ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Manuscript Librarian Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Library Systems & Services LLC

Archivist

Washington, DC · On-site

$73K - $85K/yr

Master of Library Science (MLS) or Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS) from an ALA ... Experience organizing and processing manuscript, archival, or special collections materials.

Library Systems & Services LLC

Archivist

Washington, DC · On-site

$73K - $85K/yr

Master of Library Science (MLS) or Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS) from an ALA ... Experience organizing and processing manuscript, archival, or special collections materials.

previous page

Showing results 41-60

All JobsArts And Entertainment JobsArts JobsArtist JobsManuscript Librarian Jobs

Manuscript Librarian information

See salary details

$26K

$62.1K

$100.5K

How much do manuscript librarian jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for manuscript librarian in the United States is $62,056.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $49,500.00 and $72,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a manuscript librarian?

Manuscript librarians are professionals who specialize in the care, organization, and accessibility of handwritten materials, such as letters, diaries, and archival documents, often housed in libraries or special collections. They are responsible for cataloging, preserving, and sometimes digitizing these materials to ensure their long-term availability for research and education. Manuscript librarians also assist researchers in locating and interpreting historical documents, and may curate exhibitions or develop educational programs based on their collections.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a manuscript librarian?

To thrive as a Manuscript Librarian, you need expertise in archival science, metadata standards, and historical research, often supported by a master's degree in library science or a related field. Familiarity with archival management systems, digitization tools, and preservation techniques is commonly required. Strong attention to detail, analytical thinking, and excellent communication skills help in managing collections and collaborating with researchers. These abilities are crucial for preserving rare materials, facilitating scholarly access, and maintaining the integrity of archival collections.

What are some of the main challenges faced by manuscript librarians in managing historical collections?

Manuscript Librarians often encounter challenges such as preserving delicate and sometimes deteriorating materials, cataloging items with limited provenance information, and balancing public access with conservation needs. Additionally, they must stay current with evolving digitization technologies to make collections accessible to a wider audience while ensuring proper metadata standards. Collaboration with archivists, researchers, and digital specialists is frequently required to meet both scholarly and preservation goals.

What is the difference between Manuscript Librarian vs Archivist?

AspectManuscript LibrarianArchivist
Required CredentialsMaster's degree in Library Science or related field, often with archival courseworkMaster's degree in Library Science, History, or Archival Studies, with archival certification
Work EnvironmentLibraries, special collections, academic institutionsArchives, museums, government agencies
Employer & Industry UsageAcademic, research, and special librariesHistorical societies, government, cultural institutions
Common Search & ComparisonFocuses on managing manuscripts and rare collectionsFocuses on preserving and organizing historical records and documents

While both Manuscript Librarians and Archivists work with historical and rare materials, Manuscript Librarians primarily manage special collections within libraries, whereas Archivists focus on preserving and organizing historical records across various institutions. Their roles often overlap, but their environments and specific responsibilities differ.

What are popular job titles related to Manuscript Librarian jobs?

For Manuscript Librarian jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Manuscript Librarian job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $62,056 per year, or $29.8 per hour.

Associate University Librarian, Archives and Special Collections

Waltham, MA • On-site

Brandeis University
Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools • 1 - 5K employees
Learn more about Brandeis Universityexternal

$119K - $128K/yr

Full-time

Posted 16 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Leads the development, administration, and coordination of the University Archives, Special Collections, University Records Management, and Preservation departments.

  • Oversees the acquisition, management, and development of archival and special collections materials, including interacting with donors and applying for grants.

  • Directs staff responsible for arranging, describing, cataloguing, providing access, and digitizing archival and special collections, as well as providing reference, instructional, and outreach services.

