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Library Archivist Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Wheaton College

Processing Archivist

Chicago, IL · On-site

$60K/yr

WHEATON ARCHIVES & SPECIAL COLLECTIONS - PROCESSING ARCHIVIST Position Summary The Wheaton Library and Archives seeks a skilled, collaborative, innovative, and enthusiastic professional for a ...

Wheaton College

Processing Archivist

Chicago, IL

$60K/yr

WHEATON ARCHIVES & SPECIAL COLLECTIONS - PROCESSING ARCHIVIST Position Summary The Wheaton Library and Archives seeks a skilled, collaborative, innovative, and enthusiastic professional for a ...

Wheaton College

Assistant Professor-Library

Wheaton, IL

$63K - $75K/yr

Reports to the Dean of Library & Archives. Characteristics & Qualifications * A personal and living evangelical Protestant faith that is consonant with Wheaton College's theological distinctives as ...

Wheaton College

Assistant Professor-Library

Wheaton, IL · On-site

$63K - $75K/yr

Reports to the Dean of Library & Archives. Characteristics & Qualifications * A personal and living evangelical Protestant faith that is consonant with Wheaton College's theological distinctives as ...

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All JobsLibrary Archivist JobsLibrary Archivist Jobs in Chicago, IL

Library Archivist information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$29.4K

$75K

$122.6K

How much do library archivist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for library archivist in Chicago, IL is $74,959.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $56,100.00 and $86,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 enhance job prospects.

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Library archivists are professionals responsible for preserving, organizing, and providing access to historical documents, rare books, photographs, and other valuable records within a library setting.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

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 are popular job titles related to Library Archivist jobs in Chicago, IL? For Library Archivist jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Library Archivist jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Library Archivist jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Library Archivist jobs? Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Library Archivist job openings:
Library Archivist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Library Archivist job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 79% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 3% Nights. Highlights an 79% In-person, 6% Hybrid, and 15% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $74,959 per year, or $36 per hour.

Processing Archivist

Wheaton College

Chicago, IL • On-site

$60K/yr

Full-time

Posted 14 days ago

Job description


WHEATON ARCHIVES & SPECIAL COLLECTIONS - PROCESSING ARCHIVIST
Position Summary
The Wheaton Library and Archives seeks a skilled, collaborative, innovative, and enthusiastic professional for a Processing Archivist position. This role plays a critical part in the Archives & Special Collections' mission to collect, preserve, and make accessible Wheaton College's institutional archives and special collections, ensuring long-term access, organization, and stewardship of materials and discoverability for diverse users. The Processing Archivist works collegially and collaboratively within the Archives & Special Collections to ensure excellence and integrity in its collections, services, and programs, and across the Library to promote its mission and values. In partnership with colleagues, the Processing Archivist will plan and manage large and small-scale processing projects, accession new materials, supervise student workers, coordinate with donors, and ensure timely access to archival materials accessioned by Wheaton's archival repositories. The Processing Archivist will receive all necessary training as well as ongoing mentoring and professional development support. The position is full time and will pay $55-60,000 annually.
Under the general supervision of the Head Archivist, the successful candidate will:
  • Arrange, rehouse, and preserve archival records, working across diverse physical and digital formats, in accordance with nationally accepted archival principles, standards, and best practices.
  • Describe archival collections according to nationally accepted archival standards, generating EAD-encoded finding aids in the repository's collections management database, ArchivesSpace, and creating records in MARC format to upload to the Library's online public access catalog.
  • Appraise and accession new collection materials, exercising professional judgement to ascertain the ongoing research value of new collections while faithfully and independently representing administrative, legal, and descriptive information about new materials in ArchivesSpace.
  • Contribute to management and control activities, including collections assessment, stacks and equipment maintenance, space planning, and archival supplies monitoring.
  • Serve on cross-department initiatives, including digital exhibits and preservation activities, contributing to preservation and reformatting activities.
  • Participate in unit-wide meetings, decision-making, and planning activities.
  • Supervise, train, and manage archival student workers.
  • Provide Manuscripts Reading Room desk coverage on occasion, and support reference and research services as needed.

This job description is intended to represent key areas of responsibilities; specific assignments may vary from time to time, and other duties may be assigned.
Professional Required Qualifications
  • Master's degree in library and information science from an ALA-accredited program in hand or in progress, or equivalent combination of advanced degree in a relevant discipline (Museum Studies, Public History, History) and related experience.
  • 1-3 years of experience in a library, archives, or museum setting, working with diverse collections and users.
  • Ability to build productive working relationships and collaborate effectively across teams and with external partners.
  • Capacity to work autonomously, exercise professional judgement, and make independent decisions within the scope of assignments.
  • Ability to prioritize work, manage multiple tasks, and complete projects in a timely manner.
  • Experience using Microsoft Office suite and comfortable learning new systems and platforms, and applications.
  • Superior written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Committed to diversity, growth, and dynamic environments; desire to grow in professional role and develop further expertise.

Professional Preferred Qualifications
  • Demonstrated experience appraising, arranging, describing, and preserving format-diverse archival collections of varying size and complexity in a professional setting.
  • Understanding of tools, platforms, and software used to manage, preserve, and provide access to physical and digital archival records, such as ArchivesSpace and Preservica.
  • Demonstrated knowledge of, or recent coursework in metadata standards, particularly Describing Archives: A Content Standard (DACS), Encoded Archival Description (EAD), AACR2, RDA, and LCSH.
  • Subject familiarity with one or more of the collecting foci of the Archives & Special Collections is preferred, particularly the history of evangelical Christianity in the United States.

Faith Requirements
  • Affirmation of the Wheaton College Statement of Faith as a faithful expression of one's own theological convictions
  • Affirmation of the biblical standards for Christian character and God-honoring behavior described throughout the Wheaton College Community Covenant, and promise to adhere to them in personal practice
  • Support of the Wheaton College Christ-Centered Diversity Commitment, the Gender Equity Vision Statement, and the College's Convictions on Human Sexuality. These commitments can be found on the Wheaton College website.

Physical Requirements - The employee is regularly required to sit, talk, or hear; frequently required to use repetitive hand motion, handle or feel, climb ladders, work with dusty materials, bend or lift up to 40 pounds.
FLSA Status - Exempt
Updated: June 2026

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