About the role
Work hands-on with rare manuscripts and archival collections! The University of Virginia Library collects, curates, and facilitates access to rare and unique materials, chiefly in the Albert and Shirley Small Special Collections Library. Accessioning is the foundation of archival stewardship: appraising, transferring, stabilizing, and documenting new acquisitions. This student position supports that work, including inventorying, rehousing, and researching collections, and will be trained and supervised by the Accessioning Archivist. This role offers hands-on experience with archival methods, including hands-on training in ArchivesSpace (the field-standard collection management system), digital preservation workflows, and direct contact with rare historical materials spanning centuries.
Main duties may include:
- Help unpack collections and verify contents
- Create collection inventories in the Microsoft Office suite
- Barcode and labeling boxes and folders
- Rehousing collection material into archival containers
- Shelving collection material
- Entering data and creating stub records into the ArchivesSpace, a collection management system
- Participate in digital accessioning activities including entering data into spreadsheets, photographing physical media, migrating materials off media (floppy disks, CDs, DVDs, etc) and running basic reports using a Forensic Workstation
- Additional duties may include working on special projects identified by the supervisor and occasionally helping Public Services staff pull items from the stacks
Basic Information
Location: Charlottesville, Virginia, United States, primarily in the Albert and Shirley Special Collections Library
Hourly Compensation: $ 16.71
Time Commitment: Up to 10 hours a week. Working hours are from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday-Friday.
Start Date: This position is available beginning August 25
Federal Work Study required: Work-Study (FWSA) eligibility during Fall/Spring semesters is required.
A background check is required for this position
Please include a resume and cover letter with your application.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
Education: Current UVA student
Qualifications:
- Federal Work Study eligible
- Accuracy, attention to detail, and excellent organizational skills
- Adaptability and agility in work assignments and finish tasks in a timely manner
- Excellent communication skills and ability to ask questions
- Experience using the Microsoft Office suite
- Comfortable reading 18th, 19th, and or 20th century hand-written documents
- Ability to work independently
Preferred Qualifications:
- Familiarity with U.S. and Virginia history, or American literature
- Data entry experience
- Foreign language or computer skills
.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
This is primarily a sedentary job involving extensive use of desktop computers. However, please note that this position requires some physical work and may require moving boxes of up to 50lbs, climbing ladders, and pushing heavy carts.
The University of Virginia is an equal opportunity employer. All interested persons are encouraged to apply, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Learn more about UVA’s commitment to non-discrimination and equal opportunity employment.
Aplyr's read
The University of Virginia offers a blend of rigorous academics and public service, attracting students and staff committed to impactful education and community involvement.
What's promising
- •Strong emphasis on public service and community engagement enhances educational experience.
- •Diverse student wage roles provide flexible employment opportunities for students.
- •Renowned for its historic campus and strong academic reputation.
What to watch
- •Limited public information about career advancement opportunities for non-academic staff.
- •High competition for student positions may limit job availability.
- •Some roles are temporary or seasonal, affecting job stability.
Why University of Virginia
- •Founded by Thomas Jefferson, offering a unique historical perspective.
- •Charlottesville location provides a picturesque setting with rich cultural heritage.
- •Commitment to public service is deeply embedded in its institutional mission.
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About University of Virginia
The University of Virginia is a public research university located in Charlottesville, Virginia. Founded by Thomas Jefferson in 1819, it is known for its rigorous academic programs and commitment to public service.