and transfer equipment, providing archival reference and reproduction services to internal and external users, and supporting outreach initiatives.

Work Location:

Austin History Center, 800 Guadalupe Street, 78701

Salary Range

$57,970.00 to $70,720.00 annually

Hours and Schedule

Full-time (40 hours weekly). education

Austin History Center's hours of operation:

  • Monday -Friday 9:00 am - 6:00 p.m.

  • Saturday: 11:30 am - 5:30 p.m.

  • This position requires working weekends on a rotating basis, generally not more than 2 weekend days a month.

  • Hours and work schedules are subject to change depending upon business needs.

  • Schedules may vary to include holidays.

To view the City of Austin recruitment video, please click here.

Benefits:Working with the City of Austin provides a number of health and welfare benefits such as low-cost medical, dental, vision, paid leave time, a highly competitive retirement plan, training opportunities, and more. Please click HERE for more information.

Application Information:

  • A detailed, complete COA employment application is REQUIRED. It helps us to better evaluate your qualifications and will be used to determine your salary if you are selected for this position.

  • Please be sure to provide a COMPLETE and detailed employment history, including all previous employment that you wish to be considered as part of your qualifications.

  • For each position, please describe your specific experience as it relates to the minimum and preferred qualifications.

  • Incomplete applications will not be considered.Note:A cover letter and/or resume willNOTbe used to substitute for an incomplete job application.

  • Please understand that your job application, cover letter, and resume will be used to measure or assess your written communication skills, including grammar, punctuation, and spelling, in helping us screen applications and determine candidates to be interviewed.

Additional Information:

  • Travel:If you are selected for this position and meet the Driver Safety Standards in the City of AustinDriver Safety Program,you may drive when necessary to multiple locations as part of your regular job duties. Otherwise, you are responsible for getting to and from these locations.

  • All new employees are required to attend City of Austin and Austin Public Library training as scheduled and should arrange their outside schedules to accommodate such training.

  • This posting may be used to fill additional vacancies of the same job title that may become vacant (90-Day Provision). The additional vacancies may include a difference in work location, workweek hours, and schedule. Filling additional vacancies from this posting is based on the business needs of the department.

If Selected as a Top Candidate:

  • Verification of the minimum qualifications (Master's degree in Library or Information Science, or related to the assigned program from an ALA accredited university, with specialization in archival enterprise and/or administration, plus two (2) years professional experience working in an archives, library, museum, or other cultural heritage institution, or a Master's degree in History/Public History with coursework in archival administration, or a Master's Degree in a related field, may substitute for the required Master's degree in Library or Information Science) will be requied. You must provide proof of education from an accredited organization/institute.

Veteran:

  • Veteran candidates will be required to provide a copy of their DD-214

Language:

  • Must have the ability to read, write, and speak fluently in English.

Important Note to Applicants:

  • The Austin Public Library reserves the right to close posted positions prior to the advertised close date, based on recruitment strategies and business needs.

  • This posting may be used to fill additional vacancies of the same job title that may become vacant. The additional vacancies may include a difference in work location, workweek hours, and schedule. Filling additional vacancies from this posting is based on the business needs of the department.

  • Please be aware that the Job Posting Close Date reflects the final day to apply, but the posting will close at 11:59 PM the day before the date listed. All application steps, including attachments and submission, must be fully completed before that time.

  • We also recommend that you save or print a copy of the job postingfor your records. Once a posting has closed, it will no longer be viewable in the system.

.

JOIN THE CITY OF AUSTIN TEAMAt the City of Austin, we are more than just an employer-we are a vibrant community dedicated to shaping one of the nation's most dynamic and innovative cities. As we strive to fulfill our commitment as public servants, it is important that we ground our efforts in a set of guiding principles - Empathy, Ethics, Excellence, Engagement, and Equity - that anchor our delivery of services that significantly impact the lives of Austinites. Joining the City of Austin means embarking on a purposeful career, contributing to the community, and being part of a forward-thinking organization that values every employee.What Makes the City of Austin Special?
  • Make a Difference: Join a team driving meaningful change in one of the fastest-growing cities in the nation.

  • Value and Innovation: Work in an environment where employees are valued, and innovation thrives.

  • Competitive Benefits: Enjoy a comprehensive compensation package that includes generous leave, work-life balance programs, and extensive benefits.

  • Retirement Security: Plan for the future with the City of Austin Employees' Retirement System.

  • Sustainable Transportation Options: Commute easily with access to public transit and bike-friendly infrastructure.

  • Focus on Wellness: Stay healthy through wellness programs, on-site fitness centers, and mental health support.

  • Career Growth: Advance your skills and expertise with professional development and leadership opportunities.

  • Modern Workspaces: Work in innovative and sustainable environments that foster collaboration and inspiration.

By joining us, you become part of a community that values its people and is committed to making Austin the most thriving and resilient city in the country.

.

EEO Statement for City of Austin:

The City of Austin will not discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race, creed, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, age, religion, veteran status, disability, or sexual orientation. In addition, the City will not discriminate in employment decisions on the basis of an individual's AIDS, AIDS Related Complex, or HIV status; nor will the City discriminate against individuals who are perceived to be at risk of HIV infection, or who associate with individuals who are believed to be at risk.

City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you require reasonable accommodation during the application process or have a question regarding an essential job function, please call (512) 974-3210 or Texas Relay by dialing 7-1-1.