FWS Position - Special Collections Library Stacks/Public Services Assistant (Student Wage)

University of Virginia; University of Virginia (VA); On-site; USD 18,991 - 27,048; Part time

Job summary

The University of Virginia Physicians Group is seeking a Student Assistant for the Stacks and Reference Desk. This role involves specialized office support including customer service, data entry, and material retrieval for researchers.

Key responsibilities include organizing library materials, researching, and assisting with interlibrary loans. Compensation is $16.71 per hour, with approximately 10 hours of work each week including some rotating weekend and evening shifts.

Qualifications

• Ability to lift 40 pounds; movement between library floors may be physically demanding.
• Must handle unique, historical and fragile books and manuscripts with care.
• High level of independence and sharp focus required.

Responsibilities

• Retrieve books and materials from closed stacks for researchers.
• Re-shelve and organize library materials according to protocols.
• Scan documents to meet researcher needs.
• Assist with interlibrary loan requests.
• Conduct basic research tasks using library systems.
• Participate in other library projects as needed.

Skills

Customer service

Data entry

Analytical skills

Attention to detail

Education

Current UVA student

Job description

Student Assistant – Stacks and Reference Desk

Perform specialized office support functions requiring training, skill, or experience for the Special Collections reference desk. Key duties include providing customer service, data entry, use of standard office software and systems, and working within established guidelines and policies.

Responsibilities

• Retrieve books, manuscripts, archives, and other materials from closed stacks for researchers and classroom use.
• Re‑shelve, organize, and shift library materials in accordance with the Special Collections stacks manager’s protocols.
• Scan rare books, primary source documents and other collection material to meet researcher needs.
• Assist with interlibrary loan requests.
• Conduct basic research tasks using the library catalog (Virgo), Workflows (back end), ArchiveSpace, and various finding aids.
• Perform other library projects as needed and as student interest dictates.

Qualifications

• Current UVA student.
• Must handle unique, historical and fragile books and manuscripts with care and respect.
• Must be able to work in a restrictive, high‑security environment and adhere to all required procedures.
• High level of independence, analytical skills, sharp focus and keen attention to detail.
• Ability to lift 40 pounds; movement between library floors may be physically demanding.
• Serious criminal background check required (SPAKA).

Preferred Experience

• Library experience or interest in library and archival work.

Pay & Hours

Compensation: $16.71 per hour.
Work schedule: Approximately 10 hours per week, including rotating Saturday shifts from noon until 4p.m. and some evening hours (5–7p.m.) on Wednesdays and Thursdays.

Application Requirements

• Resume and basic one‑page cover letter.
• Availability for rotating Saturdays from noon to 4p.m.
• Federal Work‑Study students are preferred.

Equal Opportunity Statement

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.