The Albert and Shirley Small Special Collections Library at the University of Virginia is seeking a Reference Librarian/Archivist. This position is responsible for providing excellent reference service to users of the Special Collections Library relating to the Library’s collections.

An informational webinar is scheduled for Tuesday, May 12, at 10am Eastern Time. To join the webinar, please use the following link: https://virginia.zoom.us/j/97858526394

The Special Collections Library supports teaching and research by acquiring, preserving, and providing access to rare books, manuscripts, archives, maps, and digital materials. Its mission focuses on serving university, national, and international scholars while promoting cultural insights through exhibitions.

About the University of Virginia Library:

The University of Virginia Library is here to ensure that the University community has the information it needs for teaching, research, and enrichment. Regularly ranked in the top quartile of ARL libraries, UVA Library has six locations, more than 220 staffers, and more than 100 student employees. Additionally, as a major research institution, the Library regularly collaborates with professional organizations such as the Virtual Library of Virginia (VIVA), Virginia Library Association, Association of College and Research Libraries, and others.

The University of Virginia Library is committed to a culture of mutual respect, civility, cooperation, mindfulness, accountability, and acceptance of individual differences. Departments and individuals are expected to work together, both in professional collaborations and in creating a culture where all can thrive.

Responsibilities 

• Working at the Special Collections reference desk: registering researchers, assisting researchers with locating and requesting materials, processing material requests, overseeing the retrieval of materials, charging and discharging materials, and providing handling protocols and reading room security
• Presenting an overview on conducting special collections research and giving an orientation to the reading room
• Researching, answering and managing remote reference queries
• Interacting with library systems: monitoring Aeon queues and appointments, locating materials using VIRGO--the Library’s online catalog--and ArchivesSpace, and finding digitized images in Tracksys—the Library’s digital tracking system.
• Following best practices for reference desk and training other staff members in these best practices
• Contributing to division and Library committees and working groups

Minimum Qualifications 

• Education: Master's degree in Library Science from ALA Accredited program or relevant graduate degree. Experience equivalency substitution (per Department of Labor Equivalency Guidelines): Bachelor’s + 4 Years relevant experience considered in lieu of degree.
• Experience: 0-4 years experience.

About The University of Virginia Library

The University of Virginia was conceived with a library at its heart, placed in the Rotunda at the head of the Academical Village. Today, the Library’s original purpose remains unchanged: to provide access to accumulated knowledge, and in so doing, increase it—in short, to advance learning. In pursuit of that goal, we collect, preserve, organize, and share materials of all kinds. The Albert and Shirley Small Special Collections Library houses the University Library's archival material, rare books, audio and visual collections, material culture, and the University Archives.

Connections working at The University of Virginia Library