Federal Work-Study (FWS) Internship Program: Preservation Student Assistant-UVA Library

University of Virginia; Charlottesville (VA); On-site; USD 22,000 - 25,000; Part time

Job summary

University of Virginia Library seeks a student assistant in Preservation Services to support circulating materials and gain hands-on experience with specialized tools in a fast-paced research environment.

The role requires an undergraduate UVA student with Federal Work Study eligibility, working 10 hours weekly at $16.71 per hour at the Shannon Library-Preservation Department in Charlottesville, VA. Start Aug 25, 2026; End May 14, 2027.

Qualifications

• Education: Current UVA undergraduate student; Federal Work Study eligibility required.
• Experience: None
• Licensure: None

Responsibilities

• Circulate materials to and from Preservation department, tracking using the collections database.
• Label call numbers and duplicate barcodes; measure materials for special enclosures.
• Assemble enclosures (pamphlets, tux boxes and phase boxes) and use specialized tools with accuracy.
• Learn and use Preservation Services tools and equipment; perform precise hands-on tasks.

Skills

Hands-on work

Manual dexterity

Attention to detail

Willingness to learn

Education

Current UVA undergraduate student

Federal Work Study eligibility required

Job description

Preservation Services seeks responsible, detail-oriented student assistant to help the University of Virginia Library care for its circulating collection. The purpose of this job is to ensure that students and faculty of the University of Virginia have access to the books and other library materials that facilitate research and scholarship.

The successful applicant will enjoy hands‑on work that requires attention to detail and will possess the ability to solve problems independently. The student assistant will be trained to use the specialized tools and equipment. Must be open to learning new skills and working in a fast‑paced environment.

Rounds to collect materials to and from the Preservation department, Charging and discharging of materials to and from the department using our collections database, call number labeling and barcode duplicating, title labeling using Word, measuring of materials for special enclosures to be ordered from an outside vendor, making of enclosures that include pamphlets, tux boxes and phase boxes. Student assistant will be trained in all areas of the job and use of the specialized tools and equipment in Preservation Services. This position requires good manual dexterity, hand‑eye coordination, attention to detail, and the ability to perform precise hands‑on tasks such as measuring, cutting, folding, and assembling materials.

Preservation Services plays a vital role in ensuring that students and faculty have access to the books and the other library materials that facilitate research and scholarship.

WORK HOURS

10 hours a week; Monday-Friday, between the hours of 9:00 a.m.- 5:00 p.m.

Rate of Pay: $16.71 an Hour

University of Virginia Library, Shannon Library-Preservation Department 160 McCormick Rd. Charlottesville, VA 22904

Start Date: Aug. 25, 2026

End Date: May 14, 2027

In addition to the job duties and responsibilities outlined above, this position will participate in a structured internship experience through the Internship Placement Program (IPP). If selected, interns must enroll in either UNST 3910 (1 cr.) or UNST 3920 (1 cr.). The courses are offered 9+ times during the fall, offering plenty of options to choose from. If the course does not work for your schedule, we also offer an asynchronous co‑curricular workshop series through Canvas. Through this robust internship experience, students will receive dedicated career support from their supervisor and gain key skills and competencies that align with future job interests. The FWS Internship will look great on your resume and provide the student with impactful stories to share in interviews. TFWS Internships are best suited for students in their 2nd – 4th years.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

Education: Current UVA undergraduate student, Federal Work Study eligibility required

Experience: None

Licensure: None

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

-Occasional walking throughout the library to retrieve and return materials

-Frequent standing while performing preservation tasks

-Frequent and repetitive use of hands and fingers for detailed manual work

-Manual dexterity and hand‑eye coordination for measuring, cutting, folding, labeling, and constructing enclosures

-Ability to lift and carry materials weighing up to 25lbs. as needed

Qualifications

Interest in hands‑on work; good manual dexterity and attention to detail; willingness to learn and develop new skills; and ability to work effectively in a fast‑paced environment.

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.