STUDENT JOB DESCRIPTION

Job Title: Summer Conservation: Archives and Special Collections

Pay Rate: $11.75 an hour

Department: Library & Information Technology Services

Immediate Supervisor: Diane Ray, College Archivist

Work Location: Archives and Special Collections, 1st Floor Morse Library

Schedule (not to exceed 20 hours per week): M T W Th F Hours:20hrs

Date Hired:

End Date:

Student Name:

# of Jobs Held by the Student:

Student Signature:

Supervisor Signature:

This role complies with applicable the Union Website/Agreement: https://www.beloit.edu/offices/human-resources/student-resources/

Role Summary:

The Beloit College Archives and Special Collections seeks an archives assistant to support projects around stewardship of its unique collections while gaining hands-on experience and knowledge of paper and rare book conservation practices and operations. Under the mentorship and supervision of the College Archivist, the Summer Conservation Archives and Special Collections Student Worker will participate in rehousing, cleaning, repairing, and maintaining archival collections. The student will also have the opportunity to participate in other activities of the department, including outreach initiatives. The position is open to currently enrolled or class of 2026 Beloit College students who remain in the area throughout the summer.

Characteristic Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Learn conservation of paper-based items
2. Determine and document an object’s condition
3. Create treatment plans in consultation with the College Archivist
4. Under supervision, carry out repairs, make boxes and housings for a variety of archival material

Example Projects:

• Create cardstock wrappers for albums and rare books
• Clean and repair paper materials
• Mend detached spines on rare books
• Bind copies of past Round Tables
• Collaborate with librarians to write blog or social media posts to share materials and your experience

Credentials and Experience:

1. Ability to demonstrate background skills in creating well-crafted, repetitive work by hand
2. Previous experience handling archive, museum, or library collections
3. Strong interest in archival studies, book arts, conservation, or other related fields
4. Strong interest in learning conservation skills
5. Preferred: some book binding experience

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

1. Demonstrated ability to work accurately with attention to detail and focus on repetitive tasks for an extended period.
2. Excellent oral and written communication skills.
3. Commitment to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion.
4. Ability to work independently and collaboratively to achieve objectives.
5. Ability to effectively prioritize, plan and organize multiple tasks and projects and meet set deadlines.
6. The physical demands of this position include:
   1. Ability to steadily handle small pieces and fragile materials.
   2. Ability to independently lift materials weighing up to 20 lbs, push carts, reach up or down to retrieve supplies.
   3. Visual ability to safely and effectively operate equipment and read computer screens, printed materials and small details.

   
   
   

   The intent of this job description is to provide the general nature and level of work required of student employees who are assigned to this classification and shall not be constructed as an all-inclusive list of duties and responsibilities. Student employees may be instructed to perform job-related duties and responsibilities other than those specifically presented in this description.

   
   
   

   Employment Practices Statement:

    

   We are committed to fair and lawful employment practices. All hiring and employment decisions are made in compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws prohibiting discrimination. We do not tolerate discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by law.