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Museum Library Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Answer visitors' questions about the Museum's collection, The Studio, Hot Glass demonstrations, The Rakow research Library, and amenities as needed. * Comply with all Museum rules and procedures for ...

Photographs works of art in in-house photo studio and oversees the digital image library and photography needs for collections and exhibitions. * Manages the museum's photographic services, including ...

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Museum Library information

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How much do museum library jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 12, 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.
More about Museum Library jobs
What cities are hiring for Museum Library jobs? Cities with the most Museum Library job openings:
What states have the most Museum Library jobs? States with the most job openings for Museum Library jobs include:
Infographic showing various Museum Library job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 81% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $32,732 per year, or $15.7 per hour.

Education Library and Resource Associate

American Museum of Natural History

Manhattan, NY โ€ข On-site

$60K - $70K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 8 days ago


Job description

Posting Details
Position Information
Position Title
Education Library and Resource Associate
Department
Education - 050
Position Summary
The American Museum of Natural History is one of the world's preeminent scientific and cultural institutions, and has as its mission to discover, interpret and disseminate information about human cultures, the natural world and the universe through a wide-ranging program of scientific research, education and exhibition.
The Education Library & Resource Associate will work across the AMNH Education division to identify, catalog, and make accessible the vast educational literature, curricula, and research briefs that exist across education classrooms and work spaces. In collaboration with the AMNH Research Library, the Education Library & Resource Associate will support the development and implementation of a comprehensive catalog system for the Education Teaching Library. Throughout this process, the Resource Associate will support the use of these materials through the development of satellite library displays, book club programs, and other programs developed by the new Gottesman Learning Center team.
Database and Documentation Management:
  • Catalogue entire collection of literary materials held across classrooms and education workspaces, including data on item's condition, labeling, and barcoding.
  • Provide ongoing maintenance of the Teaching Library digital catalog and ensure integrity of the database.
  • Centralize proper documentation of the Teaching Library, including accessioning and deaccessioning, reporting and other record management tasks.
  • Assist in updating standard operating procedures for Library use and management.

Collection Use and Care:
  • Monitor use of the Teaching Library by Museum staff and ensure that proper reporting and check-in/out protocols are followed.
  • Ongoing monitoring of the Library for pest, environmental, and over usage concerns.
  • Understand and implement Museum best practices/protocols in Library related procedures.
  • Ongoing collaboration with other Museum staff (Facilities, Library, Security, legal, etc.)

Programming Support:
  • Staff the AMNH Research Library Reference Desk during weekend open hours and support the public's use of the reading room.
  • Work a five day per week schedule, including one weekend day each week.
  • Support the operations and planning of a new slate of programs coming to the Gottesman Learning Center in 2026, including book clubs, storytime, meetings of community groups, drop-in activities, and interactions with AMNH scientists.
  • Facilitate the use of the Teaching Library and other materials and resources needed for teaching and learning and supporting programs department wide.
  • Coordinate with Education and Research Library staff on the creation of thematic "Satellite Library" displays for variety of audiences, including teachers, parents, students, and the general public.

The expected salary range for the Education Library and Resource Associate is $60,000/annual - $70,000/annual. The AMNH offers an extensive benefits package designed to meet the needs of our dedicated and diverse community.
Pay will be determined based on several factors. The hiring range for the position at commencement is based on the type of work and the scope of responsibilities. The salary and placement offered is based on a number of individualized factors, including, but not limited to, skills, knowledge, training, education, credentials, areas of specialization and depth and scope of experience.
Minimum Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in natural sciences, humanities, literature, museum studies, information sciences, or other related field.
  • 3 years of professional experience working with object or literature collections in an informal education of library setting;
  • Thorough knowledge of collections management standards and best practices;
  • Demonstrated experience managing the care, preservation, and documentation of library collections, especially in museum registration, library cataloguing software, handling, shelving, and loan procedures;
  • Experience in project management.
  • Organized, detail-oriented, able to work independently and take initiative;
  • A capable multi-tasker.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Master's degree in information sciences, library sciences or other related field.

Physical Demands
  • Must be able to move about the Museum campus.
  • Must be able to occasionally lift up to 20 pounds.
  • Must be able to remain in a stationary position (sitting or standing) for prolonged periods.
  • Exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally and up to 20 pounds of force frequently. May include any of the following:
    • Pushing: Using upper extremities to press against something with steady force to thrust forward, downward, or outward.
    • Pulling: Using upper extremities to exert force in order to drag, haul or tug objects in a sustained motion.
    • Lifting: Raising objects from a lower to a higher position or moving objects horizontally from position-to-position.

Category
Full-Time
Total Number of Scheduled Hours Per Pay Period
70
Union Status
Non-Union
FLSA
Exempt
Expected Salary Minimum
$60,000/annual
Expected Salary Maximum
$70,000/annual
EEO Statement
The American Museum of Natural History is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The Museum does not discriminate with respect to employment, or admission or access to Museum facilities, programs or activities on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, age, disability, marital status, partnership status, gender (including sexual harassment), sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, pregnancy and lactation accommodations, alienage or citizenship status, current or former participation in the uniformed services, status as a veteran, caregiver, pre-employment marijuana testing, sexual and reproductive health decisions, salary history, national or ethnic origin, height, weight, or on account of any other basis prohibited by applicable City, State, or Federal law. Additional protections are afforded in employment based on arrest or conviction record, status as a victim of domestic violence, stalking and sex offenses, unemployment status, and credit history, in each case to the extent provided by law.
Quick Link
https://careers.amnh.org/postings/4692
Posting Detail Information
Posting Number
GS973P
Open Date
02/05/2026
Close Date
Open Until Filled
Yes
Special Instructions to Applicants