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Theological Library Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

... with Wheaton College's theological distinctives as expressed in our Statement of Faith and ... A master of library science or equivalent degree from an ALA-accredited program or foreign ...

WHEATON ARCHIVES & SPECIAL COLLECTIONS - PROCESSING ARCHIVIST Position Summary The Wheaton Library ... of one's own theological convictions * Affirmation of the biblical standards for Christian ...

WHEATON ARCHIVES & SPECIAL COLLECTIONS - PROCESSING ARCHIVIST Position Summary The Wheaton Library ... of one's own theological convictions * Affirmation of the biblical standards for Christian ...

Theological Library information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$31.9K

$67.2K

$105.6K

How much do theological library jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average yearly pay for theological library in Chicago, IL is $67,158.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $53,100.00 and $77,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a theological library?

A Theological Library job involves managing, organizing, and providing access to religious and theological resources, including books, journals, and digital materials. Professionals in this field assist scholars, clergy, and students by curating collections, conducting research, and offering reference services. They may also be responsible for cataloging, preservation, and teaching information literacy. Strong knowledge of theology, library science, and research methods is essential.

What are the typical responsibilities of someone working in a theological library?

In a theological library, you are typically responsible for managing the acquisition, cataloging, and preservation of religious studies materials, both in print and digital formats. Daily tasks may involve assisting students, faculty, and researchers with reference queries, developing specialized research guides, and conducting instructional sessions on library resources. You may also collaborate with academic departments to support curriculum needs and participate in outreach or events promoting library services. This role offers the opportunity to engage deeply with theological scholarship while supporting a diverse academic community.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the theological library position, and why are they important?

To thrive in a theological library, you need expertise in library science, knowledge of religious studies resources, and experience with collection development, often supported by an MLIS degree and a background in theology or religious studies. Familiarity with library databases, cataloging systems (such as OCLC, MARC), and digital archives is important for managing both print and electronic theological collections. Excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, and strong interpersonal abilities will help you assist researchers and collaborate with faculty and students. These skills and qualifications are essential to facilitate resource discovery and support scholarship within specialized theological and religious contexts.

What are the most commonly searched types of Theological Library jobs in Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Theological Library jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What job categories do people searching Theological Library jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Theological Library jobs in Chicago, IL are:

Infographic showing various Theological Library job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, and 33% Part Time. Highlights an 67% In-person, and 33% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $67,158 per year, or $32.3 per hour.

Assistant Professor-Library

Wheaton College

Wheaton, IL

$63K - $75K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 9 days ago


Job description

TEAM LEADER FOR ACQUISITIONS & DISCOVERY SERVICES

Responsibilities

  • Leads the Acquisitions & Discovery Services Team (4 full-time staff) in setting goals and priorities, making decisions, and solving problems for print monograph acquisitions, cataloging, systems administration, and digital initiatives.
  • Oversees the selection and development of the Library's access and discovery tools and systems.
  • Maintains an in-depth knowledge of emerging library technologies.
  • Provides leadership for the overall strategy, development, maintenance, and support of the library's technological environments. 
  • Maintains expertise in metadata and cataloging standards. 
  • Collaborates with other librarians in the development, evaluation, and implementation of resource description policies, procedures, and workflows.
  • Serves as subject librarian to assigned academic disciplines.
    • Builds relationships with faculty and students, selects library resources, and teaches library instruction classes,
    • Participates in and contributes to activities of the Library Collections Team.
  • Participates broadly on campus as a library faculty member (e.g., faculty committees, student mentoring); engages in ongoing professional development; and engages in service to the profession.
  • Reports to the Dean of Library & Archives.

Characteristics & Qualifications

  • A personal and living evangelical Protestant faith that is consonant with Wheaton College's theological distinctives as expressed in our Statement of Faith and Community Covenant.
  • A master of library science or equivalent degree from an ALA-accredited program or foreign equivalent. 
  • Ability to understand and contribute substantially to the academic lives of Wheaton's faculty and students, with an enthusiasm for and commitment to Christian liberal arts education.
  • Strong ability and interest in all manner of technologies that may advance the mission of the library.
  • Expertise in cataloging standards and a broad understanding of metadata standards.
  • Evidence that you form strong working relationships that are characterized by personal flexibility, consideration, teamwork, and collegiality.
  • Excellent communication skills.
  • Evidence of innovation, project management, and leadership skills.
  • Teaching experience, with the ability to teach and present with clarity and ease.
  • Strongly preferred:
    • At least two years of previous full-time employment in an academic library,
    • Experience as a library faculty member,
    • Additional graduate degrees,
    • Supervisory experience.

Pay range: The budgeted salary range for the position is $63,000 - $75,000 for a Library Assistant Professor/Team Leader. The pay offered to the selected candidate will be determined based on factors including (but not limited to) the experience and qualifications of the selected candidate, including equivalent years in rank, training, and field or discipline.

Final appointment will be contingent upon confirmation of budget availability.

Applicants must attach their CV and a statement of their educational and professional alignment with the requirements of the position, as well as their theological alignment with Wheaton College's statement of faith and community covenant.

Wheaton College, located in a suburban community in the Chicago metropolitan area, is a Christ-centered community whose faculty and staff must affirm the College's Statement of Faith as expressing their own theological convictions. They also agree to live by the moral standards in Wheaton's Community Covenant, modeling these commitments for the Christian formation of our students. Wheaton College faculty and staff also support the Christ-Centered Diversity Commitment, which highlights our desire to treat all individuals as equal image-bearers of Jesus Christ. We encourage applications from candidates who will work to deepen Christ-centered diversity by fostering a campus climate where all faculty, staff, students, and alumni feel welcomed, respected, valued, and supported. For more information about Wheaton College, visit www.wheaton.edu.

Additionally, Wheaton College aspires to provide a physically safe environment for students, staff, and faculty to learn and work. In support of this objective, the College requires background checks for final candidates after an employment offer is extended. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background check.