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Reference Archivist Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Quality Assurance Clerk

Niles, IL · On-site

$20 - $25/hr

... shipment archiving. The role supports Production, Project Management, Warehouse, and Quality ... references. · Create and assemble Job Carriers by consolidating applicable collateral, attaching ...

System Architect

Elk Grove Village, IL · On-site

$109K - $184K/yr

Design and maintain reference architectures for compute, storage, virtualization, container, and ... reclamation, archiving, and prevention of capacity issues. * Deploy, tune, monitor, and patch ...

... updates, archiving, and related maintenance to ensure review environments operate smoothly ... Familiarity with the Electronic Discovery Reference Model (EDRM) and related workflows. * Hands-on ...

Data Architect, Clinical

Chicago, IL · On-site

$65.75 - $84.50/hr

... and reference patterns that support reliability, performance, extensibility, and validated ... archival, and decommissioning across batch, streaming, and hybrid workloads. • Define and ...

Showing results 21-40

Reference Archivist information

See Illinois salary details

$10.7K

$50.9K

How much do reference archivist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for reference archivist in Illinois is $50,577.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $50,400.00 and $50,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a reference archivist?

A Reference Archivist is a professional who assists researchers, students, and the public in accessing and interpreting archival materials. They manage requests for information, guide users in finding relevant documents, and ensure that archival records are preserved while being accessible. Reference Archivists often work in libraries, museums, government agencies, or historical societies, and may also create finding aids and educational materials to help users understand collections. Their expertise helps bridge the gap between archival resources and those who need them.

How does a reference archivist typically collaborate with researchers and other departments within an organization?

Reference Archivists work closely with researchers, historians, and internal departments to facilitate access to archival materials. They assist users in navigating finding aids, respond to reference queries, and provide guidance on handling and interpreting archival documents. Collaboration often involves coordinating with records managers, digital archivists, and conservation staff to ensure materials are accessible and preserved. This teamwork ensures that both internal stakeholders and external patrons can make the best use of archival collections.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a reference archivist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Reference Archivist, you typically need a master's degree in library science or archival studies, along with strong research and organizational skills. Familiarity with archival databases, digital asset management systems, and metadata standards like EAD or MARC is essential. Exceptional communication, customer service, and problem-solving abilities help Reference Archivists assist diverse users and collaborate with colleagues. These competencies ensure efficient access to archival materials, preservation of historical records, and high-quality service to researchers and the public.

What is the difference between Reference Archivist vs Archivist?

AspectReference ArchivistArchivist
Required CredentialsMaster's degree in Library Science or Archival Studies, certifications like CA or ALASimilar educational background, often with specialized archival certifications
Work EnvironmentPublic and academic libraries, archives, museumsArchives, historical societies, museums, government agencies
Job FocusAssisting users with research, managing reference collectionsPreserving, organizing, and maintaining archival collections
Common Search/ComparisonOften compared for roles involving user assistance and reference servicesMore focused on preservation and collection management

The main difference is that a Reference Archivist primarily assists users with research and reference services, while an Archivist focuses on preserving and organizing collections. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds and work in archival environments, but their core responsibilities differ in focus.

How much money does a reference archivist make?

A reference archivist's salary typically ranges from $40,000 to $70,000 annually, depending on experience, education, and location. Salaries can be higher with specialized skills, certifications, or working in larger institutions.

Is there a high demand for reference archivists?

Reference archivists are in moderate demand as organizations seek to preserve and provide access to historical records and digital assets. Employment growth is steady, especially for those with strong research skills, familiarity with archival management software, and relevant certifications. Job opportunities are often found in museums, libraries, government agencies, and corporate archives.

What qualifications do you need as a reference archivist?

A reference archivist typically needs a bachelor's degree in history, library science, archival studies, or a related field; a master's degree is often preferred. Relevant skills include knowledge of archival management, cataloging, and familiarity with digital tools and databases. Certification from professional organizations can enhance job prospects, and experience with reference services is valuable.

What type of reference archivist makes the most money?

Senior or specialized reference archivists with advanced degrees, certifications, and extensive experience tend to earn the highest salaries. Archivists working in large institutions, government agencies, or with rare or valuable collections often have higher pay due to the complexity of their work and the level of expertise required.

