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Remote Museum Archivist Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

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Remote Museum Archivist information

What is a remote museum archivist?

Remote museum archivists are professionals who manage, organize, and preserve a museum's collections and archival materials while working from a location outside the museum itself. Using digital tools, they catalog items, digitize records, and facilitate access to collections for researchers and the public. Remote archivists often collaborate with onsite staff to ensure proper documentation, conservation, and compliance with industry standards. This role typically requires strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and proficiency in archival software and digital asset management.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a remote museum archivist?

To thrive as a Remote Museum Archivist, you need expertise in archival science, records management, and museum studies, usually supported by a relevant degree or certification. Familiarity with digital archiving tools, collection management systems (like PastPerfect or TMS), and metadata standards is essential. Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and effective written communication help ensure accuracy and collaboration in a remote setting. These skills are crucial for preserving artifacts, maintaining accessible records, and supporting the museum’s mission from a distance.

How do remote museum archivists typically collaborate with on-site staff to ensure accurate archiving and preservation of collections?

Remote Museum Archivists frequently work closely with on-site staff through virtual meetings, collaborative project management tools, and secure digital databases. Regular communication is essential to coordinate the physical handling of artifacts, verify documentation, and address preservation needs. Remote archivists often guide on-site personnel on proper digitization techniques and metadata standards, ensuring that all digital records are consistent and accessible. This teamwork helps maintain high standards of collection care and supports the museum’s mission, even when working from different locations.

What is the difference between Remote Museum Archivist vs Remote Library Archivist?

AspectRemote Museum ArchivistRemote Library Archivist
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in history, archives, or related field; archival certificationsBachelor's degree in library science, information studies, or related field; librarian certifications
Work EnvironmentMuseums, cultural institutions, archivesLibraries, educational institutions, archives
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in museums and cultural heritage sectorsCommon in public and academic libraries
Search & Comparison IntentPeople comparing roles in archival work within cultural institutionsIndividuals exploring archival careers in library settings

The Remote Museum Archivist and Remote Library Archivist share similar skills in managing archival collections and require related credentials. However, their work environments and industry usage differ, with museum archivists focusing on cultural heritage and library archivists on library collections. Both roles serve distinct sectors but involve similar responsibilities in preserving and cataloging historical materials.

What are popular job titles related to Remote Museum Archivist jobs in Washington?

For Remote Museum Archivist jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Remote Museum Archivist jobs in Washington look for?

The top searched job categories for Remote Museum Archivist jobs in Washington are:

What cities in Washington are hiring for Remote Museum Archivist jobs?

Cities in Washington with the most Remote Museum Archivist job openings:

Remote Museum Archivist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Remote Museum Archivist job openings in Washington as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 37% Locum Tenens, 11% As Needed, 23% Full Time, 8% Part Time, 19% Temporary, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution.

Cataloging and Metadata Librarian (Part-Time)

Library Systems & Services LLC

Gaithersburg, MD • Remote

$35 - $48/hr

Part-time

Retirement, PTO

Posted 20 days ago

Job description

Description

LAC Federal is seeking an experienced Cataloging and Metadata Librarian to support a major federal research library. This part-time remote position supports one of the nation's premier scientific research organizations by performing advanced cataloging and metadata services for technical reports, archival collections, digital objects, museum materials, and scientific publications. The successful candidate will help maintain the integrity of more than 130,000 bibliographic records while supporting digital repositories, metadata quality initiatives, and the Library's cloud-based library services platform. This position is ideal for an experienced technical services librarian with extensive MARC, RDA, authority control, and Ex Libris Alma expertise who enjoys working in a collaborative federal research environment.


