Library Special Collections and Archives Assistant

POSITION SUMMARY

The Library Special Collections and Archives Assistant hires, trains, supervises, and evaluates student assistants while providing reference assistance to researchers on campus and around the world who use Special Collections and Archives materials. Core responsibilities include accessioning, processing, and maintaining materials and collections; creating finding aids; evaluating and organizing college records in coordination with campus departments; and digitizing documents to support reference needs and current digital projects. The position also curates physical and online displays, assists with outreach efforts for Special Collections and the Libraries, coordinates special projects, and supports the Special Collections Librarian and College Archivist with class visits and instructional sessions.

This role designates confidentiality status for sensitive materials and processes and provides appropriate access in accordance with established policies and the special nature of the collections. The position identifies and takes steps to stabilize materials requiring preservation or conservation treatment and supports general operational functions of the department. All work is carried out with the needs of current and future library users in mind and in alignment with the mission of the College and its Libraries. Regular on-site presence is required to supervise student employees and work directly with physical collections.

Key Responsibilities

• Hire, train, supervise, and evaluate student assistants, schedule student shifts, and coordinate student projects.
• Provide research assistance to users of the Libraries’ Special Collections and Archives, including answering reference questions from college administrative offices.
• Accession and process collections; create metadata and finding aids; and curate exhibitions (physical and virtual). Oversee and/or collaborate on special projects, including binding, microfilming, digitization initiatives, stacks maintenance, collection shifts, and student supervision.
• Work collaboratively with other library staff on planning and projects and contribute to campus-wide initiatives.
• Support donor and alumni relations, including coordinating donations of materials and representing Special Collections during annual and special Reunion events.
• Collaborate with the Special Collections Librarian to prepare for class visits, including selecting materials, preparing activities and exercises, assisting in leading instructional sessions, and occasionally conducting class sessions independently.