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How much do museum library jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 4, 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 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.

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Museum Library professionals often work closely with curators and educators to provide research support, source historical documents, and recommend relevant literature for exhibitions and public programs.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.

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 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.

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:
What job categories do people searching Museum Library jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Museum Library jobs are:
Museum Library jobs near you
Infographic showing various Museum Library job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $32,732 per year, or $15.7 per hour.
Library Technician (Metadata and Digitization Support)

Library Technician (Metadata and Digitization Support)

Library Systems & Services LLC

Bethesda, MD • On-site

$24.49 - $33/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 12 days ago

Job description

Job Type
Full-time
Description
LAC Federal is seeking a detail-oriented Library Technician to support a federal library in Bethesda, Maryland. The Library Technician will assist with large-scale metadata cleanup, catalog maintenance, digitization support, data entry, and collections management activities supporting biomedical and scientific library collections. This position supports the accessibility, discoverability, and long-term management of library and archival resources in one of the world's leading biomedical research libraries. The ideal candidate will possess strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and experience working with library metadata, digitization workflows, and technical services operations in a library, archives, or research environment.
Duties and Responsibilities
  • Perform bibliographic record maintenance, metadata cleanup, and data entry activities in integrated library systems and databases.
  • Update, edit, and verify bibliographic, holdings, and item records according to established procedures and metadata standards.
  • Support digitization projects by preparing materials for scanning, conducting quality control review, and tracking digitized content.
  • Assist with inventory, shelf reading, shifting, labeling, and physical organization of library and archival collections.
  • Create and maintain spreadsheets, logs, tracking systems, and project documentation related to metadata and digitization projects.
  • Perform authority control support and metadata normalization activities under librarian supervision.
  • Assist with retrospective conversion, record migration, and collection remediation initiatives.
  • Handle library materials carefully in accordance with preservation and special collections handling procedures.
  • Support scanning, file naming, image quality review, and basic digital asset management workflows.
  • Conduct database searching and verification activities using library catalogs, OCLC, and related systems.
  • Assist with packaging, rehousing, and preparation of materials for preservation or digitization activities.
  • Prepare monthly productivity reports and status updates related to assigned project activities.

Requirements
Mandatory Qualifications
  • Associate degree or higher in Library Science, Information Management, History, Digital Humanities, Archives Management, or a related field; OR equivalent combination of education and relevant library technical services experience.
  • Minimum of one (1) year of experience working in a library, archives, museum, records management, or information services environment.
  • Experience performing data entry, metadata cleanup, catalog maintenance, or database support activities.
  • Demonstrated attention to detail and ability to perform repetitive tasks with a high degree of accuracy.
  • Basic familiarity with library metadata standards or library systems, including MARC records or integrated library systems.
  • Experience using Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel and Word.
  • Ability to organize, prioritize, and complete assigned tasks in a deadline-driven environment.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills.
  • Ability to lift and move library materials, boxes, or carts weighing up to approximately 40 pounds as part of collections support activities.
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a Public Trust clearance and NIH badge.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Library and Information Science, History, Archives, Museum Studies, or related discipline.
  • Experience working in a biomedical, academic, research, or federal library environment.
  • Familiarity with Ex Libris Alma, OCLC Connexion, CONTENTdm, ArchivesSpace, or similar systems.
  • Experience supporting digitization, scanning, or digital collections projects.
  • Knowledge of MARC21, Dublin Core, metadata cleanup, or authority control concepts.
  • Experience using spreadsheet tools for metadata tracking or quality review activities.
  • Familiarity with preservation handling procedures for rare or fragile materials.
  • Experience performing quality assurance or quality control reviews on metadata or digital files.
  • Reading knowledge of one or more foreign languages helpful for metadata verification work.
  • Interest in pursuing a career in librarianship, archives, or information management.

Physical Requirements
  • Ability to lift, carry, push, and move library materials, archival boxes, carts, and collections weighing up to 40 pounds as part of collections management and digitization support activities.
  • Ability to sit or stand for extended periods while performing repetitive data entry, metadata review, scanning preparation, quality control, and computer-based technical services work.
  • Ability to perform frequent bending, reaching, shelving, sorting, and handling of library and archival materials while maintaining careful attention to preservation and organizational procedures.

Benefits
  • Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision)
  • Retirement Plan (401k, IRA)
  • Life Insurance (Basic, Voluntary & AD&D)
  • Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick & Public Holidays)
  • Family Leave (Maternity, Paternity)
  • Short Term & Long-Term Disability
  • Training & Development

EEO Statement
The company and its subsidiaries are an equal opportunity employer and celebrate the population of differences and does not discriminate in its hiring/hiring practices, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Nothing in this job specification restricts management's right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.
Critical features of this job are described under various headings above. They may be subject to change at any time due to reasonable accommodation or other reasons. The above statements are strictly intended to describe the general nature and level of the work being performed. They are not intended to be construed as a complete list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of employees in this position.
This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee(s) incumbent in this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related duties requested by any person authorized to give instructions or assignments. All duties and responsibilities are essential functions and requirements and are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities.
To perform this job successfully, the incumbents will possess the skills, aptitudes, and abilities to perform each duty proficiently.
Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health or safety of themselves or others. The requirements listed in this document are the minimum levels of knowledge, skills, or abilities. This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an "at will" relationship.
Salary Description
$24.49 - $33.00 per hour

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