The staff at the McHenry County Historical Society fields an average of 5 to 10 requests each day on property, building and site preservation, family history, business history and object conservation. The Society’s local history research library contains photographs; picture post cards; maps; journals; business, club, school and governmental records; standard local history books; biographical files; scrapbooks; newspapers and other documentary materials such as old phone directories and high school yearbooks which provide the answers to all sorts of questions.

In addition, technical books and pamphlets on everything from quilt repair to building restoration plus staff training in conservation, restoration and preservation, provide an invaluable one-stop resource for businesses, public groups and individuals.

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Learn about historical documents from the inside out, join our team

The McHenry County Historical Society is seeking a part-time librarian to assist in managing its robust research library.

Core responsibilities include management of reference requests from the public, assist in managing tasks for library volunteers, help draft library policies, craft procedures/policies governing the collection and management of digital images, lead future digitization projects, and work in conjunction with the Society’s Research Library Committee. Learn on the job from retired, professional librarians who volunteer.

Experienced librarian preferred but recent graduates or graduating MLS students considered. Practical experience counts. Flexible hours mirroring museum weekday hours, with 20 hours a week the norm. Some weekend work possible. Must be able to commute to the museum, located at 6422 Main St. in Union, IL.

This two-year, grant-funded position pays $18 an hour. No benefits. Potential for the hours and longevity of the position to increase in the future.

Forward a cover letter, resume and references to Administrator Kurt Begalka at kurt@mchenrycountyhistory.org.