Research and Collections Specialist

Benefits of working at VCUAll full-time university staff are eligible for VCU's robust benefits package that includes: comprehensive health benefits, paid annual and holiday leave granted up front, generous tuition benefit, retirement planning and savings options, tax-deferred annuity and cash match programs, employee discounts, well-being resources, abundant opportunities for career development and advancement, and more. Learn more about VCU's benefits here.Job Code 27211N, 27212N Recruitment Pool All Applicants Posting Number req6789 Unit VCU Libraries MBU Department Department Website Link https://www.library.vcu.edu/ Location VCU Address 907 Floyd Ave, Richmond, VA 23284 USA Duties & Responsibilities

The Virginia Commonwealth University Libraries invites applications for a Research and Collections Specialist for Special Collections and Archives (SCA). The incumbent will play an essential role in supporting an array of public services, outreach, and collection maintenance functions in Special Collections and Archives. Two positions are available.

The incumbent will be responsible for providing reference and research support; assisting in promotion and outreach; and the care and organization of archival and special collections materials in a variety of formats. They will be active members of the User Services and Instruction and Outreach teams within SCA to help advance access to and information about SCA holdings. They will assist with stack maintenance projects and collection management initiatives within the department. The incumbent will assist with the care, organization, and description of archival materials and special collections in collaboration with the SCA team and members of the VCU Libraries.

The strongest candidate for this role will be able to quickly develop a deep knowledge of SCA's collections and provide excellent service to a diverse patron base.

Primary responsibilities include:

Assist and provide reference services to patrons via email, phone, or in person.

Participate in stacks and collection maintenance projects, including shelf-reads, barcoding projects, and inventory management utilizing software such as ArchivesSpace and Alma.

Retrieve, shift, reshelve, and rehouse collection materials.

Assist in accessioning, cataloging, and processing projects (could include but not limited to artifacts, artist books, comics, manuscripts, and university archives holdings).

Promote the use of collections by designing and/or creating exhibits, both physical and online, and assist with other outreach activities to support instruction, tours, and events.

Work with student and hourly employees to provide consistent customer service.

Work Hours:

Standard hours are 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily, from Monday to Friday.

Remote and/or Hybrid Work:

This job requires onsite work within VCU Libraries. Limited hybrid or remote work is available for this position.

This position is being offered as a Library Specialist 1 or Library Specialist 2. The final rank for the successful candidate will depend upon qualifications and experience.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor's Degree or a combination of equivalent education, training, and experience.

Experience providing reference and research support in a library.

Command of software applications such as Excel or similar software and collaborative tools such as Google Workplace.

Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.

Customer service skills.

Evidence of strong written and oral communication skills.

Ability to work independently and with a team.

Evidence of ability and desire to work effectively, positively, and collegially with a wide variety of individuals.

Demonstrated experience working in and fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment or the commitment to do so as an employee at VCU.

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience providing effective public services in an academic library or archival setting to a diverse clientele, including faculty, undergraduate, graduate students, and members of the public.

Experience with library systems (e.g., Alma/Primo, Voyager), archives databases (e.g., ArchivesSpace), or other collection management systems.

Experience organizing and maintaining archives, manuscripts, books, and museum objects.

Command of Adobe Creative Suite, particularly Photoshop and Illustrator, or similar software.FLSA University Employee Job FTE 1.0 Exemption Status Non-Exempt Restricted Position No E-Class UF - University Employee FT Job Category University Employee ORP Eligible No Salary Range $36,600- $42,000 Compensation Type Salaried Target Hire Date 1/23/2025 Contact Information for Candidates