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Rare Books Jobs (NOW HIRING)

ThriftBooks

Collectible Receiver PHX

Tolleson, AZ · On-site

$19.76 - $24.04/hr

Opportunities for free books PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES * Sort through the incoming stock to identify quality pre-ISBN and rare vintage books * Use our proprietary software to create accurate ...

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How much do rare books jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for rare books in the United States is $26.62, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.83 and $30.53 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the 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 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 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.

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Rare Books jobs near you
Infographic showing various Rare Books job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, and 50% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $55,367 per year, or $26.6 per hour.
Library Technical Assistant - Cataloging

Library Technical Assistant - Cataloging

Hebrew Union College

Cincinnati, OH

Other

Posted 4 days ago

Job description

Description

Responsible for receiving, assessing, organizing, and processing books and ephemera transferred from HUC libraries. This position supports the accuracy and integrity of the library's collections by performing copy cataloging and item record maintenance for rare and potentially rare material and ensuring materials are properly prepared for preservation and shelving. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities 

The essential functions include, but are not limited to the following: 

  1. Unpack books and ephemera received from other HUC libraries and review for evidence of prior cataloging 
  2. Identify damaged materials and route them to the binding assistant for repair or preservation. 
  3. Verify the accuracy of bibliographic metadata for previously cataloged materials using the online cataloging system. 
  4. 4. Route materials requiring cataloging corrections to the appropriate cataloger. 
  5. 5. Edit item-level records to assign the appropriate branch, location, and other required metadata. 
  6. 6. Shelve books and materials in accordance with established library procedures. Perform other duties as assigned. 

Requirements

Education 

  • Associate's degree or college coursework in Library Informatics, Archival Studies, or a related field; or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience. 

Experience 

  • One year of experience working in a library, archive, bookstore, museum, or similar collection-based environment. Demonstrated experience working with an integrated library system, or similar 

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities 

  •  Ability to identify, interpret, and accurately describe bibliographic information in books and ephemera.  
  • Strong attention to detail and ability to perform work requiring a high degree of accuracy.  
  • Ability to organize and manage materials while maintaining established cataloging and archival standards.  
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office and the ability to learn library cataloging systems and other specialized software.  
  • Familiarity with rare books, archival collections, or library technical services preferred.  
  • Familiarity with Jewish texts, history, and culture preferred. 

Technology 

  • Microsoft Office 365 - Outlook 
  • Integrated library software - OCLC WorldShare preferred  

Core Values 

Employees are expected to model Hebrew Union College's Core Values:  

  • Honesty and Integrity  
  • Kindness and Decency  
  • Openness and Transparency  
  • Responsible Empowerment  
  • Trust and Security  
  • Diversity and Inclusion  

Work Environment & Physical Demands  

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the functions. 

Work is performed in an office environment: 

  • Manual dexterity sufficient to handle rare, sometimes fragile, materials without causing damage 
  • Ability to retrieve and distribute books, written documents, and boxes up to 25 pounds, and retrieve and replace objects from shelves of up to 8 feet high using a stepstool 
  • In addition to required interaction with other staff on the local campus, all Library employees will work cooperatively with system-wide staff members on all campuses 

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