Special Collections & Area Research Center Assistant

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Position Title:

Special Collections & Area Research Center Assistant

Job Category:

University Staff

Employment Type:

Regular

Job Profile:

Library Assistant III

Job Duties:

Performs a wide range of complex library services that support the day-to-day operations of Murphy Library’s Special Collections and the Area Research Center (ARC), especially involving primary source materials and books that are rare, unique, and historically significant in nature. Triages and responds to emails and reference questions; collaborates in the hiring, training, and managing of student employees; processes archival collections; and serves as the point of contact for coordinating ARC Transfers. Other duties include assisting patrons from the campus and wider community; interpreting policies and procedures to answer non-routine questions and resolve issues; and using designated library tools and software to fulfill the needs of the unit. This position will consult with other units as needed and the Special Collections Librarian will serve as unit lead.

Physical demands (walking, lifting, equipment operations, etc.)

• The ability to sit for extended periods of time.

• Occasional lifting up to 50 pounds.

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The normal work schedule for this position is Monday through Friday 7:45 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

The review of applications starts on July 21, 2026. Applications received on or before July 21st are prioritized and review will continue until the position(s) is/are filled. Initial interviews will be conducted virtually, with shortlisted candidates invited to campus.

UW-La Crosse does not offer H-1B or other work authorization visa sponsorship for this position. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of hire and maintain work authorization throughout the employment term. If you have questions regarding this, please contact Human Resources at 608-785-8013.

Key Job Responsibilities:

Area Research Center Transfers:

• Coordinate ARC transfer requests with the transfer service currently in use
• Maintain relevant ARC transfer statistics
  
  

Additional duties and responsibilities (responsibilities/important duties performed in addition:

• Other duties as assigned by unit lead and supervisor

Supervisor of Record for Student Employees:

• Collaborate in recruiting, hiring, training, overseeing student employees
• Approve working hours for student employees
• Create and maintain student training guides and manuals

Support the day-to-day operations of Murphy Library's Special Collections and the Area Research Center (ARC):

• Triage reference inquiries received by email, phone, or in person and refer to the appropriateinformation or resource, which may include this position
• Compile resources as directed by unit lead
• Oversee visitor registration and check-in procedures and assist with annual usage reports
• Check in new books and materials and conduct shifting when necessary
• Track periodicals and other UW System publications
• In coordination with Student Outreach and Engagement unit, create signage and displays as needed
• Track, stock, and coordinate day-to-day supply orders with the administrative office
• Monitor computers and take necessary steps to ensure they’re in working order and up to date
• Catalog vertical files
• Manage payments and deposits in coordination with the administrative office
  

Archival Collection Processing:

• Assist with archival collections processing
• Using EAD standards, convert paper finding aids to digital versions
• Using EAD standards, create digital finding aids
  
  

Department:

Special Collections Murphy Library

Compensation:

$18.00/ hour

Required Qualifications:

• Minimum high school diploma required

• Knowledge and experience in the use of computer software (Microsoft Office Suite, Google Docs, IOS)

• Knowledge and experience in the use of email (Outlook) functions as well as e-calendars.

• Effective oral and written communications

• Excellent organizational and time management skills

• Ability to coordinate projects, work independently, and to independently set priorities to meet the demands of the unit

• The ability to multi-task when necessary

• Attention to detail, timelines, and deadlines, despite frequent interruptions

• Knowledge of policies, procedures, and protocol in a library

• Ability to work effectively with people across multiple levels of the organization and the public

• Ability to use discretion and good judgment regarding confidential information

• Ability and willingness to maintain and enhance professional competencies by participating in professional development (workshops, webinars, training sessions) related to the unit

Preferred Qualifications:

• Knowledge of policies, procedures, and protocol in an archival setting

• Knowledge of EAD coding to create digital finding aids

• Knowledge of handling fragile materials in an archival setting

• Knowledge of scanning 2D materials

• Knowledge in the use of Alma software

How to Apply:

Required application documents

Cover letter (that addresses the required and preferred qualifications) 

CV / Resume

Contact Information:

Sean Hurtubise, [email protected]

Special Notes:

Application deadlines 
TO ENSURE CONSIDERATION: Priority consideration is given to those candidates who apply by the listed ‘First Review Date’. Applications received after that date may be considered at the discretion of the search committee. Application materials will be evaluated, and the most qualified applicants will be invited to participate in the next step of the selection process. Incomplete and/or late application materials may not receive consideration. If you have questions regarding this recruitment, or if you are not able to complete the application online due to a disability or system problem, please contact the Office of Human Resources. 

Confidentiality of Applicant Materials 
UWL is a state agency and subject to Wisconsin’s Open Records Law. UWL will not, however, reveal the identities of applicants who request confidentiality in writing except as may be required by Wisconsin’s Open Records law. In certain circumstances, the identities of “final candidates” and/or the identity of the appointed applicant must be revealed upon request. 
 
CBC & Reference Check Policy 
All candidates for employment are subject to a pre-employment screening which includes a criminal background check, work authorization, and verification of education. It will also require you and your references to answer questions regarding sexual violence and sexual harassment. 

Annual Security and Fire Safety Report (Clery Act) 
For the UWL Annual Security and Fire Safety Reports (i.e., Clery Report), which includes statistics about reported crimes and information about campus security policies, see http://www.uwlax.edu/student-life/student-resources/annual-security-report/ or contact the University Police Department at 608.785.9000. 

INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR BENEFITS 
Your benefits add an additional 40%+ to the overall financial package from the university. 
Highlights include: 

• Paid vacation for 12-month positions. 

• Excellent flexible health insurance with low co-pays and good coverage. 

• Paid holidays and paid sick days.

• After 5 years of employment, you become vested in our retirement system which ensures income post-career. 

• Benefits at UWL are highly competitive with local industry and some of the strongest in state and nation. 

 
Benefit eligibility is determined at the point of hire. This information is provided for illustrative purposes only. Benefits are also pro-rated based on the appointment percentage.

UW is an Equal Opportunity Employer
Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, pregnancy, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other bases protected by applicable federal or State law and UW System policies. We are committed to building a workforce that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills, and encourage all qualified individuals to apply.