Library Assistant I, Research Services

Library Assistant I position at the Harry Ransom Center, an internationally renowned humanities research library and museum at The University of Texas at Austin. The Center's extensive collections provide unique insight into the creative process of writers and artists, deepening understanding and appreciation of literature, photography, film, art, and the performing arts. The Ransom Center encourages discovery, inspires creativity, and advances understanding of the humanities for a broad and diverse audience through the preservation and sharing of its extraordinary collections.

About the Role

The Ransom Center values inclusivity and welcomes applicants from under-represented groups and those who demonstrate a commitment to inclusion. This position is part-time (20 hours per week) and expected to continue until August 15, 2026, with availability to work most Saturdays and additional weekday hours between 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM.

Responsibilities

• Locates, shelves, and reshelves manuscripts, books, photography, art, flat files, personal effects, and other visual materials for patrons in a secure, closed-stacks library and archive.
• Performs all Circulation Desk functions and has several desk shifts each week; trains at and serves as backup at Reception.
• Assists patrons with creating requests for photoduplication orders of collection materials.
• After training, performs basic preservation tasks and assists patrons with materials handling.
• Answers directional and minor reference questions in the Reading Room and may assist with orientations for new patrons.
• Assists with training of Work Study students and Student Assistants.
• Locates and pulls materials for classroom use, helps with setup and takedown, and may assist with materials selection and instruction.
• Assists with Library Storage Facility material requests by inputting requests, routing materials, and preparing items for return.
• Helps foster a welcoming research environment while safeguarding collection materials; revisits policies to ensure alignment with National Standards and best practices.
• Serves as the primary staff member for pulling materials on Saturdays and supports service points.
• Assists with occasional opening and closing responsibilities.
• Participates in cross-departmental projects and other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• High school graduation or GED.
• Two years of library experience OR sixty hours of college credit and one year of full-time equivalent library experience OR twelve hours of graduate coursework in Library and Information Science.
• Must be able to work Saturdays.
• Relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate.

Preferred Qualifications

• Demonstrated knowledge of Ransom Center collections.
• Experience in a special collections library.
• Demonstrated good customer service skills.
• Knowledge of Library of Congress and Dewey Decimal classification systems.
• Experience with an automated circulation tracking system.
• Proficiency in more than one language.
• Experience in preservation techniques.
• Ability to communicate and work well with scholars in the humanities and as a team member.
• Experience with an online library catalog and databases.
• Experience with or interest in literary materials.
• Good written and oral communication skills.

Working Conditions

• May work around standard office conditions.
• Repetitive use of a keyboard at a workstation.
• Use of manual dexterity.
• Ability to appropriately handle large, heavy, and fragile collection materials of significant value.

Pay

$20,000 prorated annual salary.