Graduate Archives Assistant - Research & Access

newschool; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 2,865,000 - 5,373,000; Part time

Job summary

The New School Archives and Special Collections is seeking Archives Assistants to support researchers in the Archives Research Room and perform routine administrative tasks. You will work under archivists to prepare materials for research appointments, assist with data entry, and help with care of archival materials.

This on-campus, part-time role is open to matriculated graduate students and runs fall 2026 with possible extension through the 2026-2027 academic year.

Qualifications

• Matriculated graduate student with summer availability.
• Prior office experience.
• Professionalism and strong work ethic.
• Superior English writing and speaking skills.
• Ability to follow precise written and oral instructions and to complete detail-oriented work.
• Research skills and ability to summarize findings in writing with precision.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Welcomes visitors and provides friendly customer service.
• Physical ability to lift up to 50 lbs.

Responsibilities

• Set up for and assist researchers in the Archives Research Room.
• Locate, retrieve, and re-shelve materials.
• Enter file-level inventories into archival systems and Word/Excel.
• Conduct basic research to help describe materials.
• Write summaries of research findings and biographical information.
• Answer phone calls.
• Organize and replenish supplies to support daily operations.
• Other tasks to assist archivists as assigned.

Skills

Office experience

English proficiency

Attention to detail

Research and writing

Independent work

Self-editing

Customer service

Lifting up to 50lbs

Education

Matriculated graduate student

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Google Suite

Job description

The New School Archives and Special Collections is seeking Archives Assistants to support researchers in the Archives Research Room and perform routine administrative tasks. You will work under archivists to prepare materials for research appointments, assist with data entry, and help with care of archival materials.

This on-campus, part-time role is open to matriculated graduate students and runs fall 2026 with possible extension through the 2026-2027 academic year.