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Library Conservation Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Department of Human Services

Librarian

Rockville, MD · On-site

$70K/yr

... conservation, data management and standardization, digitization and digital library services, licensing and managing e-resources, processing archival collections, reference services, and emerging ...

Cincinnati Art Museum

Head Librarian - FT

Cincinnati, OH · On-site

$60K - $70K/yr

Schiff Library is an art research library with a non-circulating collection of over 100,000 items ... Partner with Archives and Conservation to guide preservation and storage for rare and special ...

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Library Conservation information

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$8

$18

$27

How much do library conservation jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for library conservation in the United States is $18.68, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.14 and $21.15 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is library conservation?

Library conservation is the practice of preserving and protecting books, manuscripts, and other library materials from damage or deterioration. Conservation involves assessing the condition of items, repairing physical damage, and implementing measures to prevent future harm, such as controlling the environment and handling procedures. The goal is to extend the lifespan of valuable or rare materials so that future generations can access and study them.

What are some common challenges faced in a Library Conservation role, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in Library Conservation often encounter challenges such as handling fragile or deteriorating materials, prioritizing preservation needs with limited resources, and keeping up with advances in conservation techniques. Addressing these challenges involves continuous professional development, effective collaboration with librarians and archivists, and strategic planning to balance immediate treatment needs with preventive conservation. Building strong communication skills and staying current with industry best practices also help ensure the long-term preservation of collections.

What is the difference between Library Conservation vs Book Restoration?

AspectLibrary ConservationBook Restoration
CredentialsConservation certifications, preservation trainingConservation certifications, specialized restoration skills
Work EnvironmentLibraries, archives, museumsRestoration workshops, conservation labs
Industry UsagePreserving library collections for long-term accessRepairing and restoring damaged books to original condition

Library Conservation focuses on preserving and maintaining library collections through preventive measures and minimal intervention, ensuring long-term access. Book Restoration involves repairing and restoring damaged books to their original state, often after deterioration or damage. While both roles require conservation skills and work in similar environments, their primary goals differ: preservation versus repair.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in Library Conservation, and why are they important?

To thrive in Library Conservation, you need expertise in materials science, bookbinding, paper conservation techniques, and a relevant degree in conservation or library science. Familiarity with specialized conservation tools, environmental monitoring equipment, and digital cataloging systems is typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and strong communication skills help conservators assess item condition and collaborate effectively with colleagues. These skills are critical to preserving valuable collections, ensuring long-term access, and maintaining the integrity of library resources.
More about Library Conservation jobs
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Library Conservation jobs near you
Infographic showing various Library Conservation job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 70% Full Time, 26% Part Time, 3% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 82% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 17% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $38,859 per year, or $18.7 per hour.
LAC - Digitization Specialist

LAC - Digitization Specialist

Library Systems & Services LLC

Beltsville, MD • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 22 days ago

Job description

Job Type
Full-time
Description
LAC Federal is seeking an experienced full-time Digitization Specialist for a position with our client, a prestigious government library located in Beltsville, MD. The Digitization Specialist will work with the federal staff to plan and carryout a large-scale digitization project of federal agency publications. The selected candidate will work onsite in a collaborative federal research environment, supporting large-scale digitization initiatives through material preparation, metadata extraction, and quality assurance of digital assets.
The Specialist works at the intersection of library metadata, digital imaging workflows, repository configuration, and preservation storage systems to ensure long-term accessibility, integrity, and reliability of digital collections.
Responsibilities:
  • Coordinate and prepare weekly batches of library materials (books, manuscripts, photographs) for digitization in accordance with established selection criteria
  • Evaluate the physical condition of materials and determine readiness for digitization, including identifying conservation or special handling needs
  • Conduct research across external repositories to identify existing digital surrogates and prevent duplication of effort
  • Prepare materials for scanning, including cleaning, minor stabilization, and organizing items for efficient digitization workflows
  • Retrieve and extract bibliographic metadata from library systems (e.g., Ex Libris Alma) and format data for digitization vendors
  • Identify materials lacking bibliographic records and coordinate with cataloging staff for record creation
  • Track and manage physical and digital materials throughout the digitization lifecycle using established workflows and tracking systems
  • Perform quality assurance reviews of digitized materials and coordinate with external vendors (e.g., Internet Archive) to resolve issues or request re-scans
  • Submit digitized item URLs and associated metadata updates to cataloging teams for integration into library systems
  • Monitor and respond to digitization-related inquiries and requests, escalating non-standard issues to project leadership as needed
  • Maintain accurate production statistics and contribute to monthly reporting on digitization activities and outputs
  • Participate in regular team meetings and collaborate with federal staff to ensure alignment with program goals and standards
  • Ability to obtain a Public Trust Clearance

Requirements
Mandatory Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree with 3 or more years of relevant experience; or, a Master's Degree with 1 or more years of relevant experience
  • Demonstrated familiarity with bibliographic records and the ability to interpret MARC records in order to create spreadsheets containing bibliographic information for the digitization vendor
  • Experience with metadata creation or remediation for digitized collections
  • Strong attention to detail and ability to meet quality benchmarks (error-free, standards-compliant work).
  • Ability to handle physical library materials carefully and follow established collection care procedures.
  • Knowledge of basic conservation efforts such as rehousing and minor cleaning
  • Ability to work within a framework of established policies and procedures
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills

Preferred Qualifications:
Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS) or related advanced degree
Experience supporting large-scale digitization projects in a library, archives, or research environment
Familiarity with Internet Archive workflows or similar digitization vendors
Knowledge of basic conservation techniques (rehousing, cleaning, stabilization)
Experience with metadata standards such as Dublin Core, MODS, or other structured schemas
Experience working in a federal library or research environment
Ability to manage multiple tasks in a production-oriented, deadline-driven setting

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