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Special Collection Librarian Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Hampton University

Library Clerk

Hampton, VA · On-site

$34K - $36K/yr

Harvey Library Opening Date: 08/21/2026 Description The William R. and Norma B. Harvey Library is ... Peabody Special Collection. This is a grant-funded position. Continuation of the position is ...

City of Virginia Beach

$57K - $89K/yr

Evaluates the collection using a variety of tools and resources to make recommendations for ... Special Requirements: All employees may be expected to work hours in excess of their normally ...

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How much do special collection librarian jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for special collection librarian in the United States is $62,056.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $49,500.00 and $72,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a special collection librarian?

Special Collection Librarians are professionals who manage, preserve, and provide access to rare, valuable, or unique materials within libraries, such as manuscripts, archives, rare books, historical documents, and other special items. They are responsible for cataloging these materials, ensuring proper conservation methods, and assisting researchers and the public in using these resources. Their work often includes curating exhibitions, developing collections, and implementing security measures to protect fragile or rare items. Special Collection Librarians play a key role in making historical and cultural materials available while safeguarding them for future generations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a special collection librarian?

To thrive as a Special Collection Librarian, you need expertise in archival practices, rare book handling, and preservation techniques, often supported by a master's degree in library science or a related field. Familiarity with cataloging systems like MARC, digital asset management tools, and knowledge of conservation standards are typically required. Attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and the ability to engage researchers and donors are standout soft skills. These abilities are crucial for ensuring the long-term care, accessibility, and promotion of valuable and unique library materials.

What are some common challenges special collection librarians face when handling rare or fragile materials?

Special Collection Librarians often encounter challenges related to the preservation and accessibility of rare or delicate materials. Balancing proper conservation techniques with the need for researcher access can be complex, as items must be protected from damage while still being available for study. Additionally, cataloging and digitizing unique items require meticulous attention to detail and collaboration with conservators, archivists, and digital specialists. Staying current with best practices and emerging technologies is essential for effectively managing these valuable collections.

How do you become a special collection librarian?

To become a special collection librarian, one typically needs a master's degree in library science or information science from an accredited program, often with coursework or experience in rare books, archives, or special collections. Relevant skills include archival management, preservation, and cataloging, and some positions may require experience with digital collections or specific archival tools. Certification from professional organizations can also enhance job prospects.

How much do special collection librarians make?

Special collection librarians typically earn a median annual salary of around $60,000 to $70,000, depending on experience, education, and location. Salaries can vary based on the size of the institution and the complexity of collections managed, with some earning over $80,000 annually. Advanced skills in archival management and rare materials handling can influence compensation.

What cities are hiring for Special Collection Librarian jobs?

Cities with the most Special Collection Librarian job openings:

What states have the most Special Collection Librarian jobs?

States with the most job openings for Special Collection Librarian jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Special Collection Librarian jobs?

For Special Collection Librarian jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Special Collection Librarian jobs near you
Infographic showing various Special Collection Librarian job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $62,056 per year, or $29.8 per hour.

Collection Development & Acquisitions Librarian

Worcester, MA • On-site

Worcester Polytech
See more jobs at Worcester Polytechexternal

Full-time

Re-posted 27 days ago

Job description

JOB TITLE

Collection Development & Acquisitions Librarian

LOCATION

Worcester

DEPARTMENT NAME

Scholarly Communication & Open Strategies

DIVISION NAME

Worcester Polytechnic Institute - WPI

JOB DESCRIPTION SUMMARY

Working collaboratively with colleagues across all library departments, manages the assessment, selection and deselection, and licensing of digital and print resources by formulating, articulating, and managing policies and procedures to develop, shape, and balance the Library's collections to support learning, teaching, and research.

