Special Collections & University Archives Applied Learning Internship (Fall Semester

Job Information

Department: WSU Libraries Special Collections

Campus

Location:

Wichita, KS - WSU Main Campus

Hire Type: Part Time

Pay: $12/hour

Work Schedule: 15 hours per week, flexible with class schedule. M-F 8:30am - 5pm. Work performed on‑site and in person.

Export Compliance Requirement: No export control requirement.

This is an applied learning position. The selected applicant must enroll in a zero‑credit applied learning course and complete assignments related to their applied learning experience in Blackboard.

This position will provide a student who is considering a career in archives with experience comparable to an entry‑level archivist position. The student will be responsible, under guidance of Special Collections staff, for processing/organizing unsorted donations of documents, creating public‑facing inventories using collection management software (Archives Space), and assisting researchers in person and via phone/email. The student will also assist with a large‑scale project to digitize and make publicly available selections from the Shirley Knight collection, which will involve scanning and metadata creation.

The dates for this position are 8/17/26 – 12/4/26.

A student assistant will carry out administrative and technical tasks requested by a supervisor. Depending on the area the student assistant is employed in, they may assist and mentor other students or provide support throughout the campus in various forms.

• Assist with administration of archival and manuscript collections, including organizing and processing unsorted materials.
• Create and update records in the digital collections management system.
• Create scans or other digital reproductions of archival and manuscript material.
• Assist Special Collections patrons, including performing basic research.
• Reception desk and telephone duties.
• Other duties as needed.

High School diploma or equivalent. Enrolled in a minimum of 6 credit hours at Wichita State University.

• Basic personal computer knowledge (e.g., word processors, spreadsheets, email).
• Good communication skills, fluency in written and oral English.
• Ability to lift and carry boxes weighing up to 30 pounds.
• Ability to work independently.
• Comfort with occasional exposure to dust and/or mold.
• Attention to detail.

• Experience with historical research and historical writing.

Applicants must include with their application a statement of why they are pursuing this specific experience, and at least two personal goals and two academic or professional goals that will be advanced through this experience. Please attach the document in the cover letter section.

Ability to remain in a stationary position. Ability to operate a computer and other office equipment including but not limited to phone, printers, copiers, and calculators. Ability to communicate with others and accurately exchange information.