Federal Work-Study: Special Collections Technical Services Rare Books Stacks Assistant (Student Wage)

University of Virginia•Charlottesville, VA

4d•Onsite

About The Position

The Rare Books Stacks Assistant organizes labels, shelves, shifts, and retrieves rare books and archival boxes in support of the Catalogers and Archivists in the Technical Services unit of Special Collections. This position reports to the Rare Book Catalogers. Setting and reliably maintaining a work schedule is important for success in this role. The work area’s temperature is generally below 65 degrees Fahrenheit to better preserve the collections, so employees should dress accordingly.

Requirements

Federal Work-Study (FWSA) eligibility during Fall/Spring semesters is required.
Passing of a background check is required for this position.
Good communication skills.
Reliability in scheduling.
Accuracy and attention to detail.
Ability to multi-task and finish tasks in a timely manner.
Ability to use strong analytical skills.
Ability to work and solve problems independently, as well as closely with others.
Ability to work in a restrictive, high security environment.
The ability to handle rare and special materials with care is required.
Excellent organizational skills.
Experience using Microsoft Word and Excel.
The ability to lift boxes that weight up to 40 lbs.
Working in a cold environment.
Ability to use ladders, book trucks, and other types of library equipment to retrieve and reshelve materials.
The ability to handwrite neatly and legibly is also required.
Current UVA student.
Resume and cover letter required.

Nice To Haves

Prior work in a special collections library or archive, or any library work experience.
Familiarity with the Library of Congress Classification system.
Experience with reading varied call number systems.
Familiarity with 18th, 19th, and 20th century materials.
Familiarity with rare book and archival principles and practices.

Responsibilities

Organize and shift rare books and other materials according to complex shelving arrangements.
Confirm call numbers against library catalog records and shelve newly cataloged rare book.
Pack, label, and barcode boxes and ensure accuracy with inventories.
Assist in the preparation of collection materials for transfers to off-site storage.
When needed, properly retrieve manuscript, university archive, and rare book materials for researcher requests and use in the reading room.
This work includes working and communicating with Public Services staff.
Additional duties may include individual projects assisting Technical Services team members as necessary.