Archives & Manuscripts Assistant

Title: Archives & Manuscripts Assistant
Division / Dept. : Research and Learning / Special Collections Research Center
Reports to: Processing Archivist/Head of Archives Processing and Digital
Work Schedule: Minimum of 8-10 hours per week (M-F, 8:30am-5pm)

Student positions at the University of Chicago Library are available only to University of Chicago students.

Responsibilities:

Performs tasks to enhance the discoverability and accessibility of collections, in accordance with ongoing Special Collections programs and initiatives.

  • Updates and edits finding aids for archival and manuscript collections to incorporate corrections and additions to existing description, as well as changes identified by audits identifying outdated or problematic language
  • Organizes and describes additions to existing processed collections
  • Rehouses materials in archival boxes and folders and identifies damaged or physically vulnerable materials and refers for appropriate preservation treatment
  • In consultation with supervisor, identifies material to be restricted in accordance with University and Library policies and donor gift agreements
  • Ensures proper labeling and barcoding of all containers for both circulation and possible transfer to the Automated Storage and Retrieval facility
  • Performs other duties as assigned

Qualifications:

  • Library experience, preferred
  • Excellent research and writing skills, required
  • Ability to conceptualize and organize large collections in diverse formats, required.
  • Strong attention to detail required.
  • Sensitivity to issues of privacy and confidentiality in dealing with restricted archival and manuscript material, required.
  • Ability to work independently and cooperatively with others, required.
  • Student should have basic computer literacy.

Physical Demand:

  • Ability to handle rare and fragile materials in a safe and sensitive manner required.
  • Ability to lift 40-pound boxes required.
  • Ability to work for extended periods at computer workstation required.
  • Ability to tolerate moderate levels of dust and odor required.

To Apply

Students interested in working for the library can apply online via our Library Student Employment Application. Candidates will be contacted via email for an interview.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran status, or status as an individual with disability.

The University of Chicago is an Affirmative Action / Equal Opportunity / Disabled / Veterans Employer.

Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process may contact Human Resources at Library HR with their request.