Federal Work Study required:Work-Study (FWSA) eligibility during Fall/Spring semesters is required. Work-Study employment is effective August 25, 2026 – May 14, 2027.

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:

Strong sense of self-motivation,and stronganalytical 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. Excellent organizational skills, good communication skills, attention to detail, and ability to complete tasks with a high level of accuracy. Ability 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 18th, 19th, and or 20th 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.

Learn more about this Employer on their Career Site

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