Part-Time Research Services Assistant

The Eberly Family Special Collections Library seeks applicants to fill its open Research Services Assistant positions. Working under the general supervision of the Head of Research Services and alongside Special Collections staff, the Research Services Assistant will support reference through multiple outlets, including: interacting with researchers during reference desk shifts (in-person and telephone), supporting remote reference through staff-directed research and scanning, and assisting with daily or long-term assignments to make Special Collections' materials available and more accessible to researchers. Work hours are flexible, but are situated between Monday through Friday, 9am-4:30pm.

Hrs./week: 20-24 (schedule will be determined by mutual agreement with supervisor)
Job Start Date: May 2025

Job End Date: August 2025 with preference for availability through Fall 2025 and Spring 2026 semesters

Job Duties:

• Provide researchers with in-person assistance during regularly scheduled reference desk shifts in the Special Collections Library Reading and Reference Rooms.

• Monitor the reading room and use of archival and rare materials during reference desk shifts.

• Retrieve and reshelve archival collections and rare books.

• Contribute to remote reference work through directed research assignments and photoduplication orders.

• Use appropriate tools to locate relevant collection material for researcher use.

• Assist in course-related instruction preparations and activities.

• Participate in is Special Collections and University Libraries outreach and engagement events and projects.

• Additional job duties may include project-driven assignments to improve access to collections or allow for more efficient research service.

Requirements and qualifications:

• Customer service aptitude

• Attention to detail and problem-solving abilities

• Teamwork and flexibility

• Organizational skills

• Clear communication in both written and verbal formats

• Adept with Microsoft Office software suite, and familiarity with Adobe PDF tools

• Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.

Preferred:

• Experience working in a library or other similar settings

• Familiarity with special collections material (archives, manuscripts, rare books)

• Knowledge of best practices for conducting primary source research

• Skill and proficiency in an online research environment

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