Employer: Stanford University
Location: Stanford, CA, United States
Category: Library
Job function: Librarian
Workplace type: On-site
Contract type: Regular
Grade: G
Posted: 2026-09-10T17:51:05+00:00
The position is dual posted at Librarian 1 and 2.
In support of a vibrant community of scholars and the public interested in the meaning and role of history, the Hoover Institution Library & Archives at Stanford University is open to anyone. To support our active researcher population we are seeking a knowledgeable, dynamic, innovative, and service-oriented professional for the full-time Academic Staff (Career Track) position of Research Services Archivist.
Please submit a cover letter and resume along with your online application for full consideration.
About Stanford University’s Hoover Institution:
The Hoover Institution on War, Revolution, and Peace is a public policy research center devoted to the advanced study of economics, politics, history, and political economy—both domestic and foreign—as well as international affairs.
Founded in 1919 by Herbert Hoover before he became the thirty-first president of the United States, the Institution began as a repository of historical material gathered at the end of World War I. The library and archives have grown to be among the largest private repositories of documents on twentieth-century political and economic history. Over time the Institution expanded its mission from collecting archival material to conducting advanced research on contemporary history and economics and applying this scholarship to current public policy challenges.
With its eminent scholars and world-renowned library and archives, the Hoover Institution seeks to improve the human condition by advancing ideas that promote economic opportunity and prosperity while securing and safeguarding peace for America and all humanity.
JOB PURPOSE:
The Research Services team works collaboratively to provide reference support in the reading room, via email, phone, zoom consultations, and remote assistance. To support our active researcher population, the Reference Archivist manages remote reference operations connecting a vibrant community of scholars and the broader public to a special collection of one million volumes and more than six thousand archival collections documenting war, revolution, and peace in the twentieth and twenty-first centuries. This position is fully onsite.
CORE DUTIES:
- Assist with daily reading room operations, staff the reference desk, and enforce reading room rules and security.
- Manages an active remote reference program, including providing research assistance via email, phone, zoom, and through digital imaging services, problem solving and troubleshooting inquiries.
- Assists with permissions to publish and copyright inquiries.
- Supports the duplication order process, including handling payments, tracking orders to completion, maintaining order data, and facilitating electronic delivery of files.
- Engage in the analysis, development, and implementation of systems, tools, technologies, and standards to improve digitization workflows, research access, and user interfaces.
- Work with the Research Services team to collect and maintain statistics, reports, and other metrics on operations and services.
- Assist with the supervision, hiring, and training of staff and student assistants.
- Teach classes, lead tours and/or give demonstrations of library resources.
- Independently analyze problems and recommend solutions, displaying a high degree of initiative, originality, and judgment.
- Serves as a liaison with the Hoover History Lab, supporting collaborative research initiatives
- Collaborate with Library & Archives staff and the larger Stanford community on education and outreach activities to promote the use of the collections.
* Other duties may also be assigned.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
Education & Experience:
Librarian 1
- Advanced degree in Library Science or a relevant academic discipline with an archival concentration and demonstrated understanding of academic libraries, including reference assistance (in-person and remote) and familiarity with permissions and intellectual property issues, or a combination of education and relevant experience.
Librarian 2
- Advanced degree in Library Science or a relevant academic discipline with an archival concentration and demonstrated understanding of academic libraries, including reference assistance (in-person and remote) and familiarity with permissions and intellectual property issues, and two years of relevant experience, or a combination of education and relevant experience.
Librarian 1 (Demonstrated experience)
- A high level of comfort working with the public. Ability to assess, anticipate needs, and be a flexible problem solver, to work with the public with tact and patience.
- Evidence of a commitment to special collections and archives research services, including a keen interest in promoting the research use and appreciation of rare and primary source materials.
- Effective written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills, with the ability to address customer expectations for a wide variety of audiences.
- Established understanding of the principles of archival and library theory, practice, standards and controlled vocabularies.
- Familiarity with intellectual property issues related to archives and special collections.
- Knowledge regarding best practices for handling fragile collection materials and the ability to identify potential preservation concerns.
- Awareness of working with multiple audio/video formats and files.
- Effective at meeting deadlines, adjusting priorities, and working on multiple projects simultaneously with keen attention to detail and affinity for project tracking and recordkeeping.
- Evidence of an ability to be organized, productive, and effective in a fast-paced and dynamic environment, with the capacity to engage with others to identify challenges/opportunities and work collaboratively on solutions.
To be considered at the Librarian 2 level, these additional qualifications apply.
Librarian 2 (Demonstrated experience)
- Experience with working with the public. Ability to assess, anticipate needs, and be a flexible problem solver, to work with the public with tact and patience.
- Demonstrated understanding of special collections and archives research services, including a keen interest in promoting the research use and appreciation of rare and primary source materials.
- Highly effective written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills, with the ability to address customer expectations for a wide variety of audiences.
- Established understanding of the principles of archival and library theory, practice, standards and controlled vocabularies.
- Understanding of intellectual property issues related to archives and special collections.
- Knowledge regarding best practices for handling fragile collection materials and the ability to identify potential preservation concerns.
- Experience working with multiple audio/video formats and files.
- Effective at meeting deadlines, adjusting priorities, and working on multiple projects simultaneously with keen attention to detail and affinity for project tracking and recordkeeping.
- Demonstrated ability to be organized, productive, and effective in a fast-paced and dynamic environment, with the capacity to engage with others to identify challenges/opportunities and work collaboratively on solutions.
PREFERRED EXPERIENCE:
- Experience with digital asset management systems and digital repositories, spreadsheet-based metadata generation using Google Sheets and/or Excel, and project tracking systems and/or software such as Trello.
- Working knowledge of one or more non-English languages; particularly Chinese, Russian, Polish, Japanese with other additional languages desirable.
Certifications and Licenses:
None
Hoover Institution Library & Archives budgeted salary range is:
The expected pay range for Librarian 1 level is $72,911 - $136,9101
The expected pay range for Librarian 2 level is $89,165 - $166,441
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS*:
- Perform desk-based computer tasks.
- Frequently twist/bend/stoop/squat, grasp lightly/fine manipulation, grasp forcefully, sort/file paperwork or parts, lift/carry/push/pull objects that weigh up to 15 pounds.
- Occasionally stand/walk, reach/work above shoulders, writing by hand, kneel/crawl, climb (ladders, scaffolds, or other).
- Occasionally use a telephone, operate hand controls.
- Must be able to push and maneuver a fully loaded cart weighing up to 650 pounds that requires an initial push force up to 50 pounds.
*Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodation to any employee with a disability who requires accommodation to perform the essential functions of his or her job.
WORKING CONDITIONS:
- May work in confined spaces and at heights 4-10 feet; be exposed to dust and mold; work extended hours, evenings, and weekends.
- Travel locally and cross-university.
WORK STANDARDS:
- Interpersonal Skills: Demonstrates the ability to work well with Stanford colleagues and clients and with external organizations.
- Promote Culture of Safety: Demonstrates commitment to personal responsibility and value for safety; communicates safety concerns; uses and promotes safe behaviors based on training and lessons learned.
- Subject to and expected to comply with all applicable University policies and procedures, including but not limited to the personnel policies and other policies found in the University's Administrative Guide, http://adminguide.stanford.edu.