Archival Access Assistant - Zimmerman Library

The University of New Mexico • Albuquerque, NM

3d • Onsite

About The Position

The Center for Southwest Research and Special Collections (CSWR) seeks a motivated, dependable, and detail-oriented Student Library Assistant II to support archival public services, researcher access, and stewardship of rare and unique collections. Under general supervision, the student employee helps researchers access archival and special collections items, university records, photographs, oral histories, political archives, and digital resources while supporting the long-term storage, preservation, and accessibility of these materials.

The position combines customer service and collections retrieval and maintenance with scanning and digitization activities. The student assistant works directly with researchers, students, faculty, staff, and community members in the reading room and other public service environments. The role requires professionalism, discretion, sound judgment, and careful attention to detail when handling rare, fragile, and often irreplaceable materials and personal identifying information. It offers opportunities to develop research, archival, and public service skills through hands-on experience in special collections and archives.

Requirements

• Basic computer skills, including the ability to work in Microsoft Windows and use Microsoft Office.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to follow established procedures.
• Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills.
• Ability to work independently and exercise sound judgment.
• Ability to handle confidential or sensitive information with discretion.
• Ability to perform physical tasks including retrieving, lifting, moving, and shelving library and archival materials.

Nice To Haves

• Familiarity with New Mexico’s communities and languages.
• Organizational skills and ability to work independently.
• Interest in archives, history, public history, library science, museum studies, or related fields.
• Experience working in a customer service environment.
• Experience using Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel.
• Experience with scanning, digitization, or document imaging projects.
• Familiarity with archival, library, or special collections environments.
• Interest in research and the preservation of historical materials.

Responsibilities

• Provide courteous and professional customer service to researchers and visitors using CSWR collections and spaces.
• Retrieve, reshelve, and track archival materials, rare books, university records, and other special collections materials.
• Process and scan duplication and reproduction requests according to established policies and procedures.
• Create high-quality digital scans of archival materials and assist with quality control.
• Assist staff in monitoring and maintaining secure access to archival and manuscript collections in all relevant systems.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed