Public Services Student Assistant for Archives and Special Collections, Harvard University, (Cambridge, MA)

Posted May 7, 2026

Description

The Public Services unit of Harvard Library’s Archives and Special Collections (ASC) is looking for a current SLIS student to serve as a Public Services Student Assistant. The role is intended to work over 3 aspects of Public Services in ASC:

Must be available to work 9 am – 5 pm, Monday and Friday during the 2026 summer semester.

Reading Room: The Student Assistant discharges and collects items from researchers in the reading room. They also monitor the use of materials and coach researchers on proper handling, while upholding library access and security requirements.

Consultation Room: The Student Assistant checks researchers into the reading room and assists with in-person reference help to search for and select items to view.

Circulation: The Student Assistant pages and reshelves materials, processes daily depository deliveries, and fills shifts on the Page Desk.

Responsibilities

Create a warm and welcoming presence for Harvard Library’s researchers and visitors.
Actively greet the researchers and visitors and provide reference assistance and orientation to materials served in the ASC Reading Room located in Houghton Library.
Share information with researchers and the public about ASC’s mission, exhibitions, collections, programming, events, services, and classes.
Answer routine and general inquiries about collections served in the ASC Reading Room, its mission, and history.
Understand and communicate reading room policies and procedures to visitors and researchers, including health, security, and safety, coat/bag check, rules regarding food and drink, and reading room protocols.
Alert the Security Office stationed in the Houghton Library building of any security concerns, including self-observed issues and reported visitor concerns.
Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Basic:

Bachelor’s Degree in any subject.
Enrollment in an ALA-accredited Library and Information Science program.
One or more years of customer service experience.
Demonstrated discretion in handling confidential and/or sensitive information.
Must be able to regularly lift 40 lb records storage boxes.
This position requires bending, squatting, stretching, and climbing small stepstools when needed to retrieve boxes.

Preferred:

A commitment to diversity and to serving the needs of a diverse population,including international researchers and visitors, and visitors of all ages.
Ability to engage with visitors in a professional and courteous manner.
Team-oriented disposition with strong customer service skills.
Interest in libraries, museums, and/or other cultural institutions.
Ability to multitask during periods of high volume, stay calm, and direct groupsof visitors, even when language barriers are present.
Excellent oral communication.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Demonstrated initiative, flexibility, and ability to work collegially and creativelywithin and across organizations.
Knowledge of general office applications. MS Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint,and Teams.
Knowledge of Library software including Alma, Aeon, Springshare products, andbasic library catalog searching.
Working speaking knowledge of a language other than English including, but notlimited to Arabic, Chinese, French, Italian, Portuguese, Russian, or Spanish.

Hours and Compensation

Must be available to work 9 am – 5 pm, Monday and Friday during the 2026 summer semester.

HOURS

This position will work 14 hours a week, between 9 am and 5 pm.

SALARY

$22.00/hour

How to Apply

Submit cover letter, resume, and references to Pam Hopkins, Head of Research Services ([email protected]) and Bridgett Johnson-Pride, Director of Public Services for Archives and Special Collections ([email protected] ).

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy, and pregnancy-related conditions, or any other characteristic protected by law.