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Special Collections Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Gfoat

WI · On-site

$75 - $95/hr

Summary The Disposal & Special Collections Division Director is responsible for providing leadership and oversight to the special collection teams, recycling processing operations, lead analytical ...

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How much do special collections jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 21, 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 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.

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Special Collections jobs near you
Infographic showing various Special Collections 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 $44,646 per year, or $21.5 per hour.

Director of Collections #00018

Virginia Department of Human Resource Management

Richmond, VA • On-site

$125K/yr

Full-time

Posted 18 days ago

Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority rating

5.2

Company rating: 5.2 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

825th of 848 rated public administrative organizations

Job description

Director of Collections #00018
Job no: 5108790
Work type: Full-Time (Salaried)
Location: Richmond (City), Virginia
Categories: Administrative Services, Educational and Media Services
Title: Director of Collections #00018
State Role Title: Education Administrator III
Hiring Range: Commensurate with experience up to $125,000
Pay Band: 6
Agency: The Library of Virginia
Location: The Library of Virginia
Agency Website: https://www.lva.virginia.gov
Recruitment Type: General Public - G
Job Duties
The Library of Virginia is seeking applicants for the Director of Collections position. This is a leadership role which provides strategic leadership for the stewardship, development, description, and discovery of the library's collections across all formats and content types, including special collections and the Virginia newspaper program. Reporting to the Deputy State Librarian/Chief, Collections and Archives, the Director oversees institution-wide acquisitions, cataloging, and metadata services-including print, audiovisual, microform, and electronic and digital resources-and leads a comprehensive, data-informed approach to both collections assessment and ambitious expansion with a unit of 15+ employees.
Primary Responsibilities and Duties
Library-Wide Collections Strategy and Stewardship
• Lead development, implementation, and ongoing evaluation of a comprehensive collections strategy.
• Collaborate with various stakeholders on regular review and refinement of collections workflows.
• Use data, analytics, and user feedback to identify collection strengths, gaps, and priorities, supporting evidence-based decision-making.
• Oversee all acquisitions operations, including vendor relations, procurement workflows, licensing coordination, and budget management for library-wide resources.
Acquisitions, Cataloging, and Metadata Services
• Provide strategic direction for acquisitions, cataloging, and metadata activities for all library collections, excluding state and local records.
• Ensure high-quality bibliographic and archival description following current standards
• Collaborate with digital initiatives and IT teams to maintain effective system integrations supporting acquisitions, cataloging, metadata, and digital resource workflows.
• Direct the arrangement and description of personal papers and other archival materials using appropriate national standards and best practices.
• Oversee acquisition, cataloging, management, and access strategies for Virginia newspaper collections in all formats.
Systems and Discovery Coordination
• Collaborate with Research Engagement staff to enhance discovery tools, support user inquiries, and promote collections through outreach and instruction.
• Partner with digital initiatives and IT units to integrate acquisitions, metadata, and archival description seamlessly into digital repositories, discovery layers, and archival management systems.
Leadership and Collaboration
• Supervise professional and technical staff engaged in acquisitions, cataloging, metadata creation, processing, and description across diverse media types and collection formats.
• Foster a collaborative, inclusive, and innovative working environment that supports communication, professional development, and staff engagement.
• Represent collections-related priorities and perspectives in institutional planning, policy development, and cross-departmental initiatives.
Minimum Qualifications
• ALA-accredited graduate degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Demonstrated experience in acquisitions, cataloging/metadata services, collections management, special collections, or related technical services functions.
• Supervisory experience managing a diverse team of library, archives, or cultural heritage professionals.
• Experience working in both general collections and special collections environments
• Experience assessing, managing, and improving complex library technical services
• Knowledge of current and emerging bibliographic, archival, and metadata standards.
• Strong communication, analytical, and organizational skills.
Additional Considerations
• Experience with Alma, Primo, and Alma analytics.
• Knowledge of Virginia history, literary, and cultural heritage landscape.
Special Instructions
You will be provided a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé is submitted successfully. Please refer to "Your Application" in your account to check the status of your application for this position.
State employees who have been affected by Policy 1.3 Layoff and possess a valid Interagency Placement Screening Form (Yellow Card) or a Preferential Hiring Form (Blue Card) must submit the card BEFORE the closing date for this position. The card may be scanned and attached to the application or faxed to (804) 371-7401. Please include your name and the position number of the fax cover sheet. Reasonable accommodations are available to individuals with disabilities during the application and/or interview processes per the Americans with Disabilities Act. Please call 804-225-2131 for assistance.
All applicants are subject to a background investigation. The investigation may include: fingerprint checks (State Police, FBI); local agency checks; employment verification; verification of education (relevant to employment); credit checks; and other checks requested by the hiring authority. AMERICORPS, PEACE CORPS, AND OTHER NATIONAL SERVICE ALUMNI ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY.
Equal Opportunity Employer
Contact Information
Name: Debbie Howe
Phone: 804) 292-6497
Email: deborah.howe@dhrm.virginia.gov
In support of the Commonwealth's commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly COD) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service-Connected Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their AHP Letter. Requesting an AHP Letter can be found at AHP Letter or by calling DARS at 800-552-5019.
Note: Applicants who received a Certificate of Disability from DARS or DBVI dated between April 1, 2022- February 29, 2024, can still use that COD as applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process.
Advertised: 03 Aug 2026 Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close: 21 Aug 2026 Eastern Daylight Time
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