Special Collections Processing Assistant

USNH Employees should apply within Workday through the Jobs Hub app

Milne Special Collections and Archives (SCA) houses more than 20,000 cubic feet of books and archival materials documenting the history of the University of New Hampshire and the Seacoast region. Additional collecting strengths include the American Civil War, fly fishing, the Shakers, and Anglo-American folk dance. The Special Collections Processing Assistant will focus primarily on processing the local and regional history collections.

This position is ideal for emerging professionals and candidates with an interest in history, museums, archives, or library science. It offers hands-on experience working with unique primary sources and rare secondary materials while learning the fundamentals of professional archival processing. Primary responsibilities include arranging and describing physical and digital materials, creating written documentation, and publishing archival finding aids.

This is a 28-hour-per-week position through FY26, with the possibility of extension. The employee will work under the supervision of the Library Manager, who also serves as the Workday approver. Additional direction may be provided by other SCA staff, particularly the Reference Coordinator when duties involve service desk coverage.

Successful candidates will be professional, conscientious, detail-oriented, and able to work independently with minimal supervision. The ability to follow instructions, ask clarifying questions when appropriate, and apply critical thinking skills is essential.

Job Duties may include but are not limited to: 

• Accessioning and processing (including arranging and rehousing) archival collections with wide variations in physical extent, formats, age and complexity. This includes conducting historical research and writing descriptions of archival collections as necessary for producing cataloging records and finding aids.
• Writing finding aids using the ArchivesSpace platform, including bulk item upload via spreadsheets. 
• Driving UNH vehicles to transport materials.
• Identifying individuals in photographs through the cross checking of relevant sources. 
• Assisting with acquisition and content/condition analysis of new accessions.  
• Adding digital materials into the collection and generating appropriate metadata. 
• Identifying sensitive information (such as social security numbers) that may require redaction. 
• Scanning especially fragile materials for preservation according to established standards.  
• Occasionally staffing the service desk and assisting patrons in person and by telephone. 
• Assisting with materials moves between the Library Storage Building and Dimond Library. 
• Assisting the Reference Coordinator by scanning materials for patron requests. 
• Shelving books and archival boxes according to call number as well as locating misplaced materials. 
• ArchivesSpace inventory and finding aid cleanup assistance.

Requirements: 

• Basic computer skills (especially proficiency with Microsoft Office) and an ability to learn new software programs such as Alma and ArchivesSpace.   
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.   
• Ability and willingness to foster a healthy work environment.   
• Ability to work independently but ask for guidance when appropriate.   
• Strong attention to detail and ability to stay focused on project work.   
• Comfort with answering basic patron questions by telephone and in person.   
• Ability to prioritize work tasks amidst multiple simultaneous projects. 
• Ability to be punctual with arrivals and appointments.
• Flexibility to help other staff with urgent requests when needed.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Previous experience with archival processing preferred

Physical Requirements: 

• Ability to handle archival materials with care.   
• Ability to perform computer work at a desk for several hours at a time.   
• Ability to lift boxes up to 45 lbs.   
• Ability to climb short ladders.  
• Ability to read call numbers on books and boxes. 
• Ability to push/pull fully loaded book trucks and flatbed carts. 
• Ability to drive a small UNH passenger vehicle

Applicant Instructions

Applicants should be prepared to upload the following documents when applying online within the Resume/Cover Letter section of your application:

• Resume/CV

Compensation Pay Range:

$18/hour

The University of New Hampshire is an R1 Carnegie classification research institution providing comprehensive, high-quality undergraduate and graduate programs of distinction. UNH is located in Durham on a 188-acre campus, 60 miles north of Boston and 8 miles from the Atlantic coast and is convenient to New Hampshire’s lakes and mountains. There is a student enrollment of 13,000 students, with a full-time faculty of over 600, offering 90 undergraduate and more than 70 graduate programs. The University actively promotes a dynamic learning environment in which qualified individuals of differing perspectives, life experiences, and cultural backgrounds pursue academic goals with mutual respect and shared inquiry.

EEO Statement

The University System of New Hampshire is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access employer. The University System is committed to creating an environment that values and supports diversity and inclusiveness across our campus communities and encourages applications from qualified individuals who will help us achieve this mission. The University System prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or marital status.

The pay range for this position is listed above. Actual offer will be based on skills, qualifications, experience, and internal equity, in addition to relevant business considerations. More information on benefits can be found here: USNH Employee Benefits | Human Resources

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