Library Professional Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

 Archives and Special Collections Librarian

Date: 08/26/2026

Reports to: Director of the Library

FLSA: Exempt

If non-exempt, standard work week: N/A

Knox College invites applications for the position of Archives and Special Collections Librarian (ASCL). The ASCL will join a library staff focused on student success and will have the opportunity to collaborate with faculty to develop active and immersive learning experiences for students. The ASCL will also play an important role in developing exhibits and programs that engage the campus community with the library and Knox’s history, including celebrating the upcoming centennial of historic Seymour Library in 2028. 

The ASCL provides leadership for the Archives and Special Collections and administers its major operations including instruction, research services, exhibits and outreach, description and processing, and collection development. The position offers considerable autonomy and opportunities to build partnerships across the college. The successful candidate will work with the library director to set priorities among these responsibilities while maintaining a welcoming, accessible, and inclusive environment for all researchers.

The ASCL also participates actively in the life of the library and the position may include opportunities to serve as a liaison to the history department, take the lead on digitization projects, and assist with the development of Knox’s institutional repository. 

The position reports to the Director of the Library. Professional development is encouraged and funding is available for conferences and workshops. 

Key Responsibilities: 

• Directs planning of archives and special collections operations to provide access to the campus community, alumni, and outside researchers. 

• Provides academic leadership for the archives, including developing archives instruction classes, teaching and collaborating with Knox faculty, and working closely with students in engaging with Knox’s history.  

• Designs and creates engaging exhibits on the college’s history and other topics from Knox’s collection. 

• Supports the collection, organization, description, and access of institutional records that document the history and activities of Knox College.

• Partners with Advancement and Alumni Engagement staff to connect alumni with Knox and Knox history. 

• Collaborates with the Collection Strategies Librarian to ensure collections are discoverable. 

• Supervises the Archives Assistant (currently a 20 hours a week position) and five undergraduate student workers including assigning work and providing training and feedback.

• Actively participates with library events such as orientation activities and contributes to library planning and assessment.

• Oversees access to the College Art Collection and collaborates with the Art Department to provide student educational opportunities. 

• Perform other duties as assigned by the Director of the Library. 

Minimum Education Required:  

• Master’s degree from an ALA-Accredited program in library and information science, or a Master’s in history, public history, or related fields. 

Minimum Experience Required:  

• 2-3 years of experience in an archives/special collections or academic library or equivalent combination of education and experience. The 2-3 years experience could be from internships or positions held while in graduate school or before.

• Recent graduates with solid internship and work experience should apply.

Required Qualifications:

• Knowledge of professional archives standards and their application in an academic setting.

• Engage with diverse perspectives, communicate clearly, and build productive partnerships across campus. 

• Knowledge of, or interest in learning about, the history, mission, and distinctive educational value of liberal arts colleges. 

• Ability to work in a fast paced environment on a variety of projects. 

• Commitment to Knox’s mission of building a diverse and inclusive community and to collecting materials that reflect Knox’s diversity.

Preferred qualifications

• Supervisory experience (student worker supervisory experience acceptable).

• Experience facilitating research consultations and responding to reference questions.

• Higher education instructional experience; instructional experience in other environments will be considered.

• Experience working respectfully and effectively with diverse populations.

References will only be contacted if you are selected as a finalist. We will ask for names at the stage and inform you when references will be contacted.