JOB DESCRIPTION

Manage collections assessment and development

  • Analyze institutional data, bibliographic data, usage statistics, interlibrary loan data, and other metrics
  • Utilize collection development and assessment tools, such as Greenglass, Gold Rush, etc.
  • Establish and monitor title selection plans, such as PDA (Patron Driven Acquisitions), DDA (Demand-Driven Acquisitions), etc.
  • Monitor pricing and usage of ejournal packages and databases
  • Respond to requests for information resources made by faculty, students, and staff

Oversee collection management and acquisitions procedures and activities

  • Implement and utilize title selection and acquisition tools and software
  • Select and deselect information resources for the general collection, based on current and proposed academic curricula and discipline needs and practices
  • Manage and participate in the library's resource acquisitions workflow, including ordering and receiving items and processing invoices
  • Document and train others as needed in use of vendor and library systems to acquire or deselect information resources
  • Participate in shared print initiatives (e.g. EAST)

Collaborate with library Research and Instruction team and other library colleagues regularly to ensure the WPI community is receiving an appropriate level of support for their academic work

  • Meet regularly to discuss the library resource needs of faculty, students, and other library users
  • Participate in gathering and analyzing community feedback from surveys, interviews, and focus groups

Develop planning and budgetary recommendations for the library's collections

  • Allocate and expend the budget in the library management system
  • Monitor and ensure efficient expenditure of the budget in consultation with the University Librarian, Associate Library Director, and others

Negotiate pricing and licensing terms for library e-resources

  • In collaboration with the Associate Director, maintain working relationships with library vendors, publishers, and consortia to obtain the best possible pricing and terms of use
  • Administer digital licensing procedures and renewals in the library management system
  • Coordinate electronic resource trials
  • Monitor trends in the broader library resources community and scholarly publishing sphere

Administer the Library's gift in kind program for materials

  • Identify and pursue potential gift opportunities
  • Select donations for the collection and send unwanted donations to appropriate vendors or organizations for resale, archiving, or recycling
  • Refer archival and special collections gift and donation offers to the University Archivist

Support institutional compliance with accreditation and external agencies

  • Provide data for reports and analyses related to collections development and maintenance as required by university offices and external agencies, including ACRL (Association of College & Research Libraries) and accreditation bodies

Participate in Library, professional, and community engagement

  • Participate in providing direct services to library users and customers, or providing informed referrals
  • Participate in collaborative library programs and activities including outreach events, strategic and annual planning, and collaborations with university community offices and student groups
  • Participate in and contribute to WPI committees, initiatives, and goals contributing to WPI and library strategic initiatives
  • Engage in and contribute to the profession through continuing learning, service, research, presentations, or professional communications

Performs all other duties and responsibilities as assigned or directed by the supervisor.

Qualifications:

  • Master's degree in Library and Information Science or equivalent graduate degree in library and information studies
  • Minimum of two to five years of experience in library collection development
  • Three to five years of professional experience in an academic library
  • Knowledge of current issues and trends in library collections development, information delivery and access, electronic and digital resources, and related copyright and licensing issues
  • Familiarity with current print and electronic acquisitions trends, as well as academic library metadata practices
  • Demonstrated operational experience with an online integrated library system (ILS), preferably experience or marked familiarity with FOLIO ILS
  • Demonstrated excellent collaboration and communication skills, including written and oral communications
  • Evidence of strong skills in decision making, problem solving, independent action, analytical and critical thinking, project/program or service management, and general office technical skills

Preferred qualifications and experience:

  • Familiarity with research and teaching in the STEM fields through education or prior work experience
  • Familiarity with open access publishing models

Salary Grade 7: $62,500 - $78,100 - $93,700 (full range); expected hiring range $73,000 - $78,000 (depending on experience)

Salary is based on related experience, expertise, and internal equity; generally, new hires can expect pay between the minimum and midpoint of the range.

Compensation at WPI

FLSA STATUS

United States of America (Exempt)

WPI is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status,or disability. It seeks individuals from all backgrounds and experiences who will contribute to a culture of creativity, collaboration, inclusion, problem solving, innovation, high performance, and change making.It is committed to maintaining a campus environment free of harassment and discrimination.

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