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Special Collections Assistant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Library Systems & Services LLC

Archivist

Beltsville, MD

$60K - $72K/yr

... special collections management for a federal agency located in Beltsville, Maryland. The Archivist will assist in the arrangement, description, preservation, and access of archival materials ...

Library Systems & Services LLC

Archivist

Beltsville, MD · On-site

$60K - $72K/yr

... special collections management for a federal agency located in Beltsville, Maryland. The Archivist will assist in the arrangement, description, preservation, and access of archival materials ...

The Pennsylvania State University

Candidates for the rank of Assistant Librarian should possess a graduate degree in library or ... Advises the Head of Special Collections on collections stewardship strategy, space planning for ...

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Special Collections Assistant information

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How much do special collections assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for special collections assistant in the United States is $20.03, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.11 and $23.08 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a special collections assistant?

Special Collections Assistants are professionals who support the management, organization, and preservation of rare or unique materials in libraries, archives, or museums. Their responsibilities often include assisting with cataloging, handling rare books or documents, answering researcher queries, and helping maintain the security and proper storage of special collections. They play a crucial role in ensuring that valuable materials are accessible to researchers while also being protected for future generations. Additionally, they may help with exhibitions, digitization projects, and outreach activities related to the special collections.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a special collections assistant?

To thrive as a Special Collections Assistant, you need a background in library science, archival studies, or a related field, along with attention to detail and organizational skills. Familiarity with cataloging systems, digital archives platforms, and preservation techniques is typically required. Excellent communication, customer service, and problem-solving abilities help you support researchers and collaborate with colleagues. These skills are vital for protecting rare materials, ensuring accurate records, and providing effective access to special collections.

What challenges do special collections assistants face when handling rare or fragile materials?

Special Collections Assistants often encounter challenges such as carefully managing delicate or deteriorating items to prevent further damage, adhering to strict handling protocols, and ensuring proper environmental conditions like temperature and humidity. They must balance accessibility for researchers with preservation needs, which can require close collaboration with archivists and conservators. Staying organized while cataloging unique materials and responding to specialized research requests are also key aspects of the role.

What is the difference between Special Collections Assistant vs Archivist?

AspectSpecial Collections AssistantArchivist
CredentialsTypically requires a bachelor's degree in library science, history, or related fieldOften requires a master's degree in library science, archival studies, or related field
Work EnvironmentLibraries, museums, or academic institutions managing special collectionsArchives, museums, government agencies, or research institutions
ResponsibilitiesAssisting with collection processing, cataloging, and public serviceAppraising, acquiring, preserving, and managing archival records

While both roles involve handling collections and require knowledge of preservation, the Special Collections Assistant typically supports processing and public engagement, whereas the Archivist has a broader responsibility for managing and preserving archival records throughout their lifecycle.

What cities are hiring for Special Collections Assistant jobs?

Cities with the most Special Collections Assistant job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Special Collections jobs?

The most popular types of Special Collections jobs are:

What states have the most Special Collections Assistant jobs?

States with the most job openings for Special Collections Assistant jobs include:

Special Collections Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Special Collections Assistant job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $41,672 per year, or $20 per hour.

FWS Position - Special Collections Library Stacks/Public Services Assistant (Student Wage)

The University of Virginia

Charlottesville, VA • On-site

$16.71/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 22 days ago

University Of Virginia rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 35 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

209th of 620 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Student assistant for stacks and reference desk.

Perform specialized office support functions or services that require some training, skill, or experience. Duties include providing customer service and specific information, data entry and use of standard office software programs & systems, work within established guidelines and policies. Limited supervision is provided; ability to perform a wide range of duties.

Thestacks/public services assistant performs a variety of tasks in support of a robust Special Collections reference desk. These duties include retrieval of material from the closed stacks, re-shelvingbooksand other library material, scanning of documents, basic research tasks, and working in the closed stacks to reshelve, organize,shelfand shift materials.

Main duties:

  • Retrieving books, manuscripts,archivesand other materials from closed stacks for researchers in the reading room or for class use.
  • Creating a home for and shelvingnew books.
  • Workingwith serials.
  • Re-shelving books, manuscripts, and archives and other library materials according to Special Collections stacks manager's protocols tomaintainhigh accuracy.
  • Scanning rare books, primary sourcedocumentsand other collection material to fulfill researcher needs.
  • Assistingwith interlibrary Loan requests.
  • Conducting basic research tasks using the library catalog (Virgo), Workflows (back end of Virgo),ArchiveSpaceandvarious typesof finding aids.

REQUIRED:

  • Must be able to handle carefully and with respect, a wide variety of unique,historicaland fragile books and manuscripts.
  • Must be able to work in a restrictive, high-security environment, be veryresponsibleand adhere to all required procedures.
  • Must be respectful of the collection andpossessa high levelof independence and analytical skills to complete many assigned tasks.
  • Must have a sharp focus and keen attention to detail.
  • Current UVA student.

Other library projects as neededand as student interest dictates.

Work is a total of10hours a week, including rotating Saturday shifts from noon until 4 p.m. and some evening hours 5-7 on Wednesdays and Thursdays.

Federal Work-Study students are preferred.

Compensation: $16.71/hr.

Pleasesubmityour resume and cover letter to apply.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

  • Resume and basic one page cover letter.
  • Availability for rotating Saturdays from noon to 4 p.m.
  • Criminal background check isrequired(SPAKA).

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: Ability to lift 40 pounds.Movement between floors of the library to retrieve materials can be physically demanding at times.Must be able to tolerate the building temperature which is kept in the mid-60.

Experience: None

PREFERRED:

Library experience or interest in library and archival work.

The University of Virginia is an equal opportunity employer. All interested persons are encouraged to apply, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Learn more about UVA's commitment to non-discrimination and equal opportunity employment.

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About University of Virginia

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The University of Virginia is distinctive among institutions of higher education. Founded by Thomas Jefferson in 1819, the University sustains the ideal of developing, through education, leaders who are well-prepared to shape the future of the nation.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Charlottesville, VA, US

Year founded

1819

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