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Library Archivist Jobs in Tacoma, WA (NOW HIRING)

... and archiving. * Administer and maintain EHS software systems, including data entry, record ... Develop and maintain EHS content and document libraries within SharePoint, Confluence, and other ...

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Library Archivist information

See Tacoma, WA salary details

$30.5K

$78K

$127.5K

How much do library archivist jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for library archivist in Tacoma, WA is $77,979.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $58,400.00 and $89,500.00 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Library archivists are professionals responsible for preserving, organizing, and providing access to historical documents, rare books, photographs, and other valuable records within a library setting.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 Tacoma, WA?

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

What job categories do people searching Library Archivist jobs in Tacoma, WA look for?

The top searched job categories for Library Archivist jobs in Tacoma, WA are:

What cities near Tacoma, WA are hiring for Library Archivist jobs?

Cities near Tacoma, WA with the most Library Archivist job openings:

Infographic showing various Library Archivist job openings in Tacoma, WA as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $77,979 per year, or $37.5 per hour.

Adult Services Librarian, Archivist - Seattle Public Library

Northwest Archivists

Tacoma, WA โ€ข On-site

$60 - $80/hr

Other

Posted 7 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Implement the archival collection preservation program at Seattle Public Library Special Collections.

  • Collaborate with the Special Collections team on archival donations and collections, and serve as the primary subject matter expert on archival processes and best practices.

  • Develop and implement workflow practices for appraisal, donation guidelines, processing standards, descriptive practices, preservation/conservation, deaccession, and disposition.


Job description

Adult Services Librarian, Archivist - Seattle Public Library
  • Invitation to Compete #21-26: Adult Services Librarian, Archivist
  • Central Library
  • 1000 Fourth Ave. Seattle, WA 98104
  • Regular, FLSA non-exempt, benefitted, full-time (40 hours per week)
  • Salary range: $44.92 - $54.46 per hour
  • Schedule: Monday โ€“ Friday, 8:30 a.m. โ€“ 5:00 p.m.
Overview

The Seattle Public Library is actively seeking an innovative archival professional who sees collection engagement with the communities we serve as essential to all aspects of developing, delivering, evaluating and improving programs, services and content. The successful candidate will be a creative, self-directed professional with a strong work ethic, a collaborative work style, and a good sense of humor. They will have the ability to thrive in an environment that requires supportive teamwork to maintain a safe and welcoming service environment for patrons and staff.

Under the direction of the Special Collection Services Manager, the role will implement the archival collection preservation program at Seattle Public Library Special Collections. The position also serves as the primary subject matter expert on archival processes and best practices for the Special Collections unit, collaborating with the Special Collections team members on archival donations and the collections. This position will anticipate and respond to the evolving needs of existing and future archival materials by developing and implementing workflow practices for appraisal, donation guidelines, processing standards, descriptive practices, preservation/conservation, deaccession and disposition. The role works within budgets established for archival and preservation work and supplies in consultation with the Special Collections Services Manager. The position is responsible for performing processing work and documenting the progress of that work, including archival collection statistics. This role will also serve as a representative for emergency response for historical and cultural materials as defined by the system and through mutual aid agreements.

Qualifications
  • Education: Must have an MLS/MLIS from an ALAโ€‘accredited library school, or Washington State Librarian Certification; or Masters Degree in Information Science or Archives and Records Administration or Accredited Certification alongside a Washington State Librarian Certificate. (Note: Washington State Law prohibits an individual from being hired as a librarian unless they have obtained a Washington State Certification for Librarianship which requires a Master's Degree from an ALAโ€‘accredited Library School.)
  • Exemplary Customer Service: The successful candidate will have a proven commitment to public service and providing exceptional customer service. Candidates must possess excellent interpersonal communication, problem solving, customer relations and teamwork skills, a sense of humor, and demonstrate a positive and enthusiastic commitment to public service.
  • Excellent written, verbal, and listening communication skills with a customer-oriented approach.
  • Leadership: Applicants must be able to utilize their knowledge, skills, and abilities to effect positive change. They must actively seek out information from the library, archives, and museum profession and other industries; pursue opportunities to develop networks with the intent to learn about best practices from other organizations and share The Seattle Public Libraryโ€™s best practices; take initiative in helping the organization to meet its goals; and be able to communicate how the Library is fulfilling its mission.
  • Technology and Informational Resources: Must have current working knowledge of PCs in a Windows environment and library applications and be able to use online Internet searching methods and information resources. Working knowledge and ability with office productivity applications (e.g. MS Office and Excel). Experience with archives information management applications, modern digital preservation software solutions and integrated library systems is highly desirable.
  • Intellectual Freedom: Applicants must have a strong commitment to intellectual freedom as defined by the American Library Association's Bill of Rights.
  • Race and Social Justice Initiative: Applicants must be able to support the City of Seattle's Race and Social Justice Initiative and have a strong commitment to providing equitable services to marginalized or underserved populations throughout Seattle, and an understanding of how collection description and cataloging can contribute to equitable access to and representation within library collections for historically marginalized communities.
  • Project Management and Teamwork Skills: Experience managing projects from inception through completion, delivering high-quality results. Planning programs and outreach, developing and implementing a project, and evaluation using outcomes-based evaluation methods. Experience serving as a member on a working committee or project team in lieu of the above experience may be considered.
  • Effectively manages stressful situations and ambiguity.
  • Effective conflict resolution skills with experience in deโ€‘escalating stressful situations.
  • Experience with an integrated library system (ILS), catalog databases, streaming media, and other electronic resources.
  • Basic knowledge and experience with a variety of office equipment (such as computers, photocopiers, and printers), and office applications (such as SharePoint, Microsoft Outlook, Word, and Excel).
  • Other Required Skills and Abilities: Candidates must be flexible, able to handle multiple competing priorities and tasks, adaptable to change, and able to work effectively in a fastโ€‘paced, highโ€‘volume environment. Must have strong research skills. An ability to incorporate and apply newer/emerging technologies in support of creative, effective library services is desirable. Must have ability to lift and carry up to 40 lbs. intermittently.
  • Resiliency: Applicants must be resourceful and able to deal with evolving and emerging dynamics in the community as well as the workplace, cope with pressures, and learn from failures in ways that respond to the needs of those the position serves and help the organization move forward. Must have the ability to maintain a high level of professionalism and customer service.
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