Conservation Student Assistant - Libraries

About the Role

Conservation Services at KU Libraries is responsible for the care and preservation of the Libraries' collections. Student workers are involved in activities such as pamphlet binding, mending paper tears, repairing books, creating custom enclosures, and cleaning and caring for library materials. This role is ideal for individuals who pride themselves on dexterity, aesthetic sensibilities, and craft skills, and who enjoy working closely with a team while interacting with books and materials ranging from the everyday to the rare and unusual.

Tasks may involve some heavy lifting and getting a bit dirty. Students should be good at following complex directions, able to adapt to changing workflows, have a steady hand, and appreciate repetitive tasks.

• 65% - Independent work on library material, including pamphlet binding, mending paper tears, book repair, and cleaning.
• 20% - Creating custom box housing for books.
• 10% - Collaborative group projects such as collections surveys or rehousing projects.
• 5% - Other duties in the library.

Requirements

• Must be enrolled in no fewer than 6 credit hours during the semester of the appointment. For summer, must meet one of the following:
  • Enrolled in no less than 6 hours in the past spring semester.
  • Pre-enrolled in the upcoming fall semester in no less than 6 hours.
  • Enrolled in summer session.
  • Admitted to study in the upcoming fall semester.
• Must be able to lift and carry up to 25 lbs. with or without accommodation.
• Student Hourlies may be undergraduate or graduate students (exceptions for GRA/GTA/GA appointments do not apply).
• Not eligible for remote work arrangements unless an exception is approved.
• Cannot hold an hourly/non-exempt position and a salaried/exempt graduate or undergraduate position (GRA/GTA/GA/RUA/RGA) concurrently.

Qualifications

Required

• Demonstrated prior work experience performing detailed and repetitive work with a high degree of accuracy.
• Professional experience requiring hand skills.

Preferred

• Eligibility for Federal Work Study.
• Previous library or archive experience.

Pay

$11.00 per hour

Schedule

Anticipated start date: Monday, September 21, 2026.