Archives and Special Collections Public Services Fellow

Archives And Special Collections Public Services FellowAmherst 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 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 ResponsibilitiesWork with the ASC team to oversee Archives & Special Collections reading room operationsOpen and/or close the reading roomMonitor researchers working in the reading roomProvide reference and public services to researchers in the reading roomAssist 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 collectionsWork with student assistants and staff to locate, retrieve, and re-shelve collection materials from closed stacks and from off-site storageMay 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.QualificationsBachelor'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 experienceExcellent communication, organizational skills, and attention to detailExperience juggling multiple tasks and working towards deadlinesSensitivity to the proper care and security of collection materials, including confidentiality of patron and institutional recordsCommitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive environmentSuccessful completion of a pre-employment physical and lift testSuccessful completion of required reference and background checksDemonstrated experience working in archives and/or special collectionsExperience supporting researchers or knowledge of the research processEnrolled in an ALA-accredited graduate degree program in library science or related field