Reading Room Student Assistant, Schlesinger Library, Harvard Radcliffe Institute (Cambridge, MA)
Posted January 6, 2026
Eligibility:
This is a pre-professional position open to currently enrolled MLIS students. This position does not include remote work options.
Library Overview:
Each year, the Schlesinger Library provides research assistance to thousands of individuals studying the history of women and gender in the United States. The Schlesinger Library’s holdings include manuscript collections of individuals, families, and organizations. Topics include women’s rights, suffrage, feminism, health and sexuality, social reform, culinary history, and much more.
Location:
3 James Street, Cambridge, MA (in Radcliffe Yard, 2 blocks from Harvard Square)
Job Description:
Under the supervision of the Access Services Coordinator, the Reading Room Assistants support the work of the Research Services Department. The Assistants answer questions and offer essential handling guidance for primary source material from the public service desk in the Reading Room; retrieve and reshelve requested materials; check-in and return off-site material; assist with security procedures in the Reading Room; scan materials for remote researchers; and assist Research Librarians and Archivists with projects as assigned.
Hours:
14 hours/week with weekly schedule to be determined. The Library is open Monday through Friday, 9am to 5pm
Qualifications:
Required:
- Customer service experience or experience in a library or archives environment
- Experience working on a team
- Exceptional focus and close attention to detail
- Demonstrated ability to manage multiple simultaneous tasks and balance priorities
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to lift boxes weighing up to 40 pounds
- Able to commit to a set weekly schedule
Preferred:
- Reading Room or other Special Collections work experience
- Experience with an integrated library system, such as Aeon
- Coursework in women and gender studies or history
Salary:
$21.00/hour
Start date:
February 2026
Application deadline:
Friday, January 16th, 2026
How To Apply:
Submit cover letter, resume, and three references to:
Madeleine Murphy (they/them)
Access Services Coordinator