Conservation Student Assistant - Libraries

Center for Public Partnerships & Research; Topeka (KS); On-site; USD 13,000 - 18,000; Part time

Job summary

KU Libraries Conservation Services is seeking student hourly workers to help care for and preserve library materials, from pamphlet binding to book repair and cleaning. You will also create custom box housing and participate in group projects.

The role involves lifting up to 25 lbs and requires careful, repetitive work with high accuracy. Applicants must be enrolled in at least 6 credit hours and may be eligible if a Federal Work Study.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated ability to perform detailed, repetitive work with high accuracy.
• Professional experience requiring precise hand skills.

Responsibilities

• 65% - Independent work on library material including pamphlet binding, mending, book repair and cleaning.
• 20% - Creating custom box housing for books.
• 10% - Collaborative group projects such as surveys or rehousing.
• 5% - Other duties in the library.

Skills

Detail-oriented

Hand skills

Job description

Position Overview

Do you pride yourself on your dexterity, aesthetic sensibilities, and craft skills? Do you enjoy working closely with a team of your fellow students? Are you interested in interacting with KU Libraries' books and materials from the everyday to the rare and unusual? Then apply for a position with Conservation Services!

Conservation Services at KU Libraries is responsible for the care and preservation of the Libraries' collections. Our students are involved in activities such as pamphlet binding, mending paper tears, repairing books, creating custom enclosures, and cleaning and caring for library materials. We employ student workers who are good at following complex directions, able to adapt to changing workflows, have a steady hand, and also appreciate repetitive tasks. These tasks may involve some heavy lifting and getting a bit dirty.

Job Description

• 65% - Independent work on library material including tasks such as pamphlet binding, mending paper tears, book repair, and cleaning.
• 20% - Creating custom box housing for books.
• 10% - Collaborative group projects such as collections surveys or rehousing projects.
• 5% - Other duties in the library.

Required Qualifications

• Demonstrated prior work experience with performing detailed and repetitive work with a high degree of accuracy, as evidenced by application materials.
• Professional experience requiring hand skills, as evidenced by application materials.

Preferred Qualifications

• Eligibility for Federal Work Study.
• Previous library or archive experience, as evidenced by application materials.

Position Requirements

During the semester term of the appointment, the student hourly must be enrolled in no fewer than 6 credit hours. For summer periods the student hourly must: (1) have been enrolled in no less than 6 hours in the past spring semester or (2) be pre-enrolled in the upcoming fall semester in no less than 6 hours or (3) be enrolled in summer session or (4) be admitted to study in the upcoming fall semester. Student Hourlies may be undergraduate or graduate students. (Exceptions granted for GRA/GTA/GA appointments DO NOT apply to Student Hourly appointments).

Must be able to lift and carry up to 25 lbs. with or without accommodation.

Employment Conditions

• Student employees are not eligible for remote work arrangements unless an exception is approved by the unit leadership and HR.
• This is an hourly/non-exempt position. A student employee cannot hold an hourly/non-exempt position and a salaried/exempt graduate or undergraduate position (GRA/GTA/GA/RUA/RGA) concurrently.

Contact Information to Applicants

Kaitlin McGrath

785-864-6412

[e-mail]

Advertised Salary Range

$11.00 per hour

Anticipated Start Date

Monday September 21, 2026