Preservation Bindery Assistant (18.5 - Month Term)

Northwestern University; Evanston (IL); On-site; USD 20,934 - 29,816; Full time

Job summary

Northwestern University is seeking a Preservation Bindery Assistant on the Evanston campus. This full-time, 18.5-month term role supports the preservation bindery by preparing materials for commercial binding, reviewing work quality, and handling bibliographic records in the ABLE system.

The position requires strong computer skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work independently within a team. The expected start date is September 1, 2026, with hours Monday–Friday, 8:30am–5:00pm.

Qualifications

• High school graduate with accuracy in clerical tasks.
• Strong MS Office and computer skills.
• Excellent written and oral communication; ability to collaborate.

Responsibilities

• Prepare materials for commercial binding and assess physical condition.
• Enter and maintain records in ABLE; manage boxing and packaging options.
• Perform quality control on returned boxes and contribute to statistics.
• May train/supervise student employees as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

MS Office

Detail-oriented

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Analytical thinking

Independent with team

Education

High school diploma

Bachelor's degree (preferred)

Tools

ABLE database

Job description

Department: NUL Preservation

Salary/Grade: NEX/10

Job Summary: Under general supervision, the Preservation Bindery Assistant prepares materials for the commercial bindery, reviews the quality of work upon return, and performs the required bibliographic control work. This position is responsible for completing a complex sequence of tasks within multiple applications and the ability to identify inconsistencies within those systems.

This is a full‑time, benefits‑eligible 18.5‑month term position with an expected start date of September 1, 2026. This is an onsite position located on the Evanston campus. Working hours are Monday – Friday (8:30am – 5:00pm).

Specific Responsibilities

• Prepares material for commercial binding, assesses physical condition of individual items, selects most appropriate boxing options for specific materials, is knowledgeable about bindery options for specific materials, and is knowledgeable about bindery preparation options performed in the library conservation lab.
• The assistant enters and maintains records in the vendor's online database system (ABLE).
• Identifies books that require boxing.
• Conducts quality control measures when boxes are returned from the commercial binder.
• Contributes to statistics maintained by supervisor.
• May assist in training and supervise student employees.

Miscellaneous: Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school graduate
• Ability to push/pull loaded book trucks; ability to lift a minimum of 40 pounds.
• High level of computer skills
• Solid knowledge of MS office
• Experience performing detail‑oriented work
• Excellent oral and written communication skills and good interpersonal skills
• Ability to take initiative, organize and prioritize multiple simultaneous operations, work independently within a team framework, and think analytically

Preferred Qualifications

• Successful completion of a full 4-year course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a bachelor's or higher degree.
• Exposure to automated library systems preferred
• Previous academic or research library experience

Target hiring pay for this position will be starting at $18.42 per hour. Offered salary will be determined by the applicant's education, experience, knowledge, skills and abilities, as well as internal equity and alignment with market data.

Benefits

At Northwestern, we are proud to provide meaningful and competitive benefits. The available benefits package for this position will include health, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance; paid vacation and holidays; paid medical/sick and parental leave; tuition benefits for the employee and dependents; pre‑tax and flex spending accounts for commuting and dependent care; generous retirement savings options; and wellness programs. For a comprehensive overview of available benefits, including eligibility details, visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/index.html to learn more.

Work-Life and Wellness

Northwestern offers comprehensive programs and services to help you and your family navigate life's challenges and opportunities, and adopt and maintain healthy lifestyles. We support flexible work arrangements where possible and programs to help you locate and pay for quality, affordable childcare and senior/adult care. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/work-life/index.html to learn more.

Professional Growth & Development

Northwestern supports employee career development in all circumstances whether your workspace is on campus or at home. If you're interested in developing your professional potential or continuing your formal education, we offer a variety of tools and resources. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/learning/index.html to learn more.

Northwestern University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of protected characteristics, including disability and veteran status. View Northwestern's non‑discrimination statement. Job applicants who wish to request an accommodation in the application or hiring process should contact the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX Compliance. View additional information on the accommodations process.

#LI-EN1