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Work Study: Benson Special Collections Manuscript Processing Assistant

Positions Available: 1
Position Title: Benson Special Collections Manuscript Processing Assistant 
Department: Benson Latin American Collections, UT Libraries
Supervisor: Dylan Joy
The Benson Special Collections Manuscript Processing Assistant will assist with manuscript processing and reference initiatives at the Benson Special Collections. This position focuses on collections related to the Black Diaspora in Latin America and has a general region focus of Latin America. Provides opportunities to work at a public service point (Rare Books Reading Room) and with Benson archivists in support of the Benson Special Collections team. 

The University of Texas Libraries welcomes and respects all individuals and communities by valuing and consciously maintaining awareness of diverse perspectives and experiences. We believe inclusivity is critical to fostering excellence in all our endeavors, and we promote diversity in our collections and services, as well as in our recruiting, hiring, and retention practices.
Position is subject to renewal each semester.
Work Schedule: Monday through Friday between 9am and 5pm as agreed upon with supervisor, for a total of 19 hours per week.
Duties: Assist the Benson’s Black Diaspora Archivist and Latin American Archivist with processing of archival collections that relate to the Black Diaspora and other topics within Latin America. Assist the above-mentioned archivists with other projects as assigned, which may include metadata creation, preservation work, inventorying, and exhibitions work. Staff Benson rare books reading room service point. Guide researchers through registration and selection of materials. Provide guidance in appropriate use of rare materials in accordance with Benson procedures and policies. Provide patrons with basic in-person, phone and email reference service utilizing Benson circulation and special collections resources (written in English, Spanish and Portuguese) and other resources as needed. Database searching, including Texas Archival Resources Online archival holdings database, UT Libraries catalog, OCLC WorldCat, and specialized databases for research in Latin American Studies, U.S Latina/Latino Studies and African Diaspora Studies. Perform other related tasks as assigned. 

Required Qualifications: Currently-enrolled graduate student at UT Austin with knowledge of Black Diaspora and/or Latin American studies. Enrolled for at least nine [9] semester hours during the fall and spring semester and three [3] semester hours during the summer session. Student must be in good academic standing. Demonstrated strong customer service experience. Library catalog and other online database searching experience. Must be punctual and maintain a consistent work schedule. Excellent organizational and interpersonal communication skills (written and oral), and ability to communicate library policies and procedures to library users. Ability to work independently with little or no supervision. Ability to use good judgment and follow through independently. 
Preferred Qualifications: Proficiency in Spanish and/or Portuguese. Experience working with archival or other historical collections. Experience providing library reference services to a diverse population. 

Research indicates that applicants with marginalized identities are hesitant to apply for positions if they do not meet all the required and preferred qualifications. We want to emphasize that although experience in certain areas is desirable, candidates who meet the required qualifications and demonstrate excellent promise are encouraged to apply and will be given serious consideration, especially those who are underrepresented in this field.

Working Conditions: Regular indoor working conditions.
Rate of Pay: $12.25/hour
Applicant Instructions: Applicants should apply with a letter of interest, resume, and contact information for three references here. Please indicate that you are interested in the Benson Latin American Unit on the final page.
A criminal history background check will be required for finalist(s) under consideration for this position.
Equal Opportunity Employer: The University of Texas at Austin, as an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding nondiscrimination and affirmative action. The University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, religion, or veteran status in employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions.