User Services Experience Fellow, Simmons University, (Boston, MA)

Posted February 10, 2026

OVERVIEW:
In support of the Simmons University commitment to fostering a diverse, welcoming, and inclusive community, the Simmons University Library, located in Boston, MA on the ancestral unceded territory of the Massachusetts and Pawtucket nations, offers the graduate Fellowships in Library Science to provide graduate library and information science degree students pre-professional staff positions. The Fellowship provides salary and benefits along with tuition scholarships. It is intended to immerse Fellows in librarianship study and professional library work, enriching their experience through professional growth and mentorship opportunities.

Under the direction of and in collaboration with the Simmons University Library staff, the University Library Fellows will support the execution of core departmental functions and the oversight of the daily activities of the University Library and its collections. Following a curricular model that emphasizes learning through doing, the Fellows will explore, in conjunction with their classwork, both the pedagogical and practical aspects of topics in academic librarianship and university archiving. This will include, but is not limited to discovery, accession, processing, preservation, access, teaching and learning, and research assistance, in both the physical and digital spheres.

The Fellowship will culminate in the completion of a capstone project, the topic, format, and potential practical application to be chosen by the University Library Fellow and approved by Library staff.

Potential candidates should note that although this position is situated in an academic setting, the Fellowship is designed to prepare candidates for any professional librarian position, including public and special libraries and archives.

Compensation: The Fellowship is a full-time, benefits eligible position with a salary range of $45,000 per year.

Work Schedule: The Fellows will work 40 hours per week. The specific schedule will be determined based on the department’s priorities and the candidate’s availability. Flexibility for class attendance will be considered.

Timeline:
The Library Fellowship aims to support and strengthen both the theory and skills learned throughout the course of the Fellows’ library science degree program. The Fellowship is contingent upon enrollment in the Master’s degree program in the School of Library and Information Science. It is expected to last up to three years, but no longer than four, with the expectation that the fellowship concludes no longer than three months after the Fellow’s graduation. Fellows may take no more than one course per semester during their first year of employment and subsequently no more than two courses per semester for the duration of their program.

User Services Fellow:
Under the direction of the User Services Librarian, the User Services Fellow will play a critical role in supporting core departmental functions, including general oversight of the Library Service Desk. The Library Fellow will participate in the delivery of circulation, course reserves, interlibrary loan and reference services; supervise the daily activities of student workers; assist with assessment projects; engage in outreach activities to the Simmons community; and participate in library-wide projects.

Qualifications:

• The Fellowship is contingent upon current enrollment in the Simmons School of Library & Information Science (if newly accepted to the program within one semester of enrollment; if newly enrolled, no more than three courses completed) and maintaining academic standing (SLIS) and Fellowship performance (annual staff performance reviews).
• Candidates who share one or more of the following criteria are encouraged to apply:
  • First generation in their family to attend college and graduate school
  • Socioeconomically disadvantaged (low income, very low income)
  • Attended a minority serving institution
  • Participated in organizations offering services to socioeconomically disadvantaged communities (AmeriCorps NCCC/ City Year) or promote racial equality (ACLU/NAACP/Immigrant Advocacy Groups)
• Received a merit-based scholarship or aid for the promotion of justice and equity in LIS (e.g. ALA Spectrum Scholarship/ARL Kaleidoscope Program).

How to Apply

To apply for a Simmons University Library Fellowship position, please submit a copy of your resume and a personal statement of up to 750 words addressing why you are interested in the specific position, how your experiences connect with the application criteria, what you hope to achieve from the Fellowship, and what you believe you can contribute to the University Library & Archives.

Applicants can apply to one or more of the positions below. Please submit separate materials for each position you are applying for and indicate which position clearly in the document name. Submit your materials to [email protected] as PDFs or Word documents. Use the subject line “Archives & Digital Initiatives Fellow” or “User Services Fellow”. The file name should include your name and which Library Fellow Position you are applying to. If you are applying to both positions please submit materials as two separate emails.

Please note: While past library and/or archives experience is welcome; it is not a requirement for the Fellowship. Please do not self-reject. The Library is actively seeking a diverse group of candidates with different perspectives and experiences.

Application Deadline: February 27, 2026