Federal Work Study required: Library Stacks Assistant – Fine Arts, Music, Brown Libraries

University of Virginia; Charlottesville (VA); On-site; USD 19,000 - 23,000; Part time

Job summary

University of Virginia Library is hiring Stacks Assistants for Fall 2026 and Spring 2027. The positions are part-time (6–10 hours/week) with Work-Study eligibility required. Employment runs Aug 25, 2026–May 14, 2027. The role focuses on reshelving materials and supporting patrons with searches.

Stacks Assistants will also move books to create space for new or returned items, perform light stacks maintenance, and receive full training. Schedules are flexible and set with the Stacks Supervisor.

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Reshelve library materials to keep them accessible.
• Move/shift sections of books to fit space.
• Assist patrons with book searches.
• Retrieve used books from stacks.
• Perform general stacks maintenance and dusting.
• Lift heavy books and push book carts; exposure to dust.
• Learn the Library of Congress call number system.

Skills

Attention to detail

Independent worker

Self-motivated

Library of Congress call numbers

Education

Current UVA student

Job description

UVA Library is hiring Stacks Assistants for the Fall 2026 and Spring 2027 semesters. The openings are for part-time hours (six to 10 per week). Work-Study (FWSA) eligibility during Fall/Spring semesters is required. Work-Study employment is effective August 25, 2026-May 14, 2027.

The Stacks Assistant plays a vital role in the library: reshelving library materials so they are available to our patrons.

In addition to this key activity, a stacks assistant will move/shift sections of books when space is needed for new or returned books or as part of special projects; assist patrons with book searches; retrieve used books from the stacks; and perform general stacks maintenance (e.g., light dusting, placing bookends). The ability to lift books, push heavy book carts, and tolerate exposure to dust is required. Other skills needed include: strong attention to detail, ability to learn the Library of Congress call number system, ability to work independently, self-motivation, and taking pride in one’s work. Full training is provided. Shift schedules are flexible and will be determined together with the Stacks Supervisor.

Scheduling: 6-10 hours per week

Compensation: $14.53/hour

A brief attention-to-details test will be administered during the interview. For example, you will be asked to note if there are any differences in pairings like:

MW-4372214 and MW-4372214 or 1869774.001 and 1869744.001

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

Education: Current UVA student

Federal Work Study eligibility is required.

Experience: None

Licensure: None

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Ability to lift books, bend down, reach up, push heavy book carts, and tolerate exposure to dust is required
• Strong attention to detail
• Ability to learn the Library of Congress call number system
• Ability to work independently
• Sorting and shelving returned books
• General stacks maintenance
• Assisting patrons
• Occasional special projects, as assigned

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.