Student Archival Assistant, Small Special Collections Library - Federal Work-Study Position (Student Wage)
Uva
·Yesterday
- Salary
- $16+
- Location
- Harrison Institute And Small Special Collections Library, United States of America
- Type
- Part-time
- Source
- Workday
Description
Federal Work Study required: Work-Study (FWSA) eligibility during Fall/Spring semesters is required. Work-Study employment is effective August 25, 2026 – May 14, 2027.
Working hours are from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday-Friday. For more information about the Albert & Shirley Small Special Collections Library, please visit http://small.library.virginia.edu/
Main duties:
- Organize and re-house collections and enter the information into the ArchivesSpace database, or any other platform the student is trained to use.
- Transfer digital files with archival tools at a basic level.
- May also participate in packing/unpacking of collections, creating collection inventories, labeling folders, photo-documenting digital media, and making photocopies.
- Material retrieval: The student assistant will be trained in how to properly retrieve manuscript, university archive, and rare book materials for patron requests.
- Additional duties may include shifting boxes and special projects.
This is a part-time position (up to 10 hours a week) paying $16.71 per hour, and is available to undergraduate and graduate Federal Work Study students beginning August 25, 2026 with the position ending May 14, 2027.
This position requires a minimum commitment of 7 hours per week, and the ability to adhere to a strict schedule. The temperature in the work area is maintained at below 65 degrees Fahrenheit to better preserve the collections, so employees should dress accordingly.
Passing of a background check is required for this position.
Please include a resume with your application. A cover letter is strongly encouraged.
Qualifications:
Strong sense of self-motivation, and strong analytical skills. Critical and open-minded thinking. Interest in history, photographs, digital records, and personal papers. Experience using the Microsoft Office suite. Critical Ability to lift 40-pound boxes occasionally.
Data entry and/or experience working with databases. Ability to handle rare and special materials with care. Excellent organizational skills, good communication skills, attention to detail, and ability to complete tasks with a high level of accuracy. Ability to multi-task and finish tasks in a timely manner, and ability to work independently as well as closely with others.
Preferred Qualifications:
Experience working in a special collections library or archive, or any library work experience. Experience with reading 18th, 19th, and or 20th century hand-written documents including cursive; familiarity with archival principles and practices. Familiarity with the Library of Congress Classification system. Familiarity with U.S. and Virginia history, or American literature. Clear and legible handwriting. Foreign language skills a plus.
The University of Virginia is an equal opportunity employer. All interested persons are encouraged to apply, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Learn more about UVA’s commitment to non-discrimination and equal opportunity employment.