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AWE

Library Assistant

Bentonville, AR · On-site

Library Assistant FLSA Classification: Non-Exempt Department: Research, Scholarship, and Library ... Crystal Bridges is a museum of American art located in Bentonville, Arkansas. We explore the ...

Cincinnati Art Museum

Head Librarian - FT

Cincinnati, OH · On-site

$60K - $70K/yr

The library dates to the founding of the museum in 1881, and today it fulfills its dual mandate to support the research and education programs of the museum and be a welcoming public resource.

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How much do museum library jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for museum library in the United States is $15.74, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $11.78 and $17.55 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a museum library?

A museum library is a specialized library located within a museum that collects, preserves, and provides access to materials related to the museum's subject areas, such as art, history, science, or culture. These libraries support museum staff, researchers, and sometimes the public by offering books, manuscripts, archives, photographs, and digital resources relevant to the museum's collections and exhibitions. Museum libraries play a crucial role in research, exhibition development, and educational programming.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Museum Librarian, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Museum Librarian, you typically need a master's degree in library science or information studies, with knowledge of archival practices and museum collections management. Familiarity with integrated library systems (ILS), digital cataloging tools, and archival databases is essential. Attention to detail, organizational skills, and the ability to communicate effectively with diverse audiences are important soft skills. These competencies ensure that museum collections are properly preserved, accessible, and engaging for researchers and the public.

What is the difference between Museum Library vs Archivist?

AspectMuseum LibraryArchivist
CredentialsMaster's degree in Library Science or related fieldMaster's degree in Library Science, Archival Studies, or History
Work EnvironmentLibraries within museums, research centersArchives, museums, cultural institutions
Industry UsageManaging museum collections' information resourcesPreserving and organizing historical records and documents
Common Search IntentRoles related to museum information managementPreservation and access of archival materials

While both Museum Librarians and Archivists work within cultural institutions and require similar educational backgrounds, Museum Librarians focus on managing library collections and providing access to information resources within museums. Archivists specialize in preserving, organizing, and providing access to historical records and documents. Understanding these distinctions helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus within the museum and cultural heritage sector.

How do Museum Library professionals typically collaborate with curators and educators to enhance exhibitions and public programs?

Museum Library professionals often work closely with curators and educators to provide research support, source historical documents, and recommend relevant literature for exhibitions and public programs. They may assist in developing bibliographies, creating reading lists for visitors, or curating special collections that complement current exhibitions. This collaboration ensures that the museum's educational initiatives are well-informed and that visitors have access to deeper contextual information, making the museum experience richer and more engaging.
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Museum Library jobs near you
Infographic showing various Museum Library job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 79% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $32,732 per year, or $15.7 per hour.

Library Assistant

Atomic Weapons Establishment

Bentonville, AR

Full-time

Posted 26 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Provide circulation and reference support by issuing library cards, maintaining patron accounts, checking materials in and out, responding to reference requests, and managing research appointments.

  • Train and supervise library volunteers and create or update volunteer training and reference materials.

  • Copy catalog new library acquisitions and participate in projects to improve collection metadata.

Job description

The mission of Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art is to welcome all to celebrate the American spirit in a setting that unites the power of art with the beauty of nature. Founded by philanthropist and arts patronAlice Walton, Crystal Bridges is a public non-profit charitable organization.

Job Description:

Position Title: Library Assistant

FLSA Classification: Non-Exempt

Department: Research, Scholarship, and Library (Curatorial Division)

Reports to: Technical Services Librarian

Date Reviewed: May 22, 2026

About Crystal Bridges & The Momentary:

Crystal Bridges is a museum of American art located in Bentonville, Arkansas. We explore the unfolding story of America by actively collecting, exhibiting, interpreting, and preserving outstanding works that illuminate the American heritage and artistic possibilities. Founded by Alice Walton in 2005, the museum opened in 2011 and is a public, non-profit charitable organization with free admission.

