Graduate Assistant – Reed Library, Special Collections & Archives

Job Description:

The State University of New York at Fredonia invites applications for a full-time/20 hours per week, 50% FTE Graduate Assistant position in Reed Library - Special Collections & Archives. This position is filled on an as-needed basis in accordance with campus and department policy. This position provides a $3,350 stipend per semester ($6,700/academic year) and an 18-credit-hour tuition waiver/academic year.

Reed Library's Special Collections & Archives proudly host over 200 collections that enhance researcher understanding of our university's history; the local and regional history of Fredonia, Chautauqua County, and broader Western New York; the lives of Stefan Zweig and Sigurd Rascher; and the tremendous impact of the Holocaust. In addition to our archival collections, we also hold rare books, digital collections, and works of art.

Rewards & Benefits

• Competitive compensation plus benefits including dental and vision coverage (benefit plan eligibility is dependent on FTE; must be 50% or more);
• Paid leave provisions including sick and holiday leave; impressive educational benefits including tuition-free study plus supplemental tuition aid;
• A rich array of services, programs and benefits to help employees advance in their career and enhance the quality of their personal life, including professional development programs and services, employee EAP and wellness programs, discounted membership to the on-campus fitness center, and access to the Campus and Community Child Care Center.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Reporting to Mx. Amanda Shepp, Coordinator of Special Collections & Archives, the Special Collections & Archives Graduate Assistant will:

Learn about and practice core aspects of special collections and rare books librarianship and archival practices, including but not limited to:

• Conducting known item searches in WorldCat
• Retrieval of items and proper shelving practices based on Collection IDs and LCC call numbers
• Basic reference interactions and assisting with researchers
• Collection development & assessment
• Collection arrangement, description, and creation of finding aids, including Encoded Archival Description (EAD) and upload to Empire Archival Discovery Cooperative (EADC)
• Exhibit curation and installation
• Assist with preparations for visiting researchers, class sessions, and events
• Assist with training and supervision of undergraduate student staff
• Engage in educational/training opportunities, including opportunities to increase awareness and understanding of diversity and inclusion
• Know, understand, and follow all university policies.

Requirements:

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Enrollment in a graduate-level Library & Information Science degree program, preferably at a university or college within the SUNY system;
• Currently in good academic standing;
• Ability to work independently;
• Flexibility with projects and assignments; ability to balance several tasks at once;
• Excellent interpersonal skills to work effectively, and in a collegial and professional manner, with students, faculty, and staff;
• Ability to communicate effectively with Special Collections & Archives patrons and Reed Library coworkers/colleagues;
• Demonstrated commitment and ability to work with a diverse group of students, faculty, staff and constituents in support of campus and department mission.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• 1 year of experience in a GLAMS (Galleries, Libraries, Archives, Museums, Special Collections) workplace environment;
• Ability to think creatively;
• Knowledge of at least one Western European language, preferably German;
• Ability to read cursive handwriting;
• Excellent writing ability.

Additional Information:

Fredonia prides itself on an outstanding workforce. To continually support organizational excellence, the university conducts background screens on applicants.

An Affirmative Action, Equal Opportunity Employer, Fredonia provides for, and promotes, equal opportunity employment, compensation, and other terms and conditions of employment, without discrimination.

Pursuant to University policy, the University is committed to fostering a diverse community of outstanding faculty, staff, and students, as well as ensuring equal educational opportunity, employment, and access to services, programs, and activities, without regard to an individual's race, color, national origin, religion, creed, age, disability, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, familial status, pregnancy, predisposing genetic characteristics, military status, or domestic violence victim status. Employees, students, applicants or other members of the University community (including but not limited to vendors, visitors, and guests) may not be subjected to harassment that is prohibited by law, or treated adversely or retaliated against based upon a protected characteristic.

The University's policy is in accordance with federal and state laws and regulations prohibiting unlawful discrimination and harassment. These laws include the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 as Amended by the Equal Employment Opportunity Act of 1972, and the New York State Human Rights Law. These laws prohibit discrimination and harassment, including sexual harassment and sexual violence.

Application Instructions:

Interested candidates shall apply and submit the required documents listed below by clicking on the APPLY NOW button. The names and contact information for three professional references is required as part of the application. Review of candidates will begin immediately wand will continue until the position is filled.

• Cover Letter
• Resume/CV

Note: After submitting your Resume/CV, the subsequent page gives you instructions that enable you to upload the additional, required documents.

Please see the FAQ for using the online application system. Please contact us if you need assistance applying through this website.

URL: www.fredonia.edu/library