ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Special Collections Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsSpecial Collections JobsSpecial Collections Jobs in Indiana

Special Collections information

See Indiana salary details

$12

$20

$28

How much do special collections jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for special collections in Indiana is $20.43, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.92 and $22.88 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are special collections?

Special collections are unique or rare materials held by libraries, archives, or museums that are distinguished by their age, rarity, condition, or subject matter. These collections often include rare books, manuscripts, photographs, maps, and other primary source materials that are preserved for their historical, cultural, or research value. Access to special collections is usually more restricted compared to general library materials, and users may need to follow specific procedures to view or handle them. Special collections support scholarly research, teaching, and public programming by preserving and providing access to these valuable resources.

What is the difference between Special Collections vs Archivist?

AspectSpecial CollectionsArchivist
Required CredentialsMaster's degree in Library Science or related field, often with specializationMaster's degree in Library Science, Archival Studies, or related field
Work EnvironmentLibraries, museums, academic institutions managing rare and unique materialsArchives, museums, government agencies handling historical records and documents
Employer & Industry UsageAcademic, cultural, and research institutionsGovernment, historical societies, corporate archives
Common Search & ComparisonFocuses on rare collections and special materialsFocuses on preserving and organizing records and documents

Special Collections professionals manage rare and unique materials within libraries or museums, often requiring specialized knowledge. Archivists focus on preserving, organizing, and providing access to historical records and documents. While both roles require similar credentials and work in related environments, Special Collections emphasizes handling rare items, whereas Archivists concentrate on records management and preservation.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Special Collections Librarian, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Special Collections Librarian, you need expertise in archival practices, rare books, preservation methods, and typically a master's degree in library science or a related field. Familiarity with collection management systems, digital archiving tools, and metadata standards such as MARC or EAD is important. Attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and effective communication help facilitate research support and community outreach. These skills ensure the proper preservation, accessibility, and promotion of unique and valuable materials within libraries or museums.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in Special Collections, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in Special Collections often encounter challenges such as preserving delicate materials, managing limited access for rare items, and balancing digitization efforts with hands-on stewardship. These challenges can be addressed through ongoing training in preservation techniques, implementing robust environmental controls, and collaborating with archivists, conservation specialists, and IT staff to ensure both physical and digital preservation. Regular communication with researchers and faculty also helps align access policies with institutional goals.
What are popular job titles related to Special Collections jobs in Indiana? For Special Collections jobs in Indiana, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Special Collections jobs in Indiana look for? The top searched job categories for Special Collections jobs in Indiana are:
What cities in Indiana are hiring for Special Collections jobs? Cities in Indiana with the most Special Collections job openings:
Special Collections jobs near you
Infographic showing various Special Collections job openings in Indiana as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,484 per year, or $20.4 per hour.

Religious Collections Cataloging Librarian

Indiana University

Bloomington, IN • On-site

$62K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 27 days ago

Job description

Posting Details
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

Apply