The Momentary is a contemporary art space that opened to the public on February 22, 2020, in downtown Bentonville, Arkansas. The Momentary is a venue for the music, art, and food of our time, and a catalyst for creativity and economic vitality. An extension to Crystal Bridges, the Momentary is a 'living room' where community gathers to be inspired, connected, and joyful. You belong here: make the most of this moment.

Position Summary:

Through its research programs and services, Crystal Bridges catalyzes the production of new knowledge and understanding, uniting academic research and scholarship with public access and engagement. The Research, Scholarship, and Library team activates communities of learning and provides unequaled access to the museum's library and archival collections, creating new models for reach and impact in art history, public scholarship, library collection activation, and community engagement.

Reporting to the Technical Services Librarian, the Library Assistant provides guest services and administrative and specialized support within the Research, Scholarship, and Library department. This role supports circulation and reference, library cataloging, and day-to-day operations, with responsibilities spanning the museum's reference, rare book, and artist files collections.

Crystal Bridges Library is supported by a dedicated cohort of volunteers who provide reference and circulation assistance and contribute to the upkeep of the museum's "Library Everywhere" program, a network of small, satellite library locations throughout the museum. The Library Assistant trains and supervises library volunteers and provides coverage for volunteer-supported activities when volunteers are not available.

The library welcomes all museum guests, and the Library Assistant plays a key role in creating an open and engaging guest experience. The work schedule is Wednesday-Sunday to cover 10:00-6:00 library open hours on those days.

Principal Responsibilities:

  • Provide circulation and reference support by issuing library cards and maintaining patron accounts, checking library materials in/out, responding to reference requests, and managing research appointments.
  • In collaboration with library volunteers and the museum's technology and facilities teams, manage the physical library space, including computer workstations, the library welcome desk, and the main stacks.
  • Train and supervise volunteers; create and update volunteer training and reference materials.
  • Copy catalog new library acquisitions and participate in projects to improve collection metadata.
  • Support biannual collection inventories of the reference collection and as-needed collection shifts of reference, rare book, and artist files collections.
  • Support the Librarian in the creation of library information resources and meeting/presentation materials.
  • Research services and products; inventory and order supplies.

Additional Responsibilities:

  • Assist with library tours and public programs.
  • Participate in department, division, and museum-wide working groups and committees.
  • Perform other related duties as assigned by the Librarian.

Qualifications and Skills:

  • BA or equivalent experience
  • One year of related experience in a library, museum, or comparable work environment
  • Experience working with volunteers or volunteering
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office; capacity to access and accurately enter data into complex information management systems
  • Strong organizational skills, including attention to detail and deadlines
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills
  • Ability to work independently and to effectively interact with a wide range of colleagues and constituents

Preferred Skills and Abilities:

  • Experience supervising or coordinating the work of volunteers
  • Background in library and information science, art history, American history, museum studies, or a related field
  • Knowledge of print and electronic resources for art
  • Art subject cataloging experience

Physical Demands and Work Environment:

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

  • Physical demands: The position requires verbal and written conversation with others, sitting, standing, walking, bending, climbing, reaching, strenuous lifting/moving objects up to 25 pounds and use of hands to manipulate, handle or feel objects, tools or controls. Vision abilities required by the job include close vision and color perception
  • Work environment: Work will be performed in an office environment, museum galleries, art studios, outdoors on the trails, and in communities served. Some evening and weekend hours are required. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is exposed to weather conditions prevalent at the time. The noise level in the Museum work environment is usually low to moderate.

All offers of employment are contingent on your successful completion (where permitted by state law) of a confidentiality agreement and background check. In addition, you will need to provide proper identification verifying your eligibility to work in the United States.

Crystal Bridges is an equal opportunity employer committed to building and maintaining a workplace that is free of discrimination and harassment of any kind. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran status, or any other status protected by the laws or regulations in the locations where we operate.

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