Archival Access Assistant - Zimmerman Library

University of New Mexico; Albuquerque (NM); On-site; USD 21,000 - 25,000; Part time

Job summary

The University of New Mexico seeks a Student Library Assistant II to support archival public services, researcher access, and stewardship of rare collections at Zimmerman Library. Under supervision, you will assist researchers in accessing archival items, university records, photographs, oral histories, and digital resources while helping ensure long-term storage and accessibility.

This role blends customer service with collections retrieval, scanning, and digitization.

Qualifications

• Basic computer skills and ability to work in Microsoft Windows, and use Microsoft Office.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to follow established procedures.
• Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills.
• Ability to work independently and exercise sound judgment.
• Ability to handle confidential or sensitive information with discretion.

Responsibilities

• Providing courteous and professional customer service to researchers and visitors using CSWR collections and spaces.
• Retrieving, reshelving, and tracking archival materials, rare books, university records, and other special collections materials.
• Processing and scanning, duplication and reproduction requests according to established policies and procedures.
• Creating high-quality digital scans of archival materials and assisting with quality control.
• Assisting staff in monitoring and maintaining secure access to archival and manuscript collections in all relevant systems.

Skills

Basic computer skills

Microsoft Windows

Microsoft Office

Attention to detail

Customer service

Independent work

Discretion with sensitive information

Tools

Scanning & digitization

Document imaging

Excel

Archival systems

Job description

Student Intermediate Level

Requisition ID: req38243

Working Title: Archival Access Assistant - Zimmerman Library

Pay: $15.50 Hourly

Campus: Main - Albuquerque, NM

Department: CULLS (107A)

Employment Type: Student Employment

Student Type: Work-Study

Status: Non-Exempt

Background Check Required: No

For Best Consideration Date: 10/30/2026

Position Summary

The Center for Southwest Research and Special Collections (CSWR) seeks a motivated, dependable, and detail-oriented Student Library Assistant II to support archival public services, researcher access, and stewardship of rare and unique collections. Under general supervision, the student employee will assist researchers in accessing archival and special collections items, university records, photographs, oral histories, political archives, and digital resources while helping ensure the long-term storage, preservation and accessibility of these distinctive materials.

This position combines customer service and collections retrieval and maintenance with scanning and digitization activities. The student assistant will work directly with researchers, students, faculty, staff, and community members in the reading room and other public service environments. Duties require professionalism, discretion, sound judgment, and careful attention to detail when handling rare, fragile, and often irreplaceable materials as well as personal identifying information.

The position offers valuable opportunities to develop research, archival, and public service skills while gaining hands‑on experience in special collections and archives.

Primary duties will include:

• Providing courteous and professional customer service to researchers and visitors using CSWR collections and spaces.
• Retrieving, reshelving, and tracking archival materials, rare books, university records, and other special collections materials.
• Processing and scanning, duplication and reproduction requests according to established policies and procedures.
• Creating high‑quality digital scans of archival materials and assisting with quality control.
• Assisting staff in monitoring and maintaining secure access to archival and manuscript collections in all relevant systems.

Minimum Qualifications

Equivalencies not found for this position

Preferred Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• Basic computer skills and ability to work in Microsoft Windows, and use Microsoft Office
• Strong attention to detail and ability to follow established procedures.
• Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills.
• Ability to work independently and exercise sound judgment.
• Ability to handle confidential or sensitive information with discretion.

  Preferred Qualifications

  • Familiarity with New Mexico’s communities and languages
  • Organizational skills and ability to work independently.
  • Interest in archives, history, public history, library science, museum studies, or related fields.
  • Experience working in a customer service environment.
  • Experience using Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel.
  • Experience with scanning, digitization, or document imaging projects.
  • Familiarity with archival, library, or special collections environments.
  • Interest in research and the preservation of historical materials.

  The University of New Mexico is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class.