Student Archival Assistant, Small Special Collections Library - Federal Work-Study Position (Student Wage)

Federal Work Study required : Work-Study (FWSA) eligibility during Fall/Spring semesters is required . Work-Study employment is effective August 2 5 , 202 6 – May 1 4 , 202 7 .

Working hours are from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday-Friday . For more information about the Albert & Shirley Small Special Collections Library, please visit http://small.library.virginia.edu/

Main duties

• Organize and re-house collections and enter the information into the ArchivesSpace database, or any other platform the student is trained to use.
• Transfer digital files with archival tools at a basic level.
• May also participate in packing/unpacking of collections, creating collection inventories, labeling folders, photo-documenting digital media, and making photocopies.
• Material retrieval: The student assistant will be trained in how to properly retrieve manuscript , university archive , and rare book materials for patron requests.
• Additional duties may include shifting boxes and special projects.

This is a part-time position (up to 10 hours a week) paying $16.71 per hour, and is available to undergraduate and graduate Federal Work Study students beginning August 25, 2026 with the position ending May 14, 2027.

This position requires a minimum commitment of 7 hours per week, and the ability to adhere to a strict schedule. The temperature in the work area is maintained at below 65 degrees Fahrenheit to better preserve the collections, so employees should dress accordingly.

Passing of a background check is required for this position.

Please include a resume with your application. A cover letter is strongly encouraged.

Qualifications

S trong sense of self- motivation , and strong analytical skills. Critical and open-minded thinking. Interest in history, photographs, digital records, and personal papers . Experience using the Microsoft Office suite. Critical Ability to lift 40-pound boxes occasionally.

Data entry and/or experience working with databases. Ability to handle rare and special materials with care . E xcellent organizational skills , good communication skills, attention to detail, and ability to complete tasks with a high level of accuracy . A bility to multi-task and finish tasks in a timely manner , and ability to work independently as well as closely with others.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience working in a special collections library or archive, or any library work experience. Experience with reading 18 th , 19 th , and or 20 th century hand-written documents including cursive; familiarity with archival principles and practices. Familiarity with the Library of Congress Classification system. Familiarity with U.S. and Virginia history, or American literature. Clear and legible handwriting. Foreign language skills a plus .

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 .