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Special Collections Student Assistant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Special Collections Librarian reports to the Head of Collection Services and Special ... Responsible for directing library specialists and student library research assistants. Reports to ...

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Special Collections Student Assistant information

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How much do special collections student assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for special collections student assistant in the United States is $20.03, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.11 and $23.08 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are Special Collections Student Assistants?

Special Collections Student Assistants are students employed by libraries, archives, or museums to help manage, preserve, and provide access to rare or unique materials. Their duties often include assisting patrons, shelving or retrieving items, processing archival collections, and helping with exhibits or digitization projects. They gain hands-on experience working with historical documents, rare books, manuscripts, and other valuable materials while supporting the daily operations of the Special Collections department.

What are some typical tasks and challenges a Special Collections Student Assistant may encounter during a shift?

Special Collections Student Assistants often handle a variety of responsibilities, including assisting patrons with locating rare or archival materials, managing the security and proper handling of delicate items, and supporting collection organization or digitization projects. One common challenge is balancing customer service with the need to enforce strict usage policies to protect valuable resources. Assistants must also quickly learn specialized catalog systems and adapt to a highly detail-oriented environment, working both independently and as part of a small team of librarians and archivists.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Special Collections Student Assistant, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Special Collections Student Assistant, you generally need strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and familiarity with library procedures, often supplemented by enrollment in a college or university. Experience with library management systems, digital archives, and basic cataloging tools is typically required. Excellent communication, discretion, and a customer-service mindset help you interact effectively with patrons and staff while handling rare or fragile materials. These skills ensure the preservation, accessibility, and proper management of valuable collections while providing reliable support to library operations.
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Infographic showing various Special Collections Student Assistant job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 98% Full Time, and 2% Part Time. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $41,672 per year, or $20 per hour.
Special Collections Student Assistant

Special Collections Student Assistant

University of South Florida

Tampa, FL

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement

Posted 3 days ago


University Of South Florida rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 47 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

263rd of 535 rated colleges and universities


Job description

This Special Collections Student Assistant will assist in monitoring the research room and organizing the collection. This position requires interpersonal and communication skills, attention to detail, and a demonstrable ability to use Archives Space and Aeon software. The position will require customer service duties for visitors to the research room.

Required Documentation:

  • A class schedule showing enrollment in 1 minimum credit hour, a resume, and a cover letter are all required for this position.

Working at USF

With approximately 16,000 employees, the University of South Florida is one of the largest employers in the Tampa Bay area. We are dedicated to cultivating a talented, engaged and driven workforce that strives to be bold. Employees excel in USF's rich academic environment, which fosters their development and advancement. In 2025, Forbes recognized USF as one of Florida's best large employers, ranked No. 1 among the state's 12 public universities. Our first-class benefits package includes medical, dental and life insurance plans, retirement plan options, employee and dependent tuition programs, generous leave, and hundreds of employee perks and discounts.

About USF 

The University of South Florida is a top-ranked research university serving approximately 50,000 students from across the globe at campuses in Tampa, St. Petersburg, Sarasota-Manatee and USF Health. USF is recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a top 50 public university and the best value in Florida. U.S. News also ranks the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine as the No. 1 medical school in Florida and in the highest tier nationwide. USF is a member of the Association of American Universities (AAU), a group that includes only the top 3% of universities in the U.S. With an all-time high of $738 million in research funding in 2024 and as a top 20 public university for producing U.S. patents, USF uses innovation to transform lives and shape a better future. The university generates an annual economic impact of more than $6 billion. USF's Division I athletics teams compete in the American Athletic Conference. Learn more at www.usf.edu.

Compliance and Federal Notices

This position may be subject to a Level 1 or Level 2 criminal background check.

Applicants have rights under Federal Employment Laws: 

The University of South Florida is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on any characteristic protected by law.  The University maintains programs for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities in accordance with all applicable federal and state laws.

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)

Applicants for USF employment are entitled to request reasonable accommodation(s) in the application process. A request is to be made at least five (5) working days prior to the time the accommodation(s) is needed. Visit the Central Human Resources ADA Accommodations webpage for more information on requesting an accommodation during the application/interview process.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of South Florida is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on any characteristic protected by law.  The University maintains affirmative action programs for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities in accordance with all applicable federal and state laws.  This job description does not constitute an employment contract.  

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Be a current USF Student. 

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Ability using Microsoft Office products such as Teams, Excel, and Word.
  • Experience working in a library or archival setting. 
  • Experience working with finding aids like Archives Space and software such as Aeon.

Duties:

  • Assist patrons with research tasks.
  • Retrieving and returning materials.
  • Monitor patrons' use of delicate research materials.
  • Shelve items, shifting collections as needed, & organizing materials.
  • Handling unique and delicate materials within our Special Collections with caution and diligence.
  • Ensure visitors follow proper handling guidelines for Special Collections materials.

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About University of South Florida

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The University of South Florida (USF), located in Tampa, FL, US, is a highly respected, long-standing institution specializing in teaching, research, and public service. It operates within the higher education industry and offers over 180 undergraduate, graduate, specialist, and doctoral degree programs, across disciplines ranging from arts and sciences to business, engineering, and healthcare. Founded in the year 1956, USF has relentlessly strived to develop an environment conducive to learning and research, which over the years, has earned it a preeminent status among public universities across the globe. USF's mission is to foster a vibrant, student-centric learning environment that instills an expansive intellectual foundation to drive success. USF is known for its considerable impact on regional and state economies, contributing $5 billion annually.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Tampa, FL, US

Year founded

1956

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