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Arts & Humanities Reference Specialist

The Position

Job Title: Arts & Humanities Reference Specialist

Location/Department: Open Scholarship & Publishing & Arts and Humanities, Seattle

Rate: $22.37/hr

Hours: 8-10; Monday-Friday, with specific hours to be mutually determined

Positions available: 1

Date posted: August 4, 2026

Closing date: August 26, 2026

Start date: September 28, 2026 (negotiable)

End date: June 11, 2027, with option for extension

Overview

The Arts & Humanities Reference Specialist provides reference, instruction, collection development, outreach, and digital and special project support to a multidisciplinary team of librarians. Under the direction of the Music Librarian and Head, Arts & Humanities, this position will assist the Arts & Humanities liaison team in the delivery of core services and advancement of strategic priorities.

Projects and duties will give the successful candidate experience in several areas of academic librarianship. Specific projects, distribution of work tasks, and scheduling will balance the needs of the team, the UW Libraries, and the candidate’s areas of interest or skill. Tasks will vary from week to week, but will span the range of the duties listed below. The position will work closely with individual Arts & Humanities librarians on specific projects, as well as with groups of librarians providing support for multi- and interdisciplinary research, teaching, and collections.

We seek applicants with an academic or creative background in an Arts & Humanities discipline, such as fine and performing arts, history, area studies, languages and literature, English, philosophy, religion, classics, and interdisciplinary studies. The qualified candidate will be responsive to the needs of diverse users, interested in learning new things, and able to work independently and collaboratively. The position is ideal for someone interested in pursuing a career in academic libraries or public services.

This position is housed in the Open Scholarship & Publishing & Arts and Humanities (OSPAH) department of the Libraries’ Research and Learning Services unit. The role includes work in multiple library locations and may include remote work hours when appropriate.

Duties

  • Participates in information literacy instruction for Arts & Humanities subject areas. May work toward leading sessions independently.
  • Responds to library questions and research requests via email, in person, and the library help chat service. May independently provide research consultations and facilitate media viewing/listening appointments.
  • Supports collection development and management activities of Arts & Humanities liaison librarians.
  • Creates and maintains accessible digital resources, instructional materials, and projects, such as research guides, tutorials, handouts, and online exhibits.
  • Contributes to programming and outreach support such as tours, orientations, exhibits, and social media content.
  • Attends all required training sessions and meetings, and completes required training assignments.
  • Performs related duties as required.

Required Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree
  • Enrollment in a UW graduate program (minimum of 5 credits, or 2 credits for Ph.D. candidates working on their dissertation, per UW policy)
  • Strong public service orientation, including excellent communication and interpersonal skills
  • Interest or experience in teaching, training, presenting, tutoring, or coaching
  • Demonstrated ability to work independently, balance multiple projects, and set priorities

Desired Qualifications

  • Enrollment in the MLIS program in the UW Information School (as of September 2026)
  • Academic or creative background in an Arts & Humanities discipline (degree, coursework, and/or practical experience), and/or interest in working with students and faculty in these areas
  • Interest in pursuing academic librarianship, specifically public services
  • Experience with and/or demonstrated commitment to working with diverse users
  • Experience providing library service or equivalent customer service
  • Experience or interest in managing and facilitating outreach programming or events
  • Curiosity regarding technology and a willingness to learn new technologies

How to Apply

The following supplemental materials are required. A single PDF or Microsoft Word file containing both items is preferred.

Please name your file using the following format: LastName_FirstName.docx/pdf

1. One-page cover letter, in which you:
– Explain why you are interested in this position
– Describe your background, interest, or experience in Arts & – Humanities work
– Address the required and desired qualifications as relevant to you

2. Resume

3. Names and contact information for 2 references

For guidance on cover letters and resumes, refer to the UW Career Center’s guides and resume review service at https://careers.uw.edu/channels/tell-your-story/

Apply Now!

Upload your cover letter and resume to the form above with your student NetID.

Application process tips and more information about working at the Libraries

Equal opportunity and accommodation information

The University of Washington is committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful and welcoming community for all. As an equal opportunity employer, the University considers applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, sex, pregnancy, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, disability, or veteran status consistent with UW Executive Order No. 81.

To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Services Office at 206-543-6450 or [email protected].