About the role#
The University of Virginia is hiring a Student Archival Assistant for the Small Special Collections Library. This is a Federal Work-Study position for the Fall 2026 semester, running from August 25, 2026, through May 14, 2027. You will work on-site in an environment maintained at or below 65 degrees Fahrenheit to preserve collections, so please dress accordingly.
What you'll do#
- Organize and re-house collections while entering information into the ArchivesSpace database.
- Transfer digital files using archival tools.
- Assist with packing and unpacking collections, creating inventories, labeling folders, and making photocopies.
- Retrieve manuscript, university archive, and rare book materials for patron requests.
- Shift boxes and complete special projects as assigned.
What you'll need#
- Federal Work-Study eligibility.
- Strong self-motivation and analytical skills.
- Experience with Microsoft Office and database entry.
- Ability to lift 40-pound boxes occasionally.
- Interest in history, photographs, digital records, and personal papers.
- Ability to commit to at least 7 hours per week within the 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM Monday-Friday window.
- Successful completion of a background check.
Location & details#
- Location: Charlottesville, Virginia.
- Term: Fall 2026 (August 25, 2026 - May 14, 2027).
- Hours: Part-time, up to 10 hours per week.
- Compensation: $16.71 per hour.
- Majors: History, Political Science, Sociology, Anthropology, Communications, and Journalism.
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.
How to get in at University of Virginia
Securing an internship at the University of Virginia requires a proactive approach to their hiring timeline. Intern Insider sends an instant alert the moment a role matching your target is published anywhere, so you apply among the first, as early applicants get seen before the pile grows. Being at the top of the list is a significant advantage when competing for spots at a major institution. You can also use Intern Insider to surface the recruiters behind the company roles so you can reach out directly to ask about the position or a referral, which materially improves response rates. Sending a direct, professional inquiry to a recruiter often helps you stand out from the volume of automated applications.
