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Rare Book Librarian Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Heritage Auctions

Cataloger - Rare books

Dallas, TX

Master's in Library Science, English, or History preferred. * Minimum five years of cataloging experience with antiquarian or rare books in a Rare Book Seller environment or Special Collections ...

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How much do rare book librarian jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for rare book librarian in the United States is $65,193.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $51,500.00 and $75,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a rare book librarian do?

A Rare Book Librarian specializes in acquiring, preserving, cataloging, and providing access to rare and valuable books, manuscripts, and special collections. They assess the condition of materials, implement preservation techniques, and often assist researchers in accessing historical documents. Additionally, they may organize exhibitions, develop digital collections, and collaborate with scholars to enhance research opportunities. Their work ensures that rare books are maintained for future generations while facilitating current academic and public engagement.

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

To thrive as a Rare Book Librarian, you need expertise in bibliographic research, preservation techniques, cataloging rare materials, and typically a master's degree in library science or a related field with a focus on rare books or special collections. Familiarity with library cataloging systems (such as MARC and RDA), digital imaging tools, and rare book handling certifications is often required. Attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and effective communication make candidates stand out in this role. These skills ensure rare and valuable collections are preserved, accurately documented, and accessible to scholars and the public.

What are some common challenges faced by rare book librarians in their daily work?

Rare Book Librarians often encounter challenges such as protecting delicate materials from environmental damage, managing requests for access while ensuring security, and staying current with best practices in conservation. Balancing public outreach or programming with the high level of care required for handling rare books can also be demanding. On a daily basis, you may work closely with curators, archivists, and researchers to answer inquiries and facilitate scholarly use of the collection. Adapting to preservation technologies and advocating for resources to maintain collections are ongoing aspects of the job, making flexibility and problem-solving important skills in this field.

How to become a rare book librarian?

To become a rare book librarian, candidates typically need a master's degree in library science or a related field, with specialized knowledge in rare books and special collections. Experience with cataloging, preservation, and handling rare materials is important, and familiarity with library management systems and conservation techniques can enhance prospects.
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Rare Book Librarian jobs near you
Infographic showing various Rare Book Librarian 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 $65,193 per year, or $31.3 per hour.

Rare Book Collection Research Fellowships [2024]

Chapel Hill, NC • On-site

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools • 10K+ employees

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Learn more about University of North Carolina at Chapel Hillexternal

$18 - $24.50/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 10 days ago

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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