Job description

Brandeis University is looking for an Associate University Librarian, Archives and Special Collections. Reporting to the University Librarian, this position provides strategic direction, development, and executing vision for the University Archives & Special Collections Department. Responsible for the development, administration, operations, and coordination of the areas of University Archives, Special Collections, University Records Management, and Preservation. Directs approx. 7 staff responsible for engaging with the campus and larger scholarly communities to advance the academic and institutional mission of the university. Supervises staff teaching in class settings at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Works closely with institutional advancement to cultivate donors and apply for grants. Contributes as a member of the senior administrative team toward library-wide planning and the shaping of strategic directions for the Library.
Job Description:
  • Provides strong leadership, vision, and strategic direction in the development, delivery, and integration of new and existing programs and projects that advance progress toward the department and Library's goals. Oversees the development of policies for the department's operations and services, including the management of rights and permissions regarding copyright-protected and confidential information. Represents the department and the Library on appropriate committees and at external and internal professional meetings, fundraising events, etc. Coordinates activities, services, and events with other units and departments within the Library and across the University.
  • Represents the department and the Library on appropriate committees and at external and internal professional meetings, fundraising events, etc. Coordinates closely with Institutional Advancement for fundraising and grant opportunities.
  • Oversees the acquisition of archival and special collections materials. Manages and administers the Archives & Special Collections budget. Leads and directs the planning and development of the University Archives & Special Collections Department. Interacts with donors; applies for and administers grants supporting historical collections and digitization projects. Oversees the development of policies for the department's operations and services, including the management of rights and permissions regarding copyright protected and confidential information.
  • Leads and directs department staff, including in the areas of University Archives, Special Collections, University Records Management, Judaica, and Preservation. Directs staff who oversee the arrangement and description, cataloging, and provision of access (paper and electronic) to archival, manuscript, and special collections. Leads and directs staff who develop strategies for and implement the digitization of selected archival, manuscript, institutional, and special collections. Oversees the provision of reference, instructional, and outreach services to the Brandeis and broader research communities. Supervises staff teaching in class settings at the undergraduate and graduate levels.
  • Assists in the administration and management of the Brandeis Library. Contributes as a senior staff member to Library strategic planning, management, development, and administration.

The salary range for the position is $119k-$128k.
For priority consideration, please submit your application by September 25, 2026. The position will remain open until filled.
Additional Information:
  • End expertise across analog and digital collections including bibliographic data, content management and digital preservation systems, web archiving, and emerging tools.
  • This is a full-time, on-campus position with the possibility of occasional remote work.
  • Occasionally work in areas prone to dust or mold with appropriate personal protective equipment.

Job Requirements:
  • A terminal professional degree, preferably in library or archival studies (for example, in the United States, a Master's degree in library/information science) is required. Over 8 years of total work-related experience, including 3-5 years of supervisory/management experience.
  • Significant experience in a research library, including strategic planning and budgeting.
  • Experience in collection development and fund management.
  • The Associate University Librarian is primarily an on-site position.
  • Experience leveraging consortium partnerships.
  • Demonstrated knowledge of best practices and current trends in both digital and physical resource management and operations.
  • Demonstrated success in:
    • Leading and managing organizational change.
    • Collaboration and strategic partnering.
    • Experience in designing and coordinating transformational initiatives and bringing them to timely and successful implementation. Creative integration of automated and manual technical services processes preferred.
  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to be an effective spokesperson and presenter.
  • Demonstrated ability to work successfully in diverse environments and to collaborate with people from varied professional, cultural, and educational backgrounds.
  • Commitment to contributing to an environment where all members of the community can access resources, feel respected, and thrive.
  • Record of professional contribution and engagement.

This position manages approximately six members of the Library's collective bargaining unit, represented by the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Local 888, for purposes of wages, hours, and other terms and conditions of employment.
Pay Range Disclosure
The University's pay ranges represent a good faith estimate of what Brandeis reasonably expects to pay for a position at the time of posting. The pay offered to a selected candidate during hiring will be based on factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate's work experience and education/training, internal peer equity, and applicable legal requirements.
Equal Opportunity Statement
Brandeis University is an equal opportunity employer which does not discriminate against any applicant or employee on the basis of race, color, ancestry, religious creed, gender identity and expression, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy, age, genetic information, disability, caste, military or veteran status or any other category protected by law (also known as membership in a "protected class").

Apply