What are popular job titles related to Reference Archivist jobs in Illinois?

For Reference Archivist jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Reference Archivist jobs in Illinois look for?

The top searched job categories for Reference Archivist jobs in Illinois are:

What cities in Illinois are hiring for Reference Archivist jobs?

Cities in Illinois with the most Reference Archivist job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Reference Archivist jobs in IL?

For Reference Archivist jobs in IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Reference Archivist job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $50,577 per year, or $24.3 per hour.

Quality Assurance Clerk

JOHNS BYRNE CO

Niles, IL • On-site

$20 - $25/hr

Full-time

Posted 17 days ago


Job description

The Quality Assurance Clerk – Job Ticket & Carrier Control is responsible for the accurate creation, control, tracking, retention, retrieval, and disposition of production Job Carriers, Job Jackets, and associated job collateral. This position manages the lifecycle of Job Carriers from manufacturing through post-shipment archiving. The role supports Production, Project Management, Warehouse, and Quality Assurance by ensuring that job documentation and collateral remain complete, secure, traceable, and readily available.

The QA Clerk also controls the issuance of replacement or duplicate and revisions of Job Tickets. He ensures that all carrier and collateral activity is documented in accordance with JohnsByrne procedures, ISO 9001 requirements, customer expectations, and established record-retention practices.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Job Carrier Creation and Manufacturing Support

· Pick up completed Job Carriers from the Pressroom Completed Rack.

· Review Job Jackets, Job Tickets, and associated collateral for completeness and proper identification.

· Verify the inclusion of applicable vinyls, overlays, proofs, samples, Color OKs, and other required production references.

· Create and assemble Job Carriers by consolidating applicable collateral, attaching the Job Jacket, and completing required Job Carrier forms.

· Enter Job Carrier creation and tracking information into the Job Carriers Log Database located on the QC I: drive or designated electronic system.

· Deliver completed Job Carriers to the designated Central Carrier Location in the Converting Department.

· Maintain orderly and timely movement of Job Carriers between Pressroom, Converting, Warehouse, Quality Assurance, and Project Management.

· Report missing, damaged, incomplete, or improperly identified Job Carriers and collateral to the appropriate Project Manager, Pressroom Manager, or QA Supervisor.

Controlled Job Ticket Issuance

· Issue controlled copies of Job Tickets when requested by authorized personnel.

· Ensure controlled copies are printed on the designated white paper, date-stamped, logged, and signed in accordance with established procedures.

· Maintain traceability of all controlled Job Ticket copies issued to Production or other departments.

· Control the return, retention, replacement, and destruction of obsolete or superseded Job Ticket copies.

· Prevent unauthorized duplication or uncontrolled use of Job Tickets.

· Escalate discrepancies involving job revisions, missing pages, conflicting instructions, or obsolete documentation to the QA Supervisor or Project Manager before use.

Collateral Control

· Ensure the removal and return of controlled job collateral is documented on the applicable Ready-to-Plate Checklist or collateral sign-out record.

· Maintain traceability of vinyls, overlays, proofs, samples, Color OKs, and other controlled production references.

· Process requests for individual collateral items or complete Job Carriers.

· Verify that all borrowed collateral and Job Carriers are returned to the correct storage location.

· Follow up on overdue or unreturned Job Carriers and collateral.

· Immediately report lost, damaged, altered, or untraceable collateral to the QA Supervisor.

Post-Shipment Filing and Retention

· Collect completed Job Carriers from the designated Completed Job Carrier Rack after shipment.

· Verify that the appropriate post-shipment documentation has been removed or routed as required.

· Coordinate with the Warehouse Administrator to ensure Job Jackets are removed after shipment and delivered to the appropriate Project Manager.

· File completed Job Carriers in numerical order within the Warehouse Job Carrier Library.

· Maintain an organized filing system that allows Job Carriers and collateral to be retrieved promptly.

· Retain Job Carriers for a minimum of three months or for the period established by the applicable procedure or customer requirement.

· Retain vinyls, Color OKs, and designated permanent production references in accordance with applicable procedures and available storage requirements.

· Identify Job Carriers and collateral that have met their required retention period.

· Dispose of expired documentation and collateral securely and in accordance with approved SOPs and record-retention requirements.

· Document destruction or disposal activities when required.

Documentation and Recordkeeping

· Maintain accurate and current Ready-to-Plate Checklists, Job Description Forms, Job Carrier Logs, collateral sign-out records, and related documentation.

· Ensure all handwritten and electronic records are complete, legible, dated, and attributable to the individual performing the activity.

· Correct documentation errors in accordance with established good documentation practices.

· Maintain confidentiality and security of customer and production information.

· Assist with the retrieval of Job Carriers and supporting records during customer inquiries, investigations, internal reviews, or audits.

· Ensure records are protected from loss, damage, deterioration, unauthorized access, or premature disposal.

Cross-Departmental Coordination

· Coordinate with Quality Assurance, Pressroom, Converting, Warehouse, Production, and Project Management regarding Job Carrier movement and documentation needs.

· Communicate missing information, documentation discrepancies, or carrier-control issues promptly.

· Support Production by providing timely access to controlled Job Tickets and approved job collateral.

· Assist Project Management with locating and retrieving archived Job Carriers and collateral.

· Maintain professional and responsive communication when fulfilling Job Carrier and documentation requests.

Compliance and Risk Control

· Perform Job Carrier and collateral-control activities in accordance with JBC-SOP-QA-004, JBC-SOP-QA-005, and other applicable JohnsByrne procedures.

· Follow applicable requirements of QSP-032 and QSP-033 relating to risks and opportunities.

· Comply with ISO 9001 requirements for documented information, identification, traceability, record retention, and control of obsolete documentation.

· Identify and report risks involving missing, incomplete, incorrect, damaged, obsolete, or untraceable Job Carriers and collateral.

· Follow all company safety, quality, security, confidentiality, and housekeeping requirements.

· Support internal, customer, and certification audits by maintaining accurate and retrievable records.

Education and Experience

· High school diploma or equivalent required.

· One to three years of experience in quality assurance, document control, production administration, warehousing, printing, packaging, or a related manufacturing environment preferred.

· Previous experience handling production documentation, job tickets, work orders, or controlled records is preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

· Strong organizational, filing, and recordkeeping skills.

· High level of attention to detail and accuracy.

· Ability to maintain numerical filing systems and track multiple Job Carriers simultaneously.

· Ability to follow written procedures and documentation-control requirements precisely.

· General understanding of printing, packaging, converting, or manufacturing workflows preferred.

· Familiarity with Job Jackets, Job Tickets, proofs, samples, vinyls, overlays, Color OKs, and related production collateral preferred.

· Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and electronic database or shared-drive logging systems.

· Ability to identify discrepancies and escalate issues appropriately.

· Effective verbal and written communication skills.

· Ability to coordinate effectively with Quality Assurance, Production, Warehouse, Pressroom, Converting, and Project Management personnel.

· Ability to work independently, manage priorities, and complete time-sensitive requests.

· Ability to maintain confidential customer and production information.

Physical Requirements

· Ability to lift, carry, and handle Job Carriers and storage materials weighing up to 40 pounds.

· Ability to stand, walk, bend, reach, stoop, and move between production, warehouse, and office areas throughout the workday.

· Ability to retrieve and file Job Carriers on shelving at various heights.

· Ability to work safely in active manufacturing and warehouse environments.

· Ability to use a computer, keyboard, scanner, printer, and other standard office equipment.

Key Performance Indicators

Performance may be evaluated using the following measures:

· Accuracy and completeness of Job Carrier creation.

· Compliance with Job Carrier and controlled Job Ticket procedures.

· Accuracy of Job Carrier Log Database entries.

· Timely pickup, assembly, delivery, filing, retrieval, and archival of Job Carriers.

· Percentage of Job Carriers filed in the correct numerical location.

· Zero lost or untraceable Job Carriers, Job Tickets, or controlled collateral.

· Timely fulfillment of Job Carrier and collateral requests.

· Accurate control of issued, returned, obsolete, and destroyed Job Ticket copies.

· Completion and accuracy of Ready-to-Plate Checklists and collateral sign-out records.

· Audit compliance relating to documentation, traceability, retention, and Job Carrier control.