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University Archivist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The University Archivist reports to the Director of Distinctive Collections and works collaboratively with library colleagues, faculty, and Indiana University partners to collect and provide access ...

The University Archivist is responsible for supervising the Records Manager and provides general guidance and leadership on records management as appropriate. As part of the Collection Development ...

University Archivist Reports to: Associate Director of Special Collections and University Archives (SCUA) Position Summary: Colgate University is seeking to appoint an archivist to join the faculty ...

The University Archivist reports to the Director of Distinctive Collections and works collaboratively with library colleagues, faculty, and Indiana University partners to collect and provide access ...

Posting Details Position Information Posting Number SF2591P Position Title University Archivist Position Type Professional/Salaried Department Library - Troy Division Academic Affairs Campus Troy ...

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$39K

$42.5K

$45K

How much do university archivist jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for university archivist in the United States is $42,500.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $41,000.00 and $44,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a university archivist?

University Archivists are professionals responsible for acquiring, preserving, organizing, and providing access to the historical records and archives of a university or higher education institution. They manage documents, photographs, digital files, and other materials that document the institution's history and operations. University Archivists also assist researchers, faculty, students, and the public in locating and using archival materials. Their work helps ensure the long-term preservation and accessibility of the university’s valuable records.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a university archivist?

To thrive as a University Archivist, you need expertise in archival science, records management, and knowledge of relevant laws and standards, typically supported by a master's degree in library science or a related field. Familiarity with digital asset management systems, content management software, and preservation tools—often with certifications like the Academy of Certified Archivists (ACA)—is highly valued. Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and effective communication are essential soft skills for managing collections and engaging with diverse stakeholders. These skills ensure the proper preservation, accessibility, and integrity of institutional records, supporting the university's mission and history.

What are the main challenges a university archivist faces when managing digital records alongside traditional materials?

University Archivists often navigate the complexities of preserving and providing access to both physical and digital records. Managing digital archives requires staying current with evolving technology, ensuring proper metadata, and implementing digital preservation strategies to prevent data loss or obsolescence. Balancing these technical tasks with more traditional archival work, such as processing paper collections and assisting researchers, can be challenging but also rewarding, as it offers opportunities to develop expertise in both areas. Collaboration with IT staff and other departments is essential to ensure digital records are properly managed and accessible for future use.

What is the difference between University Archivist vs Records Manager?

AspectUniversity ArchivistRecords Manager
CredentialsMaster's degree in Library Science, Archival Studies, or related fieldBachelor's or Master's degree in Records Management, Information Science, or related field
Work EnvironmentAcademic institutions, archives, librariesCorporate, government, or institutional offices
Primary FocusPreserving and providing access to historical university records and collectionsManaging active records for compliance, efficiency, and retention
Common UsageIn academic and archival contextsIn business, government, and organizational settings

The University Archivist primarily focuses on preserving and providing access to historical university records, while the Records Manager manages active records for organizational efficiency and compliance. Both roles require related credentials and work in institutional environments, but their main responsibilities differ in scope and purpose.

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Infographic showing various University Archivist job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,500 per year, or $20.4 per hour.

University Archivist

Indiana University

Bloomington, IN • On-site

Full-time, Part-time

Posted 12 days ago


Job description

Posting Details
Position Details
Title
University Archivist
Appointment Status
Tenure Track
Department
IU Indianapolis University Library
Location
Indianapolis
Position Summary
IU Indianapolis University Library seeks a University Archivist to join the Ruth Lilly Special Collections and Archives, part of Distinctive Collections.
The University Archivist reports to the Director of Distinctive Collections and works collaboratively with library colleagues, faculty, and Indiana University partners to collect and provide access to university records. The position advances institutional priorities related to student and faculty research as well as community engagement and collaboration. This position will work with records of all types, including born-digital records such as websites, emails, and digital files, as well as audio-visual material. The University Archivist will support the full lifecycle of university records, which includes liaising with staff and faculty units about records management policies and the value of institutional records before transfer to the archives, as well as providing education and reference to researchers using these records of permanent value.
Responsibilities
  • Actively collect university records deemed of permanent value, including born digital materials and university websites
  • Supervise and perform University Archives collection management activities: accessioning, processing, preservation, and creation of finding aids, including training and supervising student workers to assist in this work
  • Provide reference services for University Archives, assisting virtual and in-person researchers (faculty, students, staff, and other researchers) in using university records
  • Liaise with campus offices on the interpretation and implementation of records retention schedules
  • Manage web archiving of university websites, including appraising URLs and setting appropriate capture schedules
  • Promote interest in the history of IUI/IUPUI and the historic neighborhoods predating the campus, through reference, instruction, and outreach efforts
  • Collaborate with Ruth Lilly Special Collections & Archives department members to improve service, provide access to collections, develop policies and procedures, and move department initiatives forward

Secondary responsibilities
  • Participate in development of records management policies in partnership with other campus archivists and the University Records Manager
  • Serve as a member of the Digital Collections Advisory Group, which is charged with setting priorities, establishing best practices for digital collections creation, and evaluating potential digital collections projects
  • Participate in University Library planning and decision-making activities
  • Participate in University Library and campus faculty organizations
  • Represent the library in local, state, and national library venues as appropriate.
  • Participate in library and university initiatives that advance campus and community engagement with distinctive collections
  • Support the mission, vision, values, and strategic priorities of University Library.

Basic Qualifications
Required Qualifications
  • Master's degree from an ALA-accredited Library/Information Science program or an equivalent degree
  • Minimum 2 years of professional experience in archives, including internships and part-time employment
  • Proven success in archives, including knowledge and experience in archival best practices, principles, and current trends, including born digital records
  • Experience processing large or complex archival collections and creating access tools (finding aids) for these collections
  • Excellent communication, collaboration, and project management skills
  • Ability to work both independently and collaboratively with a team environment

Preferred Qualifications
  • Knowledge of records management
  • Knowledge of web archiving
  • Experience with digital collections, including digital formats and digitization procedures
  • Knowledge of EAD (Encoded Archival Description)

Department Contact for Questions
Shauna Winter, HR Business Partner, shwint@iu.edu
Additional Qualifications
Salary and Rank
Special Instructions
For Best Consideration Date
Expected Start Date
01/01/2027
Posting Number
IU-101641-2026