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Special Collections Student Assistant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

$18.40/hr

AU Archives & Special Collections is seeking applicants for an Archives Student Assistant who will work on assigned collections projects and tasks. Working under the supervision of the Associate ...

The Special Collections Librarian oversees reading room operations and the two staff members who ... Supervises two archival assistants, student assistants, and interns who support reference and ...

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$18.40/hr

AU Archives & Special Collections is seeking applicants for an Archives Student Project Assistant responsible for processing archival collections donated by the USAID Alumni Association. Working ...

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

As of Aug 20, 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 is a special collections student assistant?

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 They gain hands-on experience working with historical documents, rare books, manuscripts, and other valuable materials while supporting the daily operations of the Special Collections department.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 does a special collections student assistant do?

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?

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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What states have the most Special Collections Student Assistant jobs?

States with the most job openings for Special Collections Student Assistant jobs include:

Infographic showing various Special Collections Student Assistant job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $41,672 per year, or $20 per hour.

Special Collections Student Assistant (FWS) - Special and Area Studies Collections

University of Florida

Gainesville, FL • On-site

$15.25/hr

Full-time

Posted 13 days ago


University Of Florida rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 108 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

385th of 620 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Special Collections Student Assistant (FWS) - Special and Area Studies Collections
Job no: 540857
Work type: Student Ast
Location: Main Campus (Gainesville, FL)
Categories: Libraries/Museums, Office/Administrative/Fiscal Support
Department:55070000 - LB-SPEC - AREA STUDIES COLLECT
Classification Title:
Special Collections Student Assistant (FWS) - Special and Area Studies Collections
Classification Minimum Requirements:
Have an approved Federal Word Study Permit for 2026.
Job Description:
Hours:Monday - Friday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm. 9-12 hours/week
Job Duties:
  • Work at the main desk in the Grand Reading Room. Register patrons and make them aware of rules. Provide a secure presence at the desk to ensure protection and security of materials.
  • Provide patrons with reference assistance
  • Shelve and organize materials in the library
  • Keep sections in order by checking the call numbers, straightening the shelves, reporting problems
  • Retrieve requested items for patrons
  • Assist patrons with computers and scanners
  • Work with unique and invaluable manuscript materials by sorting, refoldering, and reboxing items
  • Create folder lists using Microsoft Word, Excel, or other computer programs
  • Perform tasks and projects as assigned by archivists and curators
  • Complete scanning projects as needed
  • Occasionally conduct research by looking through documents and books
  • Help maintain library environment by ensuring that the No Food/Drink policy is observed

Expected Salary:
$15.25 /hr
Required Qualifications:
  • Ability to work courteously and effectively with others
  • Ability to work with attention to detail
  • Ability to follow both written and spoken instructions and procedures
  • Ability to manage time and commitments including scheduled work hours
  • Applicants should provide proof of FWS award for Fall 2026

Preferred:
  • Ability to lift 25 pound boxes and stand on stools and ladders
  • Previous experience in any library setting
  • Good database and web searching skills
  • Ability to work independently once trained

Special Instructions to Applicants:
An online application AND a paper application must be submitted. The SASC paper application is available at the SASC desk in the Grand Reading Room, 2nd floor of Smathers Library. Return the paper application with your class schedule and Federal Work Study (FWS) award page to SASC staff. If you cannot pick-up a paper application right away, please email special@uflib.ufl.edu for a PDF copy.
Application must be submitted by 11:55 p.m. (ET) of the posting end date.
Health Assessment Required:No
Advertised: 07 Aug 2026 Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close: 21 Aug 2026 Eastern Daylight Time
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About University of Florida

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The University of Florida is one of the top ranked public universities in the United States (ranked top 5 amongst public universities in 2023 US news and world report). It is one of only a few comprehensive universities, having medical, veterinary, dental, nursing, public health, and engineering disciplines all co-localized on the same, contiguous campus to facilitate interdisciplinary collaboration. Gainesville is located in the northern region of Florida, within 1-1.5 hours of each coast, and just 1.5-2 hours to Orlando and Tampa. It is a small to medium-sized city with a low cost of living, excellent public and private schools, and southern hospitality. While Gainesville is widely recognized as the home of the Gators, it is quickly becoming known as a center for innovation and a place with a lifestyle that's comfortable for families, yet attractive for young professionals.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Gainesville, FL, US

Year founded

1853