Project Archivist

Newberry Library; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 40,000 - 49,000; Full time

Job summary

The Newberry Library in Chicago, IL is seeking a Project Archivist to arrange, preserve, and describe the archives of Links Hall. This one-year position reports to the Lloyd Lewis Curator of Modern Manuscripts and Archives and is based onsite with standard hours from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday.

Required qualifications include MLIS or equivalent, superb communication skills, and the ability to work independently in a busy environment.

Qualifications

• Current enrollment in or completion of MLIS or comparable graduate degree.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, collaboratively, and productively in a busy environment.
• Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• One–two years of experience with manuscript and archival collections (preferred).

Responsibilities

• Arrange, preserve, and re-house physical collection according to archival principles and practices.
• Create descriptive inventories and perform authority work for names, subjects, places, and genre terms.
• Assist in outreach and communications activities such as collection presentations and preparing social media posts.

Skills

Communication skills

Oral and written communication

Independent working

Diversity and inclusion

Education

MLIS or comparable graduate degree

Tools

Archival management systems

Job description

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact this employer to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.

Project Archivist

Professional Chicago, IL, US

Salary: $44,500.00 Annually

ABOUT THE NEWBERRY:The Newberry collection—some 1.6 million books, 600,000 maps, and 5 million manuscript pages—is a portal to more than six centuries of human history, from the Middle Ages to the present. We connect researchers and visitors with our collection in the Newberry’s reading rooms, exhibition galleries, program spaces, classrooms, and online digital resources.

Since its founding in 1887, the Newberry has remained dedicated to deepening our collective understanding of ourselves and the world around us. As individuals engage with Newberry collections and staff, they discover stories that bridge the past and present and illuminate the human condition.

The Newberry’s community of discovery is driven by a shared commitment to promoting research, inspiring learning, and using inquiry across the humanities as a tool to engage critically in a vibrant democratic society.

SUMMARY: Reporting to the Lloyd Lewis Curator of Modern Manuscripts and Archives, the Project Archivist will arrange, preserve, house, and describe the archives of Links Hall. This role is limited to no more than one year in duration.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Arrange, preserve, and re-house physical collection according to archival principles and practices.
• Create descriptive inventories and perform authority work for names, subjects, places, and genre terms.
• Assist in outreach and communications activities such as collection presentations and preparing social media posts.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Required :

• Current enrollment in or completion of MLIS or comparable graduate degree.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, collaboratively, and productively in a busy environment.
• Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Preferred :

• One-two years of experience working with manuscript and archival collections.
• Knowledge of archival management systems and digital asset management systems.
• Interest in Chicago history and/or performing arts history.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Physical strength, mobility, and endurance with the ability to lift up to 40 pounds occasionally. Physical ability to print neatly and legibly with pencil. Visual ability to read print and cursive handwriting.

SCHEDULE : This is a full‑time, exempt position, working 35 hours a week, with normal hours generally from 9:00AM-5:00PM, Monday through Friday or Tuesday through Saturday. Work outside of these hours may be required. The incumbent will be required to work onsite. The time period will be November 2026 – October 2027.

BENEFITS:For more information, please see the "What We Offer" section on the Newberry Careers page .

THE NEWBERRY LIBRARY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.