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Rare Books Jobs (NOW HIRING)

CalPolyPomona

Lecturer AY - Library

Pomona, CA

Implementing strategies for acquiring, accessioning, organizing, and cataloging unique materials like rare books, manuscripts, photographs, and archives. * Implementing strategies for the ...

Cal Poly Pomona

Lecturer AY - Library

Pomona, CA

Implementing strategies for acquiring, accessioning, organizing, and cataloging unique materials like rare books, manuscripts, photographs, and archives. * Implementing strategies for the ...

Howard

Special Collections Librarian

Chevy Chase, DC

$75K - $80K/yr

Manages and processes rare books and other printed materials, archival materials in all formats for the law library archives and special collections department. * Develops processing plans for new ...

NCSU

Digital Archivist

Raleigh, NC · Hybrid

... rare books in related subject areas. This department is innovating archival services and collections through increasingly digital collections, inventive projects and user-focused services. The ...

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How much do rare books jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 10, 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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What cities are hiring for Rare Books jobs? Cities with the most Rare Books job openings:
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Rare Books jobs near you
Infographic showing various Rare Books job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, and 18% Part Time. Highlights an 90% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $55,367 per year, or $26.6 per hour.

Religious Collections Cataloging Librarian

Indiana University Academic Positions

Bloomington, IN

Other

Posted 5 days ago

Job description

Position Details
Title Religious Collections Cataloging Librarian Appointment Status Tenure Department IU Bloomington Libraries Location Bloomington Position Summary
Indiana University Bloomington Libraries' Lilly Library seeks a collaborative, enthusiastic, and innovative librarian to serve as the inaugural Religious Collections Cataloging Librarian. Funded by a dedicated endowment, the cataloger will work closely with the Head, Cataloging & Description, and the Curator of Religious Collections to describe and make available Lilly Library materials relating to religion and spirituality in all formats.
The Lilly Library is Indiana University's principal rare books, manuscripts, and special collections library. The library's actively used and dynamically growing collections encompass manuscripts, printed books, and devotional objects spanning a wide chronological and geographical span. Core strengths include European medieval and Renaissance religious manuscripts, early printed Bibles in many languages, hymnological resources, and rare works produced in the Spanish, Portuguese, and Dutch colonial worlds. The collections also feature significant materials from Asian and Islamic religious traditions. Active collecting areas include pilgrimage, religious materials created for and by children, and religious narratives related to disability. The majority of these collections are in English, Latin, Italian, French, German, and Spanish, with other languages represented in smaller numbers.
The successful candidate will work in a collaborative environment with colleagues within the Lilly Library and the IU Libraries system. This is a tenure-track position with requirements for ongoing professional development and service.
Responsibilities
Reporting to the Head, Cataloging & Description, the Religious Collections Cataloging Librarian will:
  • Serve as the primary cataloger for all Lilly Library materials relating to religion and spirituality in all formats.
  • Organize and lead special projects relating to intellectual and physical control of Lilly Library materials relating to religion and spirituality.
  • Collaborate with the Curator of Religious Collections on interpreting and increasing awareness of the Lilly Library's collections relating to religion and spirituality.
  • Participate in departmental conversations and contribute to internal policy development and documentation.
  • Keep abreast of national developments in cataloging standards and best practices as they emerge and develop.
  • Engage in service and professional development activities that enrich the librarian's practice and contribute meaningfully to the profession.
Basic Qualifications
Applicants are encouraged to think broadly and communicate how their skills and experiences transfer to the qualifications in ways that may not be obvious.
  • ALA-accredited graduate degree in library or information science or international equivalent. Candidates with an advanced degree in a relevant subject area and relevant experience in a library setting will also be considered.
  • A minimum of 2 years' professional cataloging experience, including original and complex copy cataloging.
  • Demonstrated working knowledge of the following metadata content standards and tools: MARC21; Resource Description and Access (RDA); Library of Congress classification and subject headings.
  • Reading knowledge of one or more languages represented in the Lilly Library's collections of religion and spirituality.
  • Demonstrated working knowledge of cataloging standards, best practices, tools, and emerging trends within the field.
  • Demonstrated ability to communicate clearly and knowledgeably in multiple modalities.
  • Ability to meet the tenure or tenure-track position requirements at the IU Libraries (https://libraries.indiana.edu/promotion-tenure-librarians) as demonstrated by an ongoing record of professional development and service.
Department Contact for Questions
Questions regarding the position or application process can be directed to libhire@iu.edu.
Additional Qualifications
Candidates do not need to meet all preferred qualifications to be considered for this position.
  • Demonstrated experience using one or more of the Descriptive Cataloging of Rare Materials (DCRM) manuals and/or Descriptive Cataloging of Ancient, Medieval, Renaissance, and Early Modern Manuscripts (AMREMM) to create original catalog records.
  • Demonstrated working knowledge of the Program for Cooperative Cataloging (PCC) Name Authority Cooperative Program (NACO) and/or the PCC Subject Authority Cooperative Program (SACO).
  • Experience with Anglo-American Cataloging Rules (2nd ed.).
  • Demonstrated experience with medieval, renaissance, and/or early modern European manuscripts.
  • Reading knowledge of Latin.
  • Previous experience or academic work in the history of religion and/or religious studies, broadly defined.
  • Supervisory and/or project management experience.
  • Demonstrated experience collaborating with multiple stakeholders.
  • Demonstrated experience communicating with and/or writing for a non-specialist audience.
  • Demonstrated engagement in service and professional development activities on a local and/or national level.
Working Conditions/Physical Requirements
  • Must be able to travel between work locations; free public transportation is available between the Lilly Library and the Auxiliary Library Facility (ALF).
  • Ability to lift and move boxes (up to 25 pounds); handle large, unwieldy books; and push book trucks.
  • Possibility of encountering mold or other allergens during routine work tasks.
Salary and Rank Salary and rank depend on the candidate's qualifications and experience. The starting salaries are as follows: Assistant Librarians, $62,500; Associate Librarians, $64,500; and Full Librarians, $82,500 Special Instructions
Review of applications will begin immediately. Applications received by April 15, 2026, will be assured full consideration. Interested candidates should review the application requirements and submit their application at https://indiana.peopleadmin.com. Questions regarding the position or application process can be directed to libhire@iu.edu.
Please note:
  • The expected start date is September 21, 2026, but it is negotiable.
  • H-1B sponsorship is not available for this position.
  • Initial online interviews will occur from late April through mid-May; on-campus interviews will take place between May 27 and July 2.
For more information about Indiana University Bloomington, go to https://www.indiana.edu/. For information about working and living in Bloomington, Indiana: https://vpfaa.indiana.edu/resources/index.html.
Indiana University is an equal opportunity employer and provider of ADA services and prohibits discrimination in hiring. See Indiana University Notice of Non-Discrimination here, which includes contact information.

"Before a conditional offer of employment with tenure is finalized, candidates will be asked to disclose any pending investigations or previous findings of sexual or professional misconduct. They will also be required to authorize an inquiry by Indiana University Bloomington with all current and former employers along these lines. The relevance of information disclosed or ascertained in the context of this process to a candidate's eligibility for hire will be evaluated by Indiana University Bloomington on a case-by-case basis. Applicants should be aware, however, that Indiana University Bloomington takes the matters of sexual and professional misconduct very seriously."
For Best Consideration Date 04/15/2026 Expected Start Date 09/21/2026 Posting Number IU-101521-2026

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