1

Rare Books Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

$15.30/hr

Processes, mends, and cleans books and/or AV items * Orders and receives library materials/checks ... Good with absence of disagreeable elements, rare exposure to accidents or health hazards. Position ...

Customer Service Advocate

Richmond, VA · On-site

$20.13 - $22.25/hr

... books, scheduling with third-party incinerators, and ensuring regulatory compliance * Serve as the ... Willingness to work flexible hours, including weekends or holidays as needed (rare) Nice-to-Have ...

Go-to-Market - Reston, VA, USA

Reston, VA · On-site

$150K - $200K/yr

... books, Google Docs, news articles, websites - into audio, so they can read faster, read more, and ... This is a rare role for someone who can command a boardroom and open a terminal. What You'll Do

next page

Showing results 1-20

Rare Books information

What is a rare books job?

A Rare Books job typically involves working with antique, valuable, or historically significant books in a library, archive, or bookstore setting. Professionals in this field may appraise, catalog, conserve, or sell rare books, ensuring their preservation and accessibility. Jobs can range from rare book librarians and archivists to dealers and conservators. Strong knowledge of book history, preservation techniques, and provenance research is often required.

What are the typical responsibilities of someone working in a rare books position?

A professional in Rare Books is typically responsible for cataloging and describing rare materials, assessing and maintaining their condition, and facilitating access for researchers and the public. Day-to-day, you might collaborate with archivists, conservators, and curators to create exhibits, manage special collections, or provide reference services. Handling delicate or valuable items requires careful handling and adherence to preservation best practices. You may also be involved in developing collection policies or supporting outreach and educational programs. This role offers the unique opportunity to work closely with significant historical artifacts while supporting research and engagement in a library or cultural heritage setting.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in a rare books position, and why are they important?

To thrive in Rare Books, you need expertise in book history, bibliographic description, conservation, and collection management, often supported by a degree in library science or a related field. Familiarity with cataloging systems like MARC, conservation tools, and databases such as OCLC is also essential. Attention to detail, strong research skills, and the ability to communicate well with colleagues and patrons are valuable soft skills. These abilities help ensure the proper identification, preservation, and accessibility of rare materials, contributing to effective stewardship and scholarly engagement.

What are the most commonly searched types of Rare Books jobs in Virginia?

The most popular types of Rare Books jobs in Virginia are:

What are popular job titles related to Rare Books jobs in Virginia?

For Rare Books jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Rare Books job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 14% As Needed, 43% Full Time, and 43% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

SE Rare Books & Archives Assistant

University of Richmond

Richmond, VA • On-site

Other

Re-posted 14 days ago


University Of Richmond rating

7.1

Company rating: 7.1 out of 10

Based on 17 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

411th of 620 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Job Title

BAARB Student Assistants help in the preservation and care of Boatwright Library's distinctive collections in the Galvin Rare Book Room and Archives by working with rare books and historical manuscript materials. This work may include processing and filing collections, data entry, transcription of historical materials, shelving items, and assisting with research requests.

Specific duties include:

  • Process gift book donations for review and possible retention, and creates bibliographies of donated materials.
  • Provide data entry of collection information and related metadata.
  • Process collections of historical materials, following guidelines, directions, and best practices in handling items.
  • Help with inventories, shelf reading, identifying preservation concerns, and preparing materials for exhibits.
  • May assist with transcribing historical materials.
  • May provide research assistance as needed for internal and/or external requests.

Qualifications:

  • Accurate, detail oriented with dependable work habits.
  • Excellent communication skills.
  • Flexible and able to multi-task.
  • Knowledge of MS Word, basic computer skills.
  • Works individually with little supervision.
  • Works hours are Monday through Friday between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.

Skills, knowledge, complexity:

  • Computer skills.
  • Familiarity with library call numbers and shelving organization.
  • Ability to perform moderately complex tasks requiring training.
  • Attention to detail and accurate work.
  • Ability to be flexible with duties assigned.

Decision-making, initiative, accountability:

  • Moderate to high decision-making ability.
  • Moderate to high initiative.
  • High accountability in all phases of assigned duties.
  • Work is performed within established procedures and policies and under supervision.
  • Non-routine problems and decisions referred to supervisor.

An ideal candidate needs to be able to work independently with a minimum amount of direction and be able to prioritize tasks. They need to exercise good judgment and know when to ask questions of staff before making decisions.

Note to Applicant:

This position profile identifies the key responsibilities and expectations for performance. It cannot encompass all specific job tasks that an employee may be required to perform. Employees are required to follow any other job-related instructions and perform job-related duties as may be reasonably assigned by his/her supervisor.


What University Of Richmond employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


University of Richmond logo

About University of Richmond

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The University of Richmond is a private university located just a short drive from downtown Richmond, Virginia. Through its five schools and wide array of campus programming, the University combines the best qualities of a small liberal arts college and a large university. With nearly 4,000 students, an 8:1 student-faculty ratio, and more than 90% of traditional undergraduate students living on campus, the University is remarkably student-centered, focused on preparing students "to live lives of purpose, thoughtful inquiry, and responsible leadership in a global and pluralistic society."

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Richmond, VA, US

Year founded

1830