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Archive Assistant Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

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Archive Assistant information

What is an archive assistant?

Archive Assistants are professionals who help organize, maintain, and preserve historical documents, records, and other archival materials. They assist archivists in cataloging items, retrieving records for users, and ensuring that materials are properly stored for long-term preservation. Archive Assistants may also help with digitization projects and provide support to researchers who need access to specific documents. Their role is essential in keeping archives accessible and well-maintained for both current and future use.

What are some common challenges archive assistants face when managing large collections, and how can they overcome them?

Archive Assistants often encounter challenges related to organizing, cataloging, and preserving a high volume of diverse materials. Managing large collections requires strong attention to detail, effective time management, and the ability to use archival databases efficiently. To overcome these challenges, it's important to follow standardized procedures, regularly update catalog records, and collaborate closely with archivists and other team members. Additionally, keeping up with best practices in preservation and digital archiving can help maintain the integrity and accessibility of collections.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an archive assistant, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Archive Assistant, you need strong organizational abilities, attention to detail, and a background in information management or a related field, often supported by relevant qualifications or experience. Familiarity with cataloguing software, digital archiving systems, and database management is typically required. Excellent communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills set outstanding Archive Assistants apart. These skills ensure the accurate preservation, retrieval, and accessibility of important records and materials for organizations and researchers.

How do you become an archive assistant?

To become an archive assistant, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, along with strong organizational and research skills. Relevant experience with records management, familiarity with archival software, and attention to detail are also important; some positions may require a degree in history, library science, or a related field.

What is the difference between Archive Assistant vs Records Clerk?

AspectArchive AssistantRecords Clerk
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles may require basic certificationsHigh school diploma or equivalent; often similar certifications
Work EnvironmentLibraries, archives, museums, government agenciesOffices, government agencies, healthcare facilities
Job DutiesOrganizing, cataloging, maintaining archival materialsProcessing, filing, retrieving records and documents
Industry UsageCommon in archival and historical institutionsWidespread across administrative and clerical settings

Both roles involve handling records, but Archive Assistants focus on preserving and organizing archival materials, often in specialized environments. Records Clerks primarily manage day-to-day document processing in office settings. While their skills overlap, their work environments and specific duties differ.

What are the most commonly searched types of Archive jobs in Virginia? The most popular types of Archive jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Archive Assistant jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Archive Assistant job openings:
Infographic showing various Archive Assistant job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 23% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution.

Archives and Special Collections Public Services Fellow

Amherst College

Amherst, VA

$20.87 - $22/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 17 days ago


Amherst College rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

122nd of 616 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Amherst has taken a leadership role among highly selective liberal arts colleges and universities in successfully diversifying the racial, socio-economic, and geographic profile of its student body. The College is similarly committed to enriching its educational experience and its culture through the diversity of its faculty, administration and staff.

Job Description:

Amherst College invites applications for the Archives and Special Collections Public Services Fellow position. The Archives and Special Collections Public Services Fellow is a part-time (20 hours per week), one-year term position. The expected range for this position is $20.87-22.00 per hour.


The salary offered will vary based on a number of factors, including but not limited to relevant education, training, and experience, tenure status, and other nondiscriminatory business considerations. Amherst College is pleased to provide a comprehensive, highly competitive benefits package that meets the needs of staff and faculty and their families. Click here for Benefits Information.


The Amherst College Library is seeking a part-time Public Services Fellow to support researchers and librarians in the Archives & Special Collections reading room. This is an excellent opportunity to gain reference and special collections experience for someone who is interested in pursuing a career in archives, library science, or other knowledge communities.


Reporting to the College Archivist and working closely with the Archives & Special Collections team, the individual in this position will manage the reading room and provide support for specific special collections projects and tasks as assigned. The Public Services Fellow will work with special collections librarians in providing public services to on-site researchers and in monitoring the operations of the special collections reference desk.


This is a 20-hour per week, year-round, in-person, benefitted position. Hours will be scheduled Monday-Friday, 8:45-4:15; four-hour shifts of 8:45-12:45 and 12:15-4:15. This position is not eligible for remote or hybrid work. This is a one-year term-limited position with the possibility of renewal for an additional year.


Summary of Responsibilities


Work with the ASC team to oversee Archives & Special Collections reading room operations

Open and/or close the reading room

Monitor researchers working in the reading room

Provide reference and public services to researchers in the reading room

Assist researchers in navigating public-facing library systems (including ArchivesSpace, Amherst College Digital Collections, Discovery, Aeon, and FOLIO)

Provide guidance in the handling of rare books, archival, and manuscript collections

Work with student assistants and staff to locate, retrieve, and re-shelve collection materials from closed stacks and from off-site storage

May assist librarians and archivists in special collections instruction (setting up collection materials, facilitating use, etc.)


Support projects related to rare books, archives, and manuscripts (including outreach, digitization, cataloging, and archival processing)


*Note - this position requires regular lifting of up to 45 lbs.


Qualifications

Required:

  • Bachelor's degree with coursework in relevant fields such as history, English, or a related area (in lieu of degree - 5-6 years of directly related experience)
  • Proven library experience and/or customer service experience
  • Excellent communication, organizational skills, and attention to detail
  • Experience juggling multiple tasks and working towards deadlines
  • Sensitivity to the proper care and security of collection materials, including confidentiality of patron and institutional records
  • Commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment
  • Successful completion of a pre-employment physical and lift test
  • Successful completion of required reference and background checks

Preferred:

  • Demonstrated experience working in archives and/or special collections
  • Experience supporting researchers or knowledge of the research process
  • Enrolled in an ALA-accredited graduate degree program in library science or related field


Interested candidates are asked to submit a resume and cover letter online at https://amherst.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/Amherst_Jobs. Please be sure to upload all requested documents prior to clicking Submit. Applications cannot be revised once submitted.


(Current employees and students should apply by clicking on the Jobs Hub icon from their Workday home screen)


Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled. Amherst College is committed to an inclusive hiring process and will provide reasonable accommodations for candidates throughout the application and interview process upon request.


It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.


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