Part-Time Research Services Assistant

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Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants .

JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

The Eberly Family Special Collections Library is currently seeking applicants to fill its open Part-Time Research Services Assistant positions.  

Working under the general supervision of the Head of Research Services, and alongside Special Collections staff, the Research Services Assistant will assist members of the Research Services team in supporting public archival services. This may include interacting with researchers during reference desk shifts, face-to-face interviews, or phone conversations.

Job Duties:

• Provide researchers with in-person assistance during regularly scheduled reference desk shifts in the Special Collections Library Reading and Reference Rooms.

• Monitor the reading room and use of archival and rare materials during reference desk shifts.

• Retrieve and reshelve archival collections and rare books.

• Contribute to remote reference work through directed research assignments and photoduplication orders.

• Use library catalog, SCL finding aids, Aeon system, and other internal databases to locate relevant collection material for researcher use.

• Additional job duties may include project-driven assignments to provide better information to researchers, or to allow for more efficient research service. 

Requirements and qualifications:

• Customer service aptitude 

• Organizational ability with attention to detail 

• Teamwork and collaboration 

• Flexibility 

• Clear communication skills with both written and verbal formats 

• Knowledge of Microsoft Office software suite, as well as Adobe PDF tools

• Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.

Preferred: 

• Experience working in a library or other similar setting 

• Familiarity with special collections material (archives, manuscripts, rare books) 

• Knowledge of best practices for conducting primary source research 

• Skill and proficiency in an online research environment 

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Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies. 

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