Special Collections Student Reference Specialist

The Position

Job Title: Special Collections Student Reference Specialist

Location/Department: Special Collections

Rate: $22.37/hr

Hours: 12-16

Positions available: 1

Date posted: August 20, 2026

Closing date: September 3, 2026

Start date: September 25, 2026 (negotiable)

Duties

• Provide support at the reference desk in addition to answering e-mail reference questions pertaining to our collections from around the Pacific Northwest region, the nation, and the world.
• Regularly staff reference desk and provide our users with basic reference services and assist in circulation duties.
• Regularly staff the Virtual Reading Room, Special Collections’ remote research service.
• May assist with correspondence and filling photocopy requests received.
• Must become skilled in the use of a variety of paper and electronic finding aids, databases and other indexing tools in Special Collections and be able to refer patrons to other collections and online resources when questions do not pertain to our collections.
• May assist Special Collections staff in scheduling and coordinating History Day instruction sessions and in creating subject guides.
• Complete or contribute to other projects as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree
• Successful completion of one or more courses in library reference service, comparable work experience in library reference service, or comparable work experience in information provision; OR experience in providing library instruction, successful completion of one or more courses relating to instruction, or comparable experience in teaching or training.
• Strong public service orientation
• Highly developed verbal, listening, writing, and interpersonal skills
• Familiarity and comfort with using and teaching others to use electronic and print reference sources
• Ability to perform advanced web searching
• Interest in Special Collections and/or archival materials

Desired Qualifications

• Experience in providing direct public service in a library setting, especially at reference, information, or circulation service points
• Experience with an electronic reference system program such as LibAnswers
• Some knowledge of Pacific Northwest History Experience and/or demonstrated interest in working with a diverse academic population
• Current enrollment in one of the graduate programs at the Information School

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
• Cover letter
• Resumé

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].