Special Collections & Area Research Center Assistant

Performs a wide range of complex library services that support the day-to-day operations of Murphy Librarys Special Collections and the Area Research Center (ARC) especially involving primary source materials and books that are rare unique and historically significant in nature. Triages and responds to emails and reference questions; collaborates in the hiring training and managing of student employees; processes archival collections; and serves as the point of contact for coordinating ARC Transfers. Other duties include assisting patrons from the campus and wider community; interpreting policies and procedures to answer non-routine questions and resolve issues; and using designated library tools and software to fulfill the needs of the unit. This position will consult with other units as needed and the Special Collections Librarian will serve as unit lead.

Physical demands (walking lifting equipment operations etc.)

• The ability to sit for extended periods of time.

• Occasional lifting up to 50 pounds.

The normal work schedule for this position is Monday through Friday 7:45 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

The review of applications starts onJuly 21 2026.Applications received on or beforeJuly 21st areprioritizedand review will continue until the position(s) is/are filled. Initial interviews will be conducted virtually with shortlisted candidates invited to campus.

UW-La Crosse does not offer H-1B or other work authorization visa sponsorship for this position. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of hire and maintain work authorization throughout the employment term. If you have questions regarding this please contact Human Resources at .

Area Research Center Transfers:

• Coordinate ARC transfer requests with the transfer service currently in use
• Maintain relevant ARC transfer statistics
  
  

Additional duties and responsibilities (responsibilities/important duties performed in addition:

• Other duties as assigned by unit lead and supervisor

Supervisor of Record for Student Employees:

• Collaborate in recruiting hiring training overseeing student employees
• Approve working hours for student employees
• Create and maintain student training guides and manuals

Support the day-to-day operations of Murphy Librarys Special Collections and the Area Research Center (ARC):

• Triage reference inquiries received by email phone or in person and refer to the appropriateinformation or resource which may include this position
• Compile resources as directed by unit lead
• Oversee visitor registration and check-in procedures and assist with annual usage reports
• Check in new books and materials and conduct shifting when necessary
• Track periodicals and other UW System publications
• In coordination with Student Outreach and Engagement unit create signage and displays as needed
• Track stock and coordinate day-to-day supply orders with the administrative office
• Monitor computers and take necessary steps to ensure theyre in working order and up to date
• Catalog vertical files
• Manage payments and deposits in coordination with the administrative office
  

Archival Collection Processing:

• Assist with archival collections processing
• Using EAD standards convert paper finding aids to digital versions
• Using EAD standards create digital finding aids
  
  

Special Collections Murphy Library

$18.00/ hour

• Minimum high school diploma required

• Knowledge and experience in the use of computer software (Microsoft Office Suite Google Docs IOS)

• Knowledge and experience in the use of email (Outlook) functions as well as e-calendars.

• Effective oral and written communications

• Excellent organizational and time management skills

• Ability to coordinate projects work independently and to independently set priorities to meet the demands of the unit

• The ability to multi-task when necessary

• Attention to detail timelines and deadlines despite frequent interruptions

• Knowledge of policies procedures and protocol in a library

• Ability to work effectively with people across multiple levels of the organization and the public

• Ability to use discretion and good judgment regarding confidential information

• Ability and willingness to maintain and enhance professional competencies by participating in professional development (workshops webinars training sessions) related to the unit

• Knowledge of policies procedures and protocol in an archival setting

• Knowledge of EAD coding to create digital finding aids

• Knowledge of handling fragile materials in an archival setting

• Knowledge of scanning 2D materials

• Knowledge in the use of Alma software

Required application documents

Cover letter (that addresses the required and preferred qualifications)

CV/ Resume

Sean Hurtubise

Application deadlines
TO ENSURE CONSIDERATION: Priority consideration is given to those candidates who apply by the listed First Review Date. Applications received after that date may be considered at the discretion of the search committee. Application materials will be evaluated and the most qualified applicants will be invited to participate in the next step of the selection process. Incomplete and/or late application materials may not receive consideration. If you have questions regarding this recruitment or if you are not able to complete the application online due to a disability or system problem please contact the Office of Human Resources.

Confidentiality of Applicant Materials
UWL is a state agency and subject to Wisconsins Open Records Law. UWL will not however reveal the identities of applicants who request confidentiality in writing except as may be required by Wisconsins Open Records certain circumstances the identities of final candidates and/or the identity of the appointed applicant must be revealed upon request.

CBC & Reference Check Policy
All candidates for employment are subject to a pre-employment screening which includes a criminal background check work authorization and verification of education. It will also require you and your references to answer questions regarding sexual violence and sexual harassment.

Annual Security and Fire Safety Report (Clery Act)
For the UWL Annual Security and Fire Safety Reports (i.e. Clery Report) which includes statistics about reported crimes and information about campus security policies see or contact the University Police Department at 608.785.9000.

INFORMATIONABOUTYOURBENEFITS
Your benefits add an additional 40% to the overall financial package from the university.
Highlights include:

• Paid vacation for 12-month positions.

• Excellent flexible health insurance with low co-pays and good coverage.

• Paid holidays and paid sick days.

• After 5 years of employment you become vested in our retirement system which ensures income post-career.

• Benefits atUWLare highly competitive with local industry and some of the strongest in state and nation.

Benefit eligibility is determined at the point of hire. This information is provided for illustrative purposes only. Benefits are also pro-rated based on the appointment percentage.

UW is an Equal Opportunity Employer
Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race color religion sex sexual orientation gender identity national origin age pregnancy disability status as a protected veteran or any other bases protected by applicable federal or State law and UW System policies. We are committed to building a workforce that represents a variety of backgrounds perspectives and skills and encourage all qualified individuals to apply.