Reading Room Student Assistant, Schlesinger Library, Cambridge, MA

Posted April 24, 2018

Schlesinger Library on the History of Women in America.

Radcliffe Institute for Advanced Study

Reading Room Student Assistant

Hours: The Library is open Monday through Saturday, 9 to 5. Up to 35 hours/week (Summer 2018) and then 17 hours/week: September and forward Weekly schedule to be determined, will include some Saturdays each month.

Eligibility: This is a pre-professional position open to currently enrolled Simmons GLIS students.

Library: The Schlesinger Library draws thousands of researchers each year to study the history of women in America. The collection consists of manuscript collections of individuals, families, and organizations, with particular strengths in women’s rights, suffrage, feminism, health and sexuality, social reform, and education. Some collections of note include Betty Friedan, Charlotte Perkins Gilman, June Jordan, Julia Child, Pauli Murray, and Judy Chicago, the National Organization for Women, and the recently acquired Angela Davis papers. In addition, the library’s book and periodical collections cover the full range of research on women as well as writings by women. The library has a particularly strong culinary collection dating from the late 18th century to the present.

Location: In Radcliffe Yard, 2 blocks from Harvard Square. The Yard is between Brattle and Garden Streets in Cambridge. [Map]

Description: Under the supervision of the Research Services Department, the Reading Room Assistant works in the Reading Room; helps monitor Reading Room security; retrieves and reshelves requested materials; scans materials for researchers; assists with checking in and returning off-site material; and other light processing projects that may arise. In addition, this person may periodically work at the Registration Desk on the first floor. 

Qualifications:

Required: Strong written and verbal communication skills. Friendly and courteous approach to working with students, faculty, researchers, and staff. Excellent attention to detail. Able to commit to a set weekly schedule. Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and balance priorities. Ability to lift boxes weighing up to 40 pounds.

Preferred: Interest in women’s studies; Reading Room, Reference Desk, or other Special Collections experience. 

Salary: $14.00/hour

Start date: End of May/beginning of June 2018

To apply:

Application deadline: May 05, 2018

Submit cover letter, resume, and three references to: Jennifer Fauxsmith, Research Librarian [email protected]