Special Collections and Archives Librarian, Part-Time (Non-Exempt)
Why Join Us?
Consider joining our creative and dynamic team! As the Special Collections and Archives Librarian, you will oversee day-to-day operations while managing targeted library projects for the Denver Art Museum’s Frederick R. Mayer Library. The library’s holdings are comprised of the museum’s main campus library, the rare & fragile book collection, the Kirkland library, and various archival materials. You will also assist the volunteer staff aide overseeing the volunteer library. The Librarian works closely with the provenance research department, while serving as the point of contact for library and archive assistance for museum staff, volunteers, and outside researchers.
Work Schedule: This position is not eligible for remote work. Flexible schedule, 28 hrs/week, M-F, between 9a-5p.
This position reports to the Provenance Researcher in the Curatorial department.
Position type: This position will be covered by a Collective Bargaining Agreement with AFSCME-CWU.
Pay Range: $25.50 – $31.90 per hour, based on experience.
Perks & Benefits: Free DAM Family Membership; 4 hours of personal time plus Colorado paid sick leave; Employee Assistance Program; subscription to Headspace; 403(b) Retirement Plan with immediate eligibility to contribute; those who meet the requirements after one year and 1,000 hours qualify for the 3% non-elective contribution and 2% match program; and more. This position is based at the Denver Art Museum, which only has a pay-to-park option. Discounted parking is available. Free RTD Eco Pass.
What You’ll Do
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Responsible for all day-to-day library access, activities and functions
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Refine and implement library policies and procedures to ensure safety and preservation of the collection
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Organize and maintain the museum’s library collections of books, periodicals, selected archives, and other reference materials
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Perform original and complex cataloging for both print and non-print formats in accordance with national standards, such as Resource Description and Access (RDA), Library of Congress Classification, and Library of Congress Subject Headings
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Conduct authority work and create locally controlled vocabularies to support the collections
- Serve as the vendor liaison, administrator, and point of contact for the Integrated Library System (ILS), managing all applicable modules, including the Online Public Access Catalog (OPAC), Online Computer Library Center (OCLC), or any other associated products and metadata services
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Responsible for acquisitions, cataloging, circulation, and data reporting
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Assess, make recommendations, implement and oversee projects that address the museum’s library collection and archive materials
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Work independently and in collaboration with the museum’s volunteer manager to select, oversee, and train volunteers for various short- and long-term projects
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Work closely with existing volunteer library staff aides on current, on-going projects
Other Duties:
- Manage, research, and respond to library department emails and queries
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Collaborate with affiliated community academic programs to facilitate museum staff access to Special Community Member (SCM) accounts
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Select, supervise, train, and schedule interns
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Manage content and updates for the library department webpage
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Manage expenses within the library’s annual budget to include acquisitions, subscriptions, supplies, and other related needs
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Stay updated on industry trends and best practices in museum librarianship
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Attend monthly all-staff meetings
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Conduct department administrative tasks
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Perform additional duties as needed to support departmental and organizational goals
Consistent usage of the Racial Equity Lens in day-to-day operations
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What We’re Looking for
- Master of Library Science degree (MLS or MLIS) from an American Library Association accredited program
- 3+ years of experience, or a combination of experience and education, in libraries, special collections, and archives to include working with records, processes, maintenance, and preservation of materials
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Strong project management skills and experience in managing multiple projects at once
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Experience with OCLC and the staff functions of an automated library system
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Experience with AACR2, LCSH, LC-Classification, USMARC formats and other standard cataloging tools
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Experience with Integrated Library Systems (ILS), Surpass software preferred
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Experience with library archiving software, knowledge of ArchivesSpace preferred
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Strong knowledge of information management principles and practices
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Experience cataloging, metadata services, databases, archives management, and digital resource management
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Experience overseeing volunteers and interns preferred
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Experience and competencies with budget management
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Excellent interpersonal, organizational, and problem-solving skills
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Ability to demonstrate initiative, innovation, and flexibility, including proposing process improvements
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Ability to work independently with minimal supervision
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Prior experience with museum library collections a plus
Work Environment
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Sitting, working with hands and fingers, talking, listening, looking, reading
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Office, file room, art storage, and library settings
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Bending low or climbing ladders to access books, files, archives or other library related material
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Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. of library related material
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Subject to interruptions
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Computer, Microsoft Office suite, Printer, Photocopier, Scanner
What to Expect from Our Hiring Process
We know that searching for a job can be stressful so we would like to give you an overview of the process.
- This role may require a phone/video screen and interview with the hiring manager held in-person at the DAM.
- Due to the high volume of applications, we are unable to respond to phone calls or emails regarding application status. Candidates selected for interviews will be contacted directly.
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Application Deadline: July 27, 2026
Who We Are
At the Denver Art Museum, we are deeply committed to standing against discrimination, violence, and hate in all forms against any individual or group. And we remain focused on fostering inclusion, equal opportunity, and belonging inside and out.
The museum serves as a platform for creative expression and community well-being by collecting and presenting work by artists from diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences, including those communities that have been historically underrepresented in museums. We give space to a wide range of artist voices by sharing the work of and collaborating with artists and creatives from all races, backgrounds, and identities.
We believe that art and creativity have the power to promote mutual understanding and highlight our shared humanity—connecting, inspiring, and empowering people and communities. The museum’s board of trustees, volunteers, and staff remain committed to being an anti-racist organization and making the Denver Art Museum an inclusive and diverse place where everyone always feels welcome.
