Special Collections & Area Research Center Assistant

Current Employees

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Special Collections & Area Research Center Assistant

University Staff

Regular

Library Assistant III

Performs a wide range of complex library services that support the day-to-day operations of Murphy Library’s Special Collections and the Area Research Center (ARC), especially involving primary source materials and books that are rare, unique, and historically significant in nature. Triages and responds to emails and reference questions; collaborates in the hiring, training, and managing of student employees; processes archival collections;

and serves as the point of contact for coordinating ARC Transfers. Other duties include assisting patrons from the campus and wider community; interpreting policies and procedures to answer non-routine questions and resolve issues; and using designated library tools and software to fulfill the needs of the unit. This position will consult with other units as needed and the Special Collections Librarian will serve as unit lead.

• The ability to sit for extended periods of time.
• Occasional lifting up to 50 pounds.

Monday through Friday 7:45 a.m.

- 4:30 p.m.

• Coordinate ARC transfer requests with the transfer service currently in use.
• Maintain relevant ARC transfer statistics.

• Other duties as assigned by unit lead and supervisor.

• Collaborate in recruiting, hiring, training, overseeing student employees.
• Approve working hours for student employees.
• Create and maintain student training guides and manuals.

• Triage reference inquiries received by email, phone, or in person and refer to appropriate information or resource.
• Compile resources as directed by unit lead.
• Oversee visitor registration and check-in procedures and assist with annual usage reports.
• Check in new books and materials and conduct shifting when necessary.
• Track periodicals and other UW System publications.
• In coordination with Student Outreach and Engagement unit, create signage and displays as needed.
• Track, stock, and coordinate day-to-day supply orders with the administrative office.
• Monitor computers and take necessary steps to ensure they’re in working order and up to date.
• Catalog vertical files.
• Manage payments and deposits in coordination with the administrative office.

• Assist with archival collections processing.
• Using EAD standards, convert paper finding aids to digital versions.
• Using EAD standards, create digital finding aids.

Special Collections Murphy Library

$18.00 / hour

• Minimum high school diploma required.
• Knowledge and experience in the use of computer software (Microsoft Office Suite, Google Docs, iOS).
• Knowledge and experience in the use of email (Outlook) functions as well as e‑calendars.
• Effective oral and written communications.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills.
• Ability to coordinate projects, work independently, and set priorities to meet unit demands.
• Ability to multi‑task when necessary.
• Attention to detail, timelines, and deadlines, despite frequent interruptions.
• Knowledge of policies, procedures, and protocol in a library.
• Ability to work effectively with people across multiple levels of the organization and the public.
• Ability to use discretion and good judgment regarding confidential information.
• Ability and willingness to maintain and enhance professional competencies by participating in professional development (workshops, webinars, training sessions) related to the unit.

• Knowledge of policies, procedures, and protocol in an archival setting.
• Knowledge of EAD coding to create digital finding aids.
• Knowledge of handling fragile materials in an archival setting.
• Knowledge of scanning 2D materials.
• Knowledge in the use of Alma software.