About the role#
The University of Virginia is hiring a Historical Collections Assistant to support the work of the archives. This is a part-time position capped at 10 hours per week. You will work under the supervision of the Archivist, who provides training for the specific programs and tasks required. Please note that the work area is kept at a temperature below 65 degrees Fahrenheit to preserve the collections, so you should dress accordingly.
What you'll do#
- Process archival collections and enter data into the ArchivesSpace database.
- Inventory the vaulted rare book collection and create shelf tags.
- Organize and re-house artifacts and various collection materials.
- Assist with shifting boxes and books in the stacks and reshelving items.
- Create social media content and blog posts about the collections.
- Handle other projects and duties as assigned.
What you'll need#
- You must be a currently enrolled undergraduate or graduate student at UVA.
- You must pass a background check and provide I-9 documentation.
- You need strong organizational skills, accuracy, and attention to detail.
- You should be comfortable handling rare and special materials with care.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel is required.
- You must be able to work both independently and as part of a team.
- Federal Work Study eligibility is preferred.
- Experience in a special collections library, archives, or with database entry is a plus.
- Familiarity with archival principles, the Library of Congress Classification system, or the history of medicine is helpful.
- The ability to read 18th-20th century handwriting, including cursive, is preferred.
Location & details#
- This role is located in Charlottesville, Virginia.
- Work is on-site only, Monday through Friday, between 8:00 AM and 4:00 PM.
- The position runs from September 15, 2026, through May 14, 2027.
- The pay rate is $16.71 per hour.
About University of Virginia
The University of Virginia is a public institution of higher learning based in Charlottesville. Founded in 1819, it operates 12 distinct schools and serves as the largest employer in its region. The university maintains an annual economic impact of 5.9 billion dollars. It focuses on academic research and the preparation of students for leadership roles.
How to get in at University of Virginia
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