Reading Room Assistant, Countway Library (Boston,MA)

Posted September 26, 2025

Job Description:

Countway Library’s Center for the History of Medicine is seeking a Reading Room Assistant to support reading room operations, research and instruction staff, and onsite users of special collections and archives. The Assistant will provide positive, courteous service to the public in a team-oriented environment and be committed to maintaining patron confidentiality. This is an excellent opportunity for a graduate student interested in Public Services librarianship.

This is a six-month, temporary, non-benefitted position requiring 14 hours of onsite work (Wednesdays 12:00-5:00, Thursdays 12:00-5:00, and Fridays 12:00-4:00).  $22.00 per hour.

Responsibilities:

• Registering researchers who visit the Center to use rare books, special collections, and archival records.
• Communicating and applying library policies.
• Delivering requested collections to researchers and monitoring their use. 
• Scanning and photocopying rare books, special collections, and archives for remote reference and delivery.
• Assisting with collection retrieval requests from on and offsite storage.
• Reshelving and refiling collections.
• Performing data entry and other tasks as assigned, such as rehousing archival materials.

Qualifications:

• Attention to detail and the ability to work independently.
• High school diploma or equivalent education.
• Completion of a graduate-level introductory archives course (preferred)

Physical Demands:

• Frequent use of a computer keyboard, mouse, and barcode scanner.
• Lifting boxes up to 40 pounds on a regular basis.
• Pushing and maneuvering a loaded book truck weighing up to 80lbs.
• Bending, stooping, sitting, and standing for long periods of time.
• Tolerant of library-related allergens.

How to Apply:

Please include a cover letter to be considered for this position. Send resume and cover letter to: [email protected].