| Employer | UW-Madison Archives |
|---|---|
| Location | Madison, WI |
| Type | Part time |
| Apply by | April 2, 2025 |
| Posted on | March 13, 2025 |
Description
UW-Madison Archives is seeking a few service-oriented, creative, highly-motivated, detail-oriented students to work cooperatively with staff to provide research assistance to our patrons, complete daily archives work, and assist with Archives projects as needed. Our positions offer an excellent opportunity for hands-on experience working with a variety of materials and performing various functions within a university archives reading room. No prior library/archives experience needed; training is provided for all processes, procedures and technologies that will be used in this position.
University Archives and Records Management, part of the Special Collections and Archives Division of the UW-Madison Libraries, collects, preserves, and provides access to a comprehensive record of academic, administrative, faculty, staff, student, and community life at UW-Madison.
ELIGIBILITY: Applicants must be a currently enrolled UW-Madison student (or have proof of upcoming enrollment). Non-current students are still eligible if they intend to enroll in a course of study in fall 2025. Comprehensive training will be provided. Successful candidates must provide the necessary work authorizations, if applicable. May be asked to reach, bend, climb, stoop, and lift full record storage cartons of books and/or folders (not greater than 40 lbs).
STARTING DATE: week of May 19th
ONSITE ORIENTATION DATE: Archives Orientation week of May 19th and College Library Public Services Training in August (Two separate mandatory orientations, exact date/time TBD).
WAGE: $16 per hour (with the possibility of an annual raise)
SCHEDULE:
● On site work (average 6-8 hr/wk) during open hours in the fall Monday-Friday 9-4pm. Must be able to work shifts from 9-1pm or 1-4pm during open hours.
● Desired two-year commitment (flexible)
LOCATION: The UW Archives is on campus, Steenbock Library 4th floor (room 425, accessible via stairs and/or elevator), 550 Babcock Drive, Madison, WI 53706. Steenbock Library is on the 80, 82, 84, 28, 38 and 65 Bus line. There are bike racks and a BCycle station close by.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
● Provide inclusive and equitable customer and in-depth research services (via in-person, phone, and email) at a high traffic archival repository and Reading Room space. We serve UW-Madison students, faculty, and staff as well as patrons from the wider Madison community, the state of Wisconsin, and beyond.
● Manage Archives collections requests including retrieving and shelving materials, and tracking through the request system.
● Work independently to oversee the Reading Room and assume responsibility for interpretation and practice of Archives policies and security of collection materials and spaces. Responsible for Reading Room opening and closing procedures.
● Instruct and guide patrons in the use of UW Archives resources including: the department website, online library catalog, and other internal and external resources/collection information. Provide guidance on care and handling materials, how to use scanners, and other equipment.
● Consult with Archives staff and/or make referrals to others (on or off campus) when appropriate.
● Develop professional skills that contribute to Archives services.
● Other projects as assigned.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS and EXPERIENCES:
● Strong interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills – we recognize that these skills can look very different for different people!
● Attention to detail and accuracy.
● Ability to work both independently and on a team, and meet scheduled commitments.
● Previous public or customer service experience, including student services positions.
TO APPLY:
Apply through the Student Job board (https://studentjobs.hr.wisc.edu/en-us/listing/) and search for Job #508690 by April 2nd at 11:59pm. You will be asked to submit a resume and respond to the three questions below. Interviews will be virtual via Zoom.
Questions:
1. What skills, experiences, opportunities do you hope to gain from the Public Services Assistant position?
2. Describe any experiences you have had providing customer, reference, or information service or working with the public. What did you find enjoyable? What did you find challenging?
3. Tell us about an experience where you were part of a team environment. What worked well, what didn’t, what did you contribute?
For additional information, contact chaoya yang, Research Services Archivist, at nkaujzagntxhee.yang@wisc.edu.
ABOUT UNIVERSITY ARCHIVES AND RECORDS MANAGEMENT
University Archives and Records Management (part of the Special Collections and Archives Division of the UW-Madison Libraries) collects, preserves, and provides access to University records and information of permanent historical value.
We collect University records and publications, personal and faculty archives, and related historical materials that include paper correspondence, minutes and reports, photographs, film, audio and video recordings, and electronic files of permanent historical value. We run a robust Oral History Program, provide records management services, and serve as an educational resource encouraging administrative and scholarly research in our collections. We also encourage use by students learning to engage in historical research and writing; and by the general public. Our collections include over 33,000 linear feet of paper and published material;
2.5 million photos, over 2,500 oral histories, 5,000 films and videos, 8,500 audio recordings, memorabilia, campus publications and other University records.
The Libraries at the University of Wisconsin-Madison are dedicated to the practices of social justice, diversity, equality, and respect among our staff, students, collections, and services. We strive to overcome historical and divisive biases in our society and embrace diverse points of view as assets to the fabric of our community. All positions will be called on to contribute to building this environment.
For more information about the UW Archives, visit https://www.library.wisc.edu/archives/