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How the new Obama Presidential Center creates pathways for archivists, librarians, curators, and information professionals
On June 18, 2026, the Obama Presidential Center opened in Chicago1, drawing world leaders and performers including Bruce Springsteen and John Legend.
For LIS professionals, the event introduces a new institutional model: a privately operated museum, a public park, and a library branch, all separate from NARA's federal presidential library system. That split creates a practical tension: the familiar pathway through USAJOBS does not apply. Instead, MLIS graduates encounter foundation jobs, library science careers, and fellowships with distinct hiring processes and salary scales.
The opening reaffirms the mission of LIS professionals to champion verifiable records and civic literacy amid competing narratives.
What kinds of library science jobs can I find at a presidential library, and what qualifications do they require?
Presidential libraries operated by the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) offer a distinct blend of archival, library, and public history work. While each institution has unique needs, several core roles consistently appear across the system.
All permanent NARA positions are posted on USAJOBS.gov. Search for keywords like "archivist," "digital archivist," or "presidential library" and filter by agency (National Archives and Records Administration). Pay scales follow the General Schedule (GS); entry-level professional roles often start at GS-7 or GS-9, requiring a master's degree (such as an MLIS) or equivalent experience. Mid-career positions typically fall in the GS-11 to GS-12 range, while supervisory or highly specialized roles can reach GS-13 and above. Federal salary tables for the Chicago area (where the Obama Presidential Center is located) provide locality-adjusted pay.
Competitive candidates often combine an ALA-accredited MLIS degree with hands-on experience gained through internships or practicums. Specialized coursework in archival management, digital curation, and metadata creation is valuable. Professional associations like the Society of American Archivists (SAA) and the American Library Association (ALA) outline competency guidelines and offer career resources for library science professionals. For federal applications, tailor your resume to address the specialized experience and education requirements listed in each vacancy announcement, using the language of the OPM Classification Standards.
When library and information science professionals explore opportunities at the Obama Presidential Center, they quickly discover that the name actually refers to three separate organizations, each with its own mission, employer, and career paths. Confusing them can derail a job search, so understanding the distinctions is essential.
Only the NARA library has the statutory responsibility to steward presidential records. Under the Presidential Records Act, it handles the intake, processing, declassification, and eventual public release of millions of documents and electronic files.4 The Foundation center, by contrast, focuses on storytelling, exhibits, and leadership training. It does not manage the official archive. The CPL branch operates like any other public library, with a mission to serve the community.
For MLIS graduates seeking traditional archival work with presidential records, the NARA library is the direct match, though hiring is highly competitive. If you are still weighing whether archival work is the right direction, reviewing archivist career requirements can help clarify the credentials and skills involved. The Foundation center suits those drawn to public programming, museum education, or nonprofit management. The CPL branch stands out as an accessible entry point: it offers standard public librarian roles that are ideal for new professionals eager to build community librarianship experience within a high-profile setting.
An ALA-accredited Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS) degree is the minimum credential for archivist and librarian roles at the Obama Presidential Center and all federally operated presidential libraries. Equivalent degrees such as a Master of Library Science (MLS) or Master of Information Science (MIS) from an ALA-accredited program carry the same weight. Some archives-specific posts also accept a master's in public history or archival science, though the MLIS remains the most versatile and widely expected qualification.
The archival studies degree curriculum typically includes coursework in archival theory, collection management, preservation, and reference services. For the Obama Presidential Library, prospective candidates should seek specializations in digital curation, records management, or public history. A growing number of programs offer dual degrees that combine the MLIS with a Master of Arts in history or museum studies, which can be advantageous for curator or exhibit-development positions.
Presidential libraries increasingly value hands-on technical proficiencies. Core competencies include: - Encoding Archival Description using EAD/XML standards for online finding aids. - Applying Dublin Core and DACS metadata standards for consistent resource description. - Operating digital preservation tools such as Archivematica and BitCurator for managing and validating born-digital content. - Experience with ArchivesSpace or Archivists' Toolkit for collection management and public access interfaces. - Familiarity with web archiving tools and email preservation platforms, which are critical for processing Obama-era electronic records.
Curatorial and exhibit-design roles at the Obama Presidential Center blend library science with museum practice. Reviewing the MLIS vs MAS degree comparison can help candidates decide which credential best aligns with these hybrid roles. A dual MLIS/MA in museum studies or public history is highly regarded, and coursework in exhibition planning, interpretive design, and educational programming positions candidates for these competitive posts. For all positions housed within the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), U.S. citizenship is a strict requirement. Non-citizen applicants should explore partner-organization or contractor roles that may be open to permanent residents.
Salary estimates below come from the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, while growth projections are based on 2024-2034 outlook data. Curator specific figures are not available separately but are reflected in the broader Librarians, Curators, and Archivists category.
| Occupation | Median Annual Salary | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile | Employment (2024) | Projected Growth (2024-2034) | Annual Openings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Archivists | $61,570 | $47,890 | $79,850 | 7,050 | 3.8% | 1,100 |
| Librarians and Media Collections Specialists | $64,320 | $50,920 | $80,640 | 131,830 | 1.7% | 13,500 |
| Librarians, Curators, and Archivists | $57,100 | $40,410 | $74,800 | 238,010 | N/A | N/A |
The Obama Presidential Center, designed by Tod Williams and Billie Tsien of Tod Williams Billie Tsien Architects, occupies 19 acres in Chicago's Jackson Park.1 The campus weaves a granite-clad museum tower, the Forum building, and a Chicago Public Library branch into a landscape of sloped planted surfaces, gardens, plazas, and pedestrian paths.2 The design emphasizes openness and civic gathering, with public spaces that connect the community to the center's mission. Exhibit interiors, led by Ralph Appelbaum Associates with Civic Projects Architecture, blend storytelling with architecture, including the "Words of Hope" installation by Pentagram.3
The tower's sculptural form and planted rooflines extend the surrounding park upward, while the integrated library branch provides direct public access. These architectural choices demand professionals who can balance aesthetics with functional needs like archival storage conditions. For library science graduates, understanding how buildings support preservation and public engagement is increasingly valuable.
The complexity of presidential centers creates specialized roles. Exhibit designers work with curators to create interactive displays that adhere to conservation standards. Audiovisual and digital experience designers craft immersive tools that bring historical materials to life. Facilities planners ensure that behind-the-scenes spaces meet strict requirements for climate control, fire suppression, and security, even if specific conservation facilities at the center have not been publicly detailed.4 These positions often list an MLIS or equivalent archive-focused degree as a preferred qualification.
A growing number of positions blend traditional archival training with user experience (UX), digital humanities, or museum studies. MLIS alumni career paths show that MLIS holders who can prototype digital exhibits, manage metadata for interactive installations, or lead visitor research are in demand. Presidential libraries are not just repositories; they are interpretive spaces where every design decision educates. For professionals eyeing architecture-adjacent careers, pairing an MLIS with coursework in exhibit planning or spatial design opens doors to roles that shape how history is experienced. Dual MLIS degree combinations with museum studies or digital humanities are one practical route into this growing field.
Landing a role at a presidential library requires navigating several distinct application channels, each with its own timeline and requirements. The Obama Presidential Center's opening adds a new set of career pathways beyond the traditional federal model.
NARA's Pathways Program is the primary pipeline for students and recent graduates. It offers paid internships for current MLIS or public history students, a Recent Graduates track for those who finished a degree within two years (six years for qualified veterans), and the elite Presidential Management Fellows (PMF) Program. Application windows typically open in the fall for spring placements and in spring for summer or fall cohorts. All Pathways positions can convert to permanent roles after successful completion.
The library associations for MLIS students , chiefly the Society of American Archivists (SAA) and the American Library Association (ALA) , offer direct pathways into presidential library careers. SAA awards scholarships like the Mosaic Scholarship and hosts a Career Center at its annual meeting, connecting emerging professionals with mentors and recruiters. The ALA offers Spectrum Scholarships for MLIS students from underrepresented groups and maintains a job board rich with presidential library postings. For funding support, MLIS scholarships and financial aid can offset the cost of degrees and conference attendance that make these connections possible. Additionally, the National Historical Publications and Records Commission (NHPRC) funds archival residencies that occasionally place fellows in presidential libraries.
As the Obama Presidential Center opens in Chicago, many library science professionals are wondering how to start or advance a career at a presidential library. Below, we answer common questions about the education, job types, and application processes for these unique institutions.
An ALA-accredited MLIS and an Academy of Certified Archivists (CA) credential are the baseline for competitive applicants at presidential libraries. The Obama Presidential Center's June 2026 opening signals a once-in-a-generation hiring wave for digital archivists, public history educators, and collection managers. Positions span the Center, the NARA-operated library, and the CPL branch, each requiring the skills taught in library science career programs. Bookmark USAJobs.gov and obama.org/careers now. Pursue CA or Digital Archives Specialist (DAS) certification to stand out, and position yourself for roles that safeguard the factual record at a pivotal moment for the profession.
