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Rare Book Jobs (NOW HIRING)

$90 - $130/hr

Reporting to the Associate Dean for Collection Services, the Head will provide strategic leadership and operational management for the University Archives, manuscript and rare book collections, and ...

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How much do rare book jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for rare book in the United States is $24.31, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.71 and $27.64 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a rare book specialist?

Rare book specialists are professionals who identify, appraise, and manage valuable or historically significant books. They often work in libraries, museums, auction houses, or rare book dealerships, ensuring the proper care, preservation, and authentication of rare printed materials. Their expertise allows them to determine the provenance, condition, and market value of rare books, and they may also assist collectors or institutions in acquiring or selling such items.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working with rare books in libraries or archives?

Professionals handling rare books often face challenges related to preservation, security, and access. Ensuring that fragile materials are protected from environmental damage and improper handling is a key responsibility, which may require implementing strict climate controls and specialized storage solutions. Additionally, balancing public access with the need to protect rare items can be difficult, often necessitating detailed user guidelines and supervised reading rooms. Collaborating closely with conservation experts, catalogers, and researchers is also a critical part of the role.

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

To thrive as a Rare Book Librarian, you need expertise in library science, archival practices, and the history of books, usually supported by a master's degree in library science or a related field. Familiarity with cataloging systems like MARC, digital preservation tools, and rare book conservation techniques is essential. Attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and effective communication are vital soft skills for managing collections and engaging with researchers. These skills ensure the proper preservation, accessibility, and scholarly value of rare and valuable book collections.

What is the difference between Rare Book vs Book Conservator?

AspectRare BookBook Conservator
CredentialsSpecialized knowledge in rare and antique books, often with history or library science backgroundTraining in conservation techniques, often with a focus on paper, bindings, and preservation
Work EnvironmentLibraries, archives, rare book collections, auction housesMuseums, libraries, conservation labs
Industry UsageFocuses on acquiring, cataloging, and maintaining rare booksFocuses on repairing, preserving, and restoring books

While both roles involve working with books, a Rare Book specialist concentrates on acquiring and managing rare and valuable books, often requiring expertise in history and provenance. A Book Conservator, on the other hand, specializes in restoring and preserving books to ensure their longevity. Both careers are essential in the preservation of literary heritage but differ in their primary focus and skill set.

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Cities with the most Rare Book job openings:

What states have the most Rare Book jobs?

States with the most job openings for Rare Book jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Rare Book jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Rare Book jobs are:

Infographic showing various Rare Book job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $50,573 per year, or $24.3 per hour.

Rare Book Collection Research Fellowships [2024]

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Chapel Hill, NC • On-site

$18 - $24.50/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 4 days ago


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Job description

Description
Please note: Wilson Library is currently planning for the multi-year Wilson Library Improvement Project, which will disrupt access to special collections materials beginning in 2024. Fellowship recipients should plan to complete their research in the collections by July 31, 2024.
Wilson Special Collection Library Rare Book Collection Fellowships
The Rare Book Collection Fellowships support scholarly research that makes significant use of the rich and deep rare book resources available in the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill's special collections.
Three types of awardsare available:
  • The Marjorie Bond Research Fellowship
    • For the broader community of doctoral students and candidates, faculty, and independent scholars whose research projects draw deeply and substantively on the Wilson Library's Rare Book Collection
    • Supports a one-month residency which must be completed by July 31, 2024
    • Total award is $3,000
  • The Hanes Graduate Fellowship
    • For UNC Chapel Hill master's and doctoral students working on a thesis or dissertation that significantly relies upon Rare Book Collection materials
    • Supports a one-month residency which must be completed by July 31, 2024
    • Total award is $3,000
  • The McLendon-Thomas Award
    • For the broader community of master's and doctoral students whose research projects focus on the history of medicine and draw deeply and substantively on the Wilson Library's Rare Book Collection
    • Supports a one-month residency which must be completed by July 31, 2024
    • Total award is $3,000

Fellowship awards will be disbursed after the completion of a fellowship residency. It is strongly recommended that fellows arrive with the funds necessary to support their research residency.
Timeline
  • December 1: Applications open for electronic submissions via Interfolio
  • January 31: Application materials received by midnight ET will be given priority. We will continue to accept applications on a rolling basis past this date
  • Submission deadlines:
    • March 15: deadline to submit applications for students and candidates enrolled at universities outside of UNC-Chapel Hill
    • May 1: deadline to submit applications for UNC-Chapel Hill students and candidates
  • Acceptance deadlines:
    • Preliminary acceptance of award must occur within 7 calendar days of the email's receipt
    • Accepting applicants must return all required documentation and biographical information 14 calendar days of the email's receipt
    • Research cannot begin until the completion of a background check
  • July 31, 2024: Research residencies must be completed
    • Research reports are due one month after completing the research residency

To view other funded research opportunities at Wilson Library, please consult our Fellowship page.
Qualifications
Fellowship Eligibility
The Bond Fellowship
  • Scholarly researchers
    • Doctoral student or candidate
    • Faculty
    • Independent scholar
  • Have or be actively pursuing the terminal degree in your discipline

The Hanes Fellowship
  • Full-time master's or doctoral students
  • Enrolled in a graduate program in the College of Arts and Sciences at UNC-Chapel Hill
  • Currently working on a thesis or dissertation project

The McLendon-Thomas Award
  • Full-time master's or doctoral students
  • Enrolled in a graduate program
  • Currently working on a thesis or dissertation project on the history of medicine

Agree to
  • Submit a research proposal and research plan that draws deeply and substantively on the Rare Book Collection
  • Commit to a full-time research residency at Wilson Library for the duration of the award
    • Research cannot begin until the completion of a background check
    • The residency must be completed by July 31, 2024
  • Participate in the intellectual life of the Library and the fellowship program, which includes:
    • A public presentation of research findings and experiences
    • The submission of a brief research report
    • For the McLendon-Thomas Award, a presentation at the Bullitt History of Medicine Club lecture series

Application Instructions
Application materials will be accepted on a rolling basis. Applications submitted by midnight ET on January 31 will be given priority. We will continue to accept applications until May 1 for UNC-Chapel Hill students and candidates and March 15 for students and candidates enrolled at other universities.
The following supporting materials must be included:
  • Research Proposal: A brief narrative (no more than 1200 words) that describes your proposed research and its intellectual significance
  • Research Plan: A substantive preliminary list of Wilson Library Rare Book Collection materials that you will consult during your residency. Include brief annotations concerning the relevancy of each collection
  • Curriculum vitae
  • Two confidential letters of recommendation. For graduate students, one letter must be from your academic advisor
  • For graduate students, a letter from the Director of Graduate Studies confirming your current academic status

Applications will be evaluated based on the following criteria:
  • Merit of the proposal
  • Applicant's qualifications and letters of recommendations
  • Demonstrated need to access in person the holdings of the Wilson Special Collections Library

Questions about the fellowships or the application process should be directed to Matt Turi via wilsonlibrary@unc.edu.
For technical assistance with this application system, please contact Interfolio at help@interfolio.com or call (877) 997-8807.

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About University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

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The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC-Chapel Hill), located in Chapel Hill, NC, US, is renowned for being one of the leading research institutes in the world. Operating within the education industry, this public research university offers a broad range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs across various disciplines. UNC-Chapel Hill was chartered in 1789 and has maintained its legacy of academic excellence and innovative research for more than two centuries. The institution operates under the core values of excellence, innovation, engagement, accessibility, diversity, and inclusivity. Their mission is to serve the people of North Carolina and the United States by teaching a diverse community of students to become the next generation of leaders.

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Year founded

1789