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How much do special collections jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for special collections in the United States is $21.46, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.79 and $24.04 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.
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Special Collections jobs near you
Infographic showing various Special Collections job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, and 18% Part Time. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $44,646 per year, or $21.5 per hour.

Special Collections and University Archivist

St. Mary's University

San Antonio, TX • On-site

Full-time

Posted 9 days ago

Job description

The University Archivist directs and administers activities involved in the acquisition, description, preservation, and dissementation of records pertaining to the mission of Special Collections or generated by St. Mary's University. The position will ensure the accessibility of research collections in a variery of formats by working collaboratively with librarians, library staff, and other departments. This is a professional position without faculty status and non-tenure track.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Develops a long-term vision for the unit that fits the strategic plan of the university and the library; Develops and disseminates appropriate policies and procedures.
  • Serves as an advocate for the collection and use of the records of StMU. Develops strong relationships across the University community in order to advise on retention and preservation of records and ensure the regular transfer and long-term preservation of both physical and born-digital materials.
  • Partners with University departments to facilitate records transfers, appraise materials for archival value, and maintain documentation of accessioned collections and transfer records.
  • Processes and manages archival and manuscript collections, including appraisal, accessioning, preparation of processing plans, arrangement and description, security, access, and preservation of materials in all formats and collecting areas according to best practices; Identifies items with preservation or conservation concerns and works with library management to determine an appropriate plan.
  • Oversees donations, departmental transfers, and usage requests for Special Collections and University Archives; Creates and maintains thorough administrative documentation as pertains to acquisitions and record transfers, records retention schedules, reference interactions, copyright negotiations, and finances, etc.
  • Collects, preserves, and provides access to materials that document the history of St. Mary's University; Maintains Special Collections, including determining if items meet criteria under the collection development policy for inclusion in the collection.
  • Contributes content to the institutional repository related to Special Collections and University Archives as appropriate, including uploading and managing materials.
  • Provides specialized reference assistance to scholars and university community; Participates in monitoring patrons in the Special Collections room; Provides written reports on the usage of Special Collections and University Archives and prepares an annual report on usage services.
  • Participates in research initiatives utilizing Special Collections resources and archival records in order to advance public understanding of St. Mary's University and its Hispanic-Serving Institution designation to support the goals and mission of the university.
  • Prepares references documents such as subject guides and finding aids; Engages in outreach initiatives among students, faculty, administration, and public user groups.
  • Develops, designs, and manages special projects such as oral histories, displays, and online exhibits; Plans and oversees digitization projects and collaborates with stakeholders to maintain and expand the library's digital collections.
  • Creates original cataloging for items in Special Collections for input into OCLC database; Collaborates with the Cataloging team on Special Collections cataloging projects; Consults on metadata creation for both Library and digital projects with other departments.
  • Provides reference, learning, and engagement support to departments and programs including course-integrated instruction, collection development (tangible and digital formats), and research consultations specifically related to Special Collections and University Archives.
  • Stays abreast of innovations, best practices, and trends in special collections and archives and applies new rules, interpretations, and techniques as appropriate.
  • Engages in and contribute to the profession through continuing learning, service, research, presentations, or professional communications.
  • Participates in library, university, and community organizations and committees as opportunities arise.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Graduate degree from an ALA-accredited institution, or its appropriate equivalent from another country, specializing in Archival Studies or a related discipline with formal training in archival management.
  • 2 years of experience working with stakeholders and matieral in an archives or records management settings.
  • Professional experience working in an academic special collections department or archives preferred.
  • Certification in records management, a plus.
  • Must clear and maintain a favorable background investigation and clearance.
  • Must have valid driver's license, motor vehicle liability insurance and personal injury insurance; or have a self-reliant source of transportation to conduct business on a daily basis.
  • Must have excellent verbal and written communication skills; Strong public relations and customer service skills with an ability to implement diplomacy and discretion at all times; an ability to work effectively with communities across the university.
  • Must have high ethical standards and a strong sense of confidentiality; ability to prioritize and manage multiple deadlines; thrive in a complex work environment; displays solid problem solving and interpersonal skills; works well independently and as part of a team.
  • Must have a high attention to detail and be able to organize workflow, coordinate activities, balance simultaneous projects without loss of efficiency in a multi-tasked environment, and manage multiple priorities to meet deadlines.
  • May be required to work more than 40 hours a week, depending on the event schedule.
  • Demonstrates a commitment to a campus culture that promotes and values inclusion, diversity, equity, and access; promotes a welcoming environment for all internal and external constituencies.
  • Demonstrated commitment to customer service, diversity and inclusion, and an enthusiasm for identifying new opportunities to enhance library services and build partnerships across campus.
  • Demonstrated knowledge and experience of current archival preservation, management, collection management software, and emerging technologies and their application in academic libraries, archives, and special collections.
  • Demonstrated knowledge of the current copyright law and its application in libraries and unviersities.
  • Demonstrated knowledge of and experience with library information technology, systems, products and delivery technologies that support access to library materials; LibGuides, MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook), social media platforms and web-based communication, information and collaboration tools; Familiarity with trends in library technology related to digitization.
  • Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with Library staff.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
  • Working conditions are in an office environment and university campus setting. Must be able to move across the university campus to conduct day to day business.
  • May sit for extended periods of time while assisting patrons.
  • While performing this role, the employee will be regularly required to sit, walk, and stand; talk and hear, both in person and by telephone; and use hands repetitively to operate standard office equipment; and occasionally required to lift up to 25 pounds.
  • Specific vision abilities required by this position include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust focus.
  • Frequently communicates with others using approved technological resources; must be able to exchange accurate information through designated systems within a timely manner.
  • Constantly operates a computer and other office productivity machinery.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
St. Mary's University is a Hispanic-Serving Institution and an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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