Responsibilities

  • Perform original and complex cataloging using MARC21 for technical reports, archival materials, government publications, and other library resources.
  • Perform copy cataloging utilizing established metadata standards and authority records.
  • Create, edit, and maintain bibliographic and holdings records within the Ex Libris Alma library services platform.
  • Apply current cataloging standards including RDA, AACR2, BIBFRAME concepts, Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH), and Library of Congress Name Authority File (LCNAF).
  • Catalog museum objects, photographs, archival materials, and historical NIST resources.
  • Prepare digital publications, images, and associated metadata for ingestion into digital repositories.
  • Conduct quality control reviews of bibliographic records and metadata to ensure accuracy and consistency.
  • Support maintenance and ongoing operation of the library's integrated library system and metadata environment.
  • Assist with metadata cleanup, enhancement, and other cataloging-related projects as assigned.
  • Collaborate closely with NIST library staff to prioritize work and meet project objectives.
  • Prepare monthly progress reports summarizing completed work, hours worked, project status, and issues requiring attention.
  • Follow established federal library policies, technical standards, quality assurance procedures, and project plans.



Requirements

  • MLS degree from accredited institution or equivalent library experience
  • At least 5 years of experience with metadata work and technical services
  • Demonstrate experience with Ex Libris Alma ILS
  • Ability to consistently apply cataloging rules and standards, including RDA, Bibframe, AACR2, and authorities including LCSH and LCNAH
  • Experience with various metadata formats including MARC21, XML, MARCXML
  • Experience with cataloging tools such as OCLC Records Manager and Connexion, MarcEdit, bibliographic formats and standards, and authority files
  • Experience with an online integrated library system and the OCLC WorldCat and Worldshare systems.
  • Experience with command line scripting, batch scripting, XSLT transformations, and regular expressions
  • Previous original and copy cataloging experience, or course work.
  • Excellent organizational and time management skills.
  • Ability to communicate clearly and effectively.
  • Good knowledge of professional library theories, issues and trends.
  • Ability to problem-solve issues in cataloging.
  • Good judgment based on logical reasoning and cataloging principles is necessary.


Preferred Qualifications 

  • Experience cataloging scientific, technical, engineering, or government publications.
  • Experience supporting federal libraries, research libraries, or academic research institutions.
  • Experience working with digital repositories and digital asset management systems.
  • Familiarity with metadata transformation workflows and bulk metadata remediation.
  • Experience cataloging archival collections, museum collections, or special collections.
  • Working knowledge of linked data initiatives within libraries.
  • Experience using OpenRefine or other metadata normalization tools.
  • Familiarity with APIs, metadata harvesting, or repository ingest workflows.
  • Experience working independently in a fully remote environment while meeting production deadlines.
  • Demonstrated commitment to continuous professional development in cataloging and metadata standards.

Physical Requirements

  • Work is performed in a remote office environment requiring prolonged periods of sitting, frequent use of a computer, keyboard, and mouse, and sustained visual focus while creating, reviewing, and editing bibliographic and metadata records. 
  • Requires the ability to maintain attention to detail and perform repetitive cataloging and metadata tasks for extended periods, including reviewing complex bibliographic records, digital assets, and metadata for accuracy and consistency. 
  • Must be able to communicate effectively and collaborate in a virtual environment using video conferencing, email, and other online collaboration tools, while meeting production deadlines and participating in remote team meetings.

Benefits

  • Tuition Reimbursement (after 30 days of employment)
  • 401(k) Plan, 19+ years old
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Employee Referral Bonus Program
  • Bucketlist Awards
  • Sick leave
  • Vacation leave - Yearly accrual up to 40 hours.
  • Holiday Pay at 4 hours

EEO Statement

The company and its subsidiaries are an equal opportunity employer and celebrate the population of differences and does not discriminate in its hiring/hiring practices, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Nothing in this job specification restricts management's right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. 

Critical features of this job are described under various headings above. They may be subject to change at any time due to reasonable accommodation or other reasons. The above statements are strictly intended to describe the general nature and level of the work being performed. They are not intended to be construed as a complete list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of employees in this position.

This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee(s) incumbent in this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related duties requested by any person authorized to give instructions or assignments. All duties and responsibilities are essential functions and requirements and are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. 

To perform this job successfully, the incumbents will possess the skills, aptitudes, and abilities to perform each duty proficiently. 

Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health or safety of themselves or others. The requirements listed in this document are the minimum levels of knowledge, skills, or abilities. This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an "at will" relationship.

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