Special Collections Assistant

Position Title                  Special Collections & University Archives Reference Assistant

College/Unit                    Cullom-Davis Library

• Reports to                       Head of Special Collections (Dr. Libby Tronnes)
• Appointment                   Full-time; 37.5 hours per week (12-month position) 
• Pay Rate                          $15.00 per hour

Reporting to the head of Special Collections and University Archives, the Reference Assistant will provide reference service to our diverse community, support researchers in accessing and using the unique archival and special collections materials, and provide support for class visits. The person in this position will address a wide range of research requests from Bradley students, staff, faculty and alumni. Our center collaborates throughout the year with numerous campus offices and units, especially Bradley’s Marketing, Advancement, and Alumni Relations teams. Because our center is open to the public, the person in this position engages with researchers from Peoria as well as around the world. We work closely with the Peoria Historical Society among other community partners. The Reference Assistant will also process, describe, and accession archival and manuscript collections. 

About Special Collections and University Archives

Bradley’s Special Collections and University Archives comprises several areas for research, preservation work, storage, and teaching throughout the library: the Reading Room, the closed stacks, or “vault” containing the bulk of our Special Collections and University Archives; the Robert Pille Sports Communication and Media Center; the Bradley University Photograph and Image Collection, the Fine Art Collection; and Donation Processing. Our mission focuses on collecting, preserving, documenting, and sharing the diverse history and culture of Bradley University as well central Illinois and the Midwest. We actively collect materials that support Bradley’s dynamic curriculum as well as faculty and student research. 

Primary Duties And Responsibilities

• Assist with specialized reference requests from the campus community as well as the general public.
• Assist researchers and enforce policies designed to secure our materials and ensure their preservation. 
• Locate, retrieve, and return archival materials for researchers and events in a safe and efficient manner.
• Arrange, describe, and preserve archives, manuscript, and image collections, according to established standards and local policies and procedures.
• Contribute original MARC entries for both OCLC/WorldCat and ArchivesSpace (specialized training will be provided) 
• Collaborate with head of department on a wide range of initiatives, including physical and digital exhibits, preservation projects, special events, tours, and class visits
• Supervise the Reading Room and other physical areas as needed.  
• Attend department and library meetings, