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Special Collections Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

Design Records Specialist

Muncie, IN · On-site

$38K - $42K/yr

Ball State University Libraries is searching for an energetic and detail-oriented person to join our committed and highly engaged Archives and Special Collections team, responsible for analyzing ...

Design Records Specialist

Muncie, IN · On-site

$38K - $42K/yr

Ball State University Libraries is searching for an energetic and detail-oriented person to join our committed and highly engaged Archives and Special Collections team, responsible for analyzing ...

Special Assets Officer

Carmel, IN · On-site

$103K - $134K/yr

Position Summary The Special Assets Officer is responsible for managing and monitoring a portfolio ... Legal/regulatory requirements pertaining to banking and collections * Regulatory guidelines ...

Special Assets Officer

Carmel, IN · On-site

$103K - $134K/yr

Position Summary The Special Assets Officer is responsible for managing and monitoring a portfolio ... Legal/regulatory requirements pertaining to banking and collections * Regulatory guidelines ...

Collection Specialist II

Fort Wayne, IN · On-site

$45K - $60K/yr

Skills and experience that will lead to success: * 3-5 years of commercial collections experience ... Excellent negotiation skills - negotiate and administer exceptions for special payment plans for ...

Collection Specialist II

Fort Wayne, IN · Hybrid

$45K - $60K/yr

Skills and experience that will lead to success: * 3-5 years of commercial collections experience ... Excellent negotiation skills - negotiate and administer exceptions for special payment plans for ...

Showing results 21-40

Special Collections information

See Indiana salary details

$12

$20

$28

How much do special collections jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 21, 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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a special collections librarian?

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 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 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:

Infographic showing various Special Collections job openings in Indiana as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 71% Full Time, and 29% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $42,484 per year, or $20.4 per hour.

Assistant Librarian: Digital Processing Archivist

Indiana University Academic Positions

Kokomo, IN

Full-time

Re-posted 5 days ago


Job description

Position Details
Title Assistant Librarian: Digital Processing Archivist Appointment Status Tenure Track Department IU Northwest Library Location Northwest Position Summary
The Assistant Librarian with the additional title as Digital Processing Archivist is a 12-month, tenure-track position, reporting to the Executive Director of Library Services. This position is responsible for advancing the mission of the IU Northwest Archives and Special Collections, leads and oversees archival processing and operations while spearheading digital stewardship initiatives that modernize workflows and expand access to the Archives' materials in support of sustainable preservation and accessibility. Working closely alongside the Public Services Archivist and library faculty, they will increase the availability of the Archives' holdings in both digital and physical formats, while managing operations and digital systems to support effective access for library staff, researchers, and the broader community. This position has liaison responsibilities to academic departments, teaches library instruction sessions, general library reference duties, and participates in collection development activities for the library.
Responsibilities

  1. Serves as lead for archival processing projects and digital stewardship initiatives, including appraisal, arrangement, description, and preparation of physical and digital collections for access.
  2. Develops, maintains, and documents repository and collection-level finding aids, descriptive standards, and workflows to ensure consistency, discoverability, and long-term sustainability.
  3. Leads digitization and digital stewardship initiatives, optimizing workflows that support preservation, metadata creation, file management, quality control, and expanding access to archival materials.
  4. Manages archival operations and digital systems that support access for library staff, researchers, and community users, ensuring reliable, accurate, and sustainable discovery of collections.
  5. Directs large-scale backlog reduction efforts, establishing processing priorities that align with institutional needs, research demand, and community interest.
  6. Identifies and addresses legal, ethical, and rights-related considerations including donor restrictions, copyright, and sensitive materials.
  7. Works in tandem with the Public Services Archivist to align processing priorities to support reference, instruction, outreach, and public programming needs.
  8. Works collaboratively with library faculty and staff to support strategic planning, digital initiatives, and coordinate archival operations across the library and IU system.
  9. Provides joint supervision and mentorship of student workers and MLIS interns in collaboration with the Public Services Archivist, assisting with training in processing, digitization, description, and related project work.
  10. Some evenings and weekends as required. Other duties as assigned.

ABOUT THE JOHN W. ANDERSON LIBRARY

The John W. Anderson Library serves a diverse population and is seeking applicants with excellent communication skills, previous reference experience and the ability to work well with various populations. The John W. Anderson Library serves undergraduate and graduate students and Indiana community residents.
The Library provides access to multiple information sources and services in support of student learning, faculty research, and community engagement. The library houses a collection of nearly half a million books and 200,000 government publications. The library has access to 350 online abstract or full-text journal databases, an online catalog of all IU libraries, online catalogs of local public and university libraries, 50,000 electronic journals, 230,000 e-books and audio books, online encyclopedias, and biography and statistical databases.
The Indiana University Northwest John W. Anderson Library is part of a nine-campus system. Through the Library, students have access to the 7 million volumes and 25 million other materials of the other IU libraries. Books and journal articles in Bloomington, Indianapolis and other regional campus libraries can be obtained quickly for students and faculty through the IU Northwest Library Interlibrary Loan Office.
ABOUT INDIANA UNIVERSITY NORTHWEST

One of nine campuses of Indiana University, IU Northwest is located in metropolitan Northwest Indiana, approximately 30 miles southeast of Chicago and 10 miles from the Indiana Dunes National Park. The campus has a student population of approximately 3,200 degree-seeking students and more than 30,000 alumni, most of whom remain in the Northwest Indiana region, and has been recognized by the Department of Education as a minority and Hispanic serving institution. The campus offers Associate, Baccalaureate, and Master's degrees from the College of Arts and Sciences, the College of Health and Human Services, the School of Business and Economics, the School of the Arts, and the School of Education. The campus is also home to IU School of Medicine-Northwest-Gary, the region's only four-year medical doctorate program. As a student-centered campus, IU Northwest is committed to academic excellence characterized by a love of ideas and achievement in learning, discovery, creativity, research and community engagement.
Indiana University is an equal opportunity employer and provider of ADA services and prohibits discrimination in hiring.
Basic Qualifications
Required:

  • Master of Library & Information Science (MLIS or comparable) from an ALA-accredited institution
  • Experience leading or managing archival processing and digitization efforts, including work with both physical and digital materials
  • Experience working in an archives, manuscripts repository, special collections, or comparable setting

Preferred:

  • Knowledge of American history and historiography, with familiarity with Northwest Indiana and/or Calumet Region history
  • Knowledge of current and emerging trends, standards, workflows, and best practices related to archival processing and digitization
  • Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a team-oriented environment
  • Experience working with information systems, digital platforms, quality control, or technical troubleshooting
  • Supervisory, instructional, mentorship, or leadership experience in academic, archival, or project-based settings, or comparable professional contexts
  • Second master's degree

Department Contact for Questions
Questions regarding the position or application process can be directed to the search committee chair: Nicholas A. Casas, Assistant Librarian for Teaching & Learning, John W. Anderson Library
IU Northwest Library Services, 3400 Broadway, Gary, IN 46408, ncasas@iu.edu
Additional Qualifications
All candidates must be eligible to work in the United States as of the position start date. The department is unable to sponsor visas for this position. For questions about work eligibility, the search committee can connect you with the IU Office of International Services.
Salary and Rank Salary is commensurate with experience and education. Special Instructions
Interested candidates should review and complete the online applications that require uploading: 1) curriculum vitae; 2) letter of application; 3) statement of librarianship philosophy (listed as other); and (4) list of three references with contact information to include mailing address, e-mail address, and telephone numbers at
https://indiana.peopleadmin.com/postings/32719
Review date begins May 15, 2026: (Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee).
Final date, May 29, 2026: Applications will continue to be accepted until this date, but those received after the review date will only be considered if the position has not yet been filled.
For Best Consideration Date Expected Start Date 07/01/2026 Posting Number IU-101537-2026