Conservation Student Assistant - Libraries

The University of Kansas is seeking a Conservation Student Assistant for its Libraries in Lawrence, KS. The role involves hands-on tasks like pamphlet binding, book repair, and cleaning library materials. Candidates should have strong attention to detail and be able to lift up to 25 lbs. Applicants must be enrolled in at least 6 credit hours during their appointment. Remote work is not typically permitted.
Position Overview

Do you pride yourself on your dexterity, aesthetic sensibilities, and craft skills? Do you enjoy working closely with a team of your fellow students? Are you interested in interacting with KU Libraries' books and materials from the everyday to the rare and unusual? Then apply for a position with Conservation Services!

Conservation Services at KU Libraries is responsible for the care and preservation of the Libraries' collections. Our students are involved in activities such as pamphlet binding, mending paper tears, repairing books, creating custom enclosures, and cleaning and caring for library materials. We employ student workers who are good at following complex directions, able to adapt to changing workflows, have a steady hand, and also appreciate repetitive tasks. These tasks may involve some heavy lifting and getting a bit dirty.

If you enjoy a job where you are often in motion and have a positive, can-do attitude, please apply!

Job Description

65% - Independent work on library material including tasks such as pamphlet binding, mending paper tears, book repair, and cleaning.
20% - Creating custom box housing for books.
10% - Collaborative group projects such as collections surveys or rehousing projects.
5% - Other duties in the library.

Required Qualifications
• Demonstrated prior work experience with performing detailed and repetitive work with a high degree of accuracy as evidenced on application materials.
• Hand skills as evidenced on application materials.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 25 lbs.

Preferred Qualifications
• Eligibility for Federal Work Study.
• Previous library or archive experience

Position Requirements

During the semester term of the appointment, the student hourly must be enrolled in no fewer than 6 credit hours. For summer periods the student hourly must: (1) have been enrolled in no less than 6 hours in the past spring semester or (2) be pre-enrolled in the upcoming fall semester in no less than 6 hours or (3) be enrolled in summer session or (4) be admitted to study in the upcoming fall semester. Student Hourlies may be undergraduate or graduate students. (Exceptions granted for GRA/GTA/GA appointments DO NOT apply to Student Hourly appointments).

Employment Conditions

(1) Student employees are not eligible for remote work arrangements unless an exception is approved by the unit leadership and HR.

(2) This is an hourly/non-exempt position. A student employee cannot hold an hourly/non-exempt position and a salaried/exempt graduate or undergraduate position (GRA/GTA/GA/RUA/RGA) concurrently.

Additional Candidate Instructions

A complete application includes:
• Online application
• Cover letter addressing how the required and preferred qualifications are met.
• Resume
• Portfolio or example of hand skills (art or craft object) will be required if considered for an interview.

Incomplete applications will not be considered.

If you are called for an interview, bring an example of hand skills such as an arts and crafts project or an art portfolio.

Application deadline is 06/14/2025 by 11:59PM Central Standard Time.

Contact Information to Applicants

Kaitlin McGrath
785-864-6412
kaitlin.m.mcgrath@ku.edu

Advertised Salary Range

$11.00 per hour

Anticipated Start Date

Monday June 30, 2025

Apply to Job

Posting Information
• Posting ID: 30695BR
• Department: Libraries-General
• Primary Campus: University of Kansas Lawrence Campus
• Reg/Temp: Temporary
• Employee Class: S-Student