Federal Work-Study: Special Collections Technical Services Rare Books Stacks Assistant (Student Wage)

University of Virginia; Charlottesville (VA); On-site; USD 19,000 - 27,000; Part time

Job summary

University of Virginia seeks a Rare Books Stacks Assistant to organize and shelve rare books and archival boxes for the Technical Services unit. The role reports to Rare Book Catalogers and requires careful handling of materials in a cool environment.

The position involves light lifting (up to 40 lbs), use of ladders and library equipment, and collaboration with Public Services staff. A UVA student with Work-Study eligibility is preferred.

Qualifications

• Experience using Microsoft Word and Excel.
• Current UVA student.
• Federal Work-Study eligibility required.
• Strong organizational and analytical skills.
• Ability to work independently and with others.
• Excellent communication and reliability.

Responsibilities

• Organize and shift rare books and materials according to shelving arrangements.
• Confirm call numbers and shelve newly cataloged rare books.
• Pack, label, and barcode boxes; ensure inventory accuracy.
• Prepare materials for transfers to off-site storage.
• Retrieve manuscript, university archive, and rare book materials for researchers and reading room use.
• Assist Technical Services team on special projects as needed.

Skills

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Education

Current UVA student

Federal Work-Study eligibility

Job description

Federal Work Study required: Work-Study (FWSA) eligibility during Fall/Spring semesters is required. Work-Study employment is effective August 25, 2026 – May 14, 2026. Passing of a background check is required for this position.

About the position:

The Rare Books Stacks Assistant organizes labels, shelves, shifts, and retrieves rare books and archival boxes in support of the Catalogers and Archivists in the Technical Services unit of Special Collections. This position reports to the Rare Book Catalogers.

Setting and reliably maintaining a work schedule is important for success in this role. The work area’s temperature is generally below 65 degrees Fahrenheit to better preserve the collections, so employees should dress accordingly.

Main duties:

• Organize and shift rare books and other materials according to complex shelving arrangements.


• Confirm call numbers against library catalog records and shelve newly cataloged rare book.


• Pack, label, and barcode boxes and ensure accuracy with inventories.


• Assist in the preparation of collection materials for transfers to off-site storage.


• When needed, properly retrieve manuscript, university archive, and rare book materials for researcher requests and use in the reading room. This work includes working and communicating with Public Services staff.


• Additional duties may include individual projects assisting Technical Services team members as necessary.

Essential Skills for the Job:

• Good communication skills.


• Reliability in scheduling.


• Accuracy and attention to detail. Ability to multi-task and finish tasks in a timely manner.


• Ability to use strong analytical skills.


• Ability to work and solve problems independently, as well as closely with others.


• Ability to work in a restrictive, high security environment.

The ability to handle rare and special materials with care is required. This position requires excellent organizational skills, experience using Microsoft Word and Excel, the ability to lift boxes that weight up to 40 lbs, working in a cold environment, and to use ladders, book trucks, and other types of library equipment to retrieve and reshelve materials. The ability to handwrite neatly and legibly is also required.

Preferred qualifications:

• Preferred skills or experience include prior work in a special collections library or archive, or any library work experience; familiarity with the Library of Congress Classification system; experience with reading varied call number systems; familiarity with 18th, 19th, and 20th century materials; familiarity with rare book and archival principles and practices.

Scheduling

This is a part-time position (up to 10 hours per week) All scheduled work hours must fall between 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/

Compensation

Paying $16.71 per hour and is available beginning August 25, 2026.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

Resume and cover letter required.

Education: Current UVA student. Federal work-study eligibility required.
Experience: None
Licensure: None

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

This job requires the ability to lift heavy boxes that can weigh around 40 lbs as well as move heavy book trucks.

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.