FWS Position - Special Collections Library Stacks/Public Services Assistant (Student Wage)

The Rector & Visitors of the University of Virginia

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Charlottesville, VA Until 8/21/2026 H-1B sponsor history First posted April 30, 2026 Last posted April 30, 2026
Job description

Student assistant for stacks and reference desk.

Perform specialized office support functions or services that require some training, skill, or experience. Duties include providing customer service and specific information, data entry and use of standard office software programs & systems, work within established guidelines and policies. Limited supervision is provided; ability to perform a wide range of duties.

The stacks/public services assistant performs a variety of tasks in support of a robust Special Collections reference desk. These duties include retrieval of material from the closed stacks, re-shelving books and other library material, scanning of documents, basic research tasks, and working in the closed stacks to reshelve, organize, shelf and shift materials.

Main duties: 

  • Retrieving books, manuscripts, archives and other materials from closed stacks for researchers in the reading room or for class use. 
  • Creating a home for and shelving new books. 
  • Working with serials. 
  • Re-shelving books, manuscripts, and archives and other library materials according to Special Collections stacks manager's protocols to maintain high accuracy. 
  • Scanning rare books, primary source documents and other collection material to fulfill researcher needs. 
  • Assisting with interlibrary Loan requests.
  • Conducting basic research tasks using the library catalog (Virgo), Workflows (back end of Virgo), ArchiveSpace and various types of finding aids. ​

REQUIRED: 

  • Must be able to handle carefully and with respect, a wide variety of unique, historical and fragile books and manuscripts.
  • Must be able to work in a restrictive, high-security environment, be very responsible and adhere to all required procedures.
  • Must be respectful of the collection and possess a high level of independence and analytical skills to complete many assigned tasks.
  • Must have a sharp focus and keen attention to detail.
  • Current UVA student.  

Other library projects as needed and as student interest dictates. 

Work is a total of 10 hours a week, including rotating Saturday shifts from noon until 4 p.m. and some evening hours 5-7 on Wednesdays and Thursdays. 

Federal Work-Study students are preferred.

Compensation: $16.71/hr.

Please submit your resume and cover letter to apply. 

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

  • Resume and basic one page cover letter.
  • Availability for rotating Saturdays from noon to 4 p.m. 
  • Criminal background check is required (SPAKA).

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: Ability to lift 40 pounds. Movement between floors of the library to retrieve materials can be physically demanding at times. Must be able to tolerate the building temperature which is kept in the mid-60. 

Experience: None 

PREFERRED: 

Library experience or interest in library and archival work. 

The University of Virginia is an equal opportunity employer. All interested persons are encouraged to apply, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Learn more about UVA’s commitment to non-discrimination and equal opportunity employment.

About this role

Summary

Assist with stacks, reference desk, material retrieval, re-shelving, scanning, and research in library

Job title

FWS Position - Special Collections Library Stacks/Public Services Assistant

Experience level

none

Industry

education

Location requirements

Charlottesville, VA; remote work not allowed

Salary

$16.71/hr.

Visa sponsorship

H-1B sponsor history

Management role

No

Skills & keywords

Required skills

attention to detailresponsibilityrespect for collectionindependenceanalytical skills

Preferred skills

library experienceinterest in archival work

Specializations

archiveslibrarypublic servicesresearcharchival materials
Locations

Structured locations inferred from the posting.

Charlottesville, VA, USA

On-site City