About the role#
The Special Collections Technical Services team is hiring a Rare Books Stacks Assistant for the Fall 2026 term. This role supports catalogers and archivists by managing the organization and retrieval of rare books and archival materials. You will work in a high-security environment and must be comfortable working in temperatures below 65 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure the preservation of the collections.
What you'll do#
- Organize and shift rare books and materials based on specific shelving arrangements.
- Verify call numbers against library catalog records and shelve newly cataloged items.
- Pack, label, and barcode boxes while maintaining accurate inventories.
- Assist with preparing materials for transfer to off-site storage.
- Retrieve manuscripts, university archives, and rare books for researcher requests.
- Collaborate with Public Services staff to support reading room operations.
What you'll need#
- Federal Work-Study eligibility for the Fall semester.
- Ability to handle rare and special materials with care.
- Strong analytical and organizational skills.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Word and Excel.
- Capability to lift boxes weighing up to 40 lbs and move heavy book trucks.
- Ability to use ladders and library equipment safely.
- Good communication skills and the ability to handwrite neatly.
Location & details#
- Location: Charlottesville, Virginia.
- Work modality: On-site.
- Schedule: Part-time, up to 10 hours per week, Monday through Friday between 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM.
- Term: Fall 2026.
- Compensation: $16.71 per hour.
- Requirements: Background check required.
About University of Virginia
The University of Virginia is a public higher education institution based in Charlottesville. Founded in 1819, it operates 12 distinct schools across its campus. The university serves as the largest employer in the region and maintains a staff of over 10,000 people. It functions as a flagship university for the state of Virginia.
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