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Private Library Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

ArentFox Schiff LLP

Research Librarian

Chicago, IL · On-site

$105K - $144K/yr

... and private individuals. Our work spans highly complex, global matters as well as the deeply ... The role participates in the organization of library materials and assists in continuing education ...

ArentFox Schiff LLP

Research Librarian

Chicago, IL · On-site

$105K - $144K/yr

... and private individuals. Our work spans highly complex, global matters as well as the deeply ... The role participates in the organization of library materials and assists in continuing education ...

Katten

Private Wealth Paralegal

Chicago, IL · Hybrid

Private Wealth Paralegal The Private Wealth Paralegal is responsible for providing paralegal ... Legal research knowledge and ability to use law library are required. Paralegal certificate from an ...

Katten

Private Wealth Paralegal

Chicago, IL · On-site

Private Wealth Paralegal The Private Wealth Paralegal is responsible for providing paralegal ... Legal research knowledge and ability to use law library are required. Paralegal certificate from an ...

TransMarket Group

Senior Software Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$126K - $166K/yr

Who We Are Founded in 1980 as Aardvark Financial, TransMarket Group (TMG) is a privately held ... The libraries you work on will become the engine of our firm's strategies. Responsibilities

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All JobsPrivate Library JobsPrivate Library Jobs in Illinois

Private Library information

See Illinois salary details

$8

$18

$26

How much do private library jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for private library in Illinois is $18.10, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.66 and $20.48 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a private library?

A private library is a collection of books and other informational materials that is owned and managed by an individual, family, or organization rather than a public or governmental institution. Access to a private library is usually restricted to the owner and selected guests, unlike public libraries that are open to the general public. Private libraries can vary greatly in size and scope, from small personal collections to extensive archives with rare manuscripts. They often reflect the specific interests or academic pursuits of their owners and may require specialized care or cataloging. Some private libraries are eventually donated to public institutions or universities for preservation and wider access.

What are some typical challenges faced by private librarians when managing a personal or family collection?

Private librarians often contend with unique challenges such as preserving rare or delicate materials, developing customized cataloging systems, and adapting to the specific interests and confidentiality requirements of their employer. They may also be responsible for curating new acquisitions, coordinating restoration efforts, and facilitating access for family members or approved guests. Working closely with archivists, conservators, and sometimes event coordinators, private librarians must balance day-to-day organization with long-term collection stewardship.

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

To thrive as a Private Librarian, you need expertise in information science, cataloguing, and collection management, typically supported by a degree in library science or a related field. Familiarity with integrated library systems (ILS), digital archiving tools, and preservation techniques is essential. Strong organizational skills, discretion, and excellent interpersonal communication set apart top professionals in this role. These abilities ensure the effective organization, preservation, and accessibility of valuable collections while maintaining client confidentiality and satisfaction.

What is the difference between Private Library vs Librarian?

AspectPrivate LibraryLibrarian
Required CredentialsOften self-taught or specialized training, sometimes a degree in library scienceTypically requires a master's degree in library science (MLS or MLIS)
Work EnvironmentPrivate homes, exclusive clubs, or corporate collectionsPublic, academic, or special libraries in various institutions
Employer & Industry UsagePrivate individuals or organizationsPublic libraries, universities, government agencies
Common Search & ComparisonPrivate Library vs Librarian

While a Private Library involves managing a personal or organizational collection, a Librarian is a professional who organizes, manages, and provides access to library resources across various institutions. Both roles require knowledge of library systems, but librarians typically hold formal qualifications and work in public or institutional settings, whereas private library managers focus on personal or exclusive collections.

How much do private librarians make?

Private librarians typically earn between $40,000 and $70,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the size of the library or organization. Salaries may also vary based on additional responsibilities, certifications, and whether the librarian works full-time or part-time.
Private Library jobs near you
Infographic showing various Private Library job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $37,655 per year, or $18.1 per hour.

Entrance/Exit Control Attendant

Chicago, IL • On-site

University of Chicago Library
Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools • 10K+ employees

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 47 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

170th of 625 rated colleges and universities

People enjoy working here

Good employer

Recommended by students

Learn more about University of Chicago Libraryexternal

$15.50 - $18.50/hr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 14 days ago

Job description

Department

Library C & A - Access Serv - Entry Control


About the Department

As a center of intense intellectual inquiry, the University of Chicago Library aspires to be the most dynamic research and learning environment in the world, supporting the University's commitment to research and teaching and to using its intellectual resources to help solve the world's problems. Even as we continue to focus on building and preserving our renowned collections, the Library is assuming new roles that are vital to research, innovation, and learning at the University. In the process, we are leveraging the deep expertise of Library staff, developing services that support new avenues of research, and expanding access to and preservation of scholarly resources in ways that advance the goals of the University community and the needs of the next generation of scholars.


Job Information

Job Summary:

Reporting to the Head of Regenstein Circulation and Building Resources, the Regenstein Library Entrance Desk Attendant performs clerical duties and is responsible for welcoming patrons and visitors, assisting with access, answering inquiries, directing to other library departments or staff as necessary, explaining Library policy to patrons, and building and data security. The Entrance Desk Attendant must be able to handle high and low levels of activity while providing exceptional customer service to all Library patrons and visitors.

Schedule: Monday - Friday, 6:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Responsibilities:

  • Welcomes and assists patrons and visitors to the Library through the consistent and equitable application of Library policies to ensure excellent customer service to all; provides information about Library and campus resources and services to patrons seeking assistance, including connecting patrons with other library staff as needed.

  • Monitors entry systems to ensure valid access for UChicago ID holders and oversees the visitor registration system to facilitate entry for non-affiliated guests. Verifies government-issued photo identification as required by access policies and to issue visitor library credentials. Directs individuals to the ID & Privileges Office as necessary. Denies access to prohibited individuals or as access policies require, alerting and referring to a supervisor as directed.

  • Coordinates with library staff for scheduled visitors, monitors visitor calendar, remains knowledgeable and informed about Library events, and communicates information between shifts to colleagues and supervisors.

  • Protects and stewards private user data. Uses discretion and sound judgement when sharing private data with first responders and other authorized personnel.

  • Reports emergency situations to UCPD and supervisors; in the absence of other staff acts as primary contact with UCPD and fire department. Promptly reports building issues to Library and University Facilities Services.

  • Acts as the sole library representative in the building during Extended Study periods. Enforces policies for maintaining a scholarly environment, deescalates situations using empathy, acts as a resource for Allied Universal staff.

  • Monitors security cameras. Ensures building security, providing after-hours access to eligible users. Works with Allied security staff and UCPD to secure the building at closing. Ensures building is unlocked promptly at opening.

  • Troubleshoots systems and reports issues with electronic doors, databases, entry gates, or visitor pass system to ID & Privileges office, Circulation supervisors, or the Department of Safety & Security as appropriate.

Competencies:

  • Display emotional intelligence.

  • Excellent attention to detail.

  • Ability to work both independently and collaboratively as part of a diverse team, multitask, and work with frequent interruptions.

  • Identify priorities and resolve or refer problems.

  • Communicate clearly and effectively while displaying courtesy, empathy, and diplomacy.

  • Ability to identify, respond to, and refer problems while exercising discretion and sound judgment.

  • Ability to serve patrons and articulate library policies with clarity, consistency, patience, and empathy.

Additional Responsibilities

Education, Experience, or Certifications:

Education:

  • High school diploma from an accredited institution or a GED certificate required.

Experience:

  • Previous customer service experience required.

  • One year of general office or clerical experience preferred.

  • Previous experience in a college or university preferred.

Technical Knowledge or Skills:

  • Knowledge and experience using Microsoft Office.

  • Ability to navigate web-based systems.

  • Ability to learn a range of position-related software applications.

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements:

  • Ability to bend, crouch, or stoop.

  • Ability to hear, including making fine discriminations in sound.

  • Ability to see, including color, depth perception, or clarity.

  • Ability to sit and use a computer for 4 hours or more.

  • Ability to make repetitive wrist, hand, or finger movements.

  • Ability to work independently during early morning or late night hours in a large academic library when other staff are not present.

  • Ability to work late evening and weekend hours.

  • The hours for this position are:

Pay Range:

  • $17.26 - $17.79

Required Documents:

  • Resume

  • Professional References (3)


The University of Chicago uses AI-assisted tools to streamline and augment some recruitment processes; however, AI is not used to make hiring decisions.
When applying, the document(s) MUSTbe uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.


Benefit Eligibility

Yes

The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off.


Pay Rate Type

Hourly


Pay Range

$17.26 - $17.79

The included pay rate or range represents the University's good faith estimate of the possible compensation offer for this role at the time of posting.


Scheduled Weekly Hours

40


Union

024- Local 743, I.B.T. Clerical


Job is Exempt

No


Drug Test Required

No


Health Screen Required

No


Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required

No


Posting Date

2026-08-14


Posting Statement

The University of Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or expression, national or ethnic origin, shared ancestry, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.

Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.

All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history. A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment. Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.

The University of Chicago's Annual Security & Fire Safety Report (Report) provides information about University offices and programs that provide safety support, crime and fire statistics, emergency response and communications plans, and other policies and information. The Report can be accessed online at:http://securityreport.uchicago.edu.Paper copies of the Report are available, upon request, from the University of Chicago Police Department, 850 E. 61st Street, Chicago, IL 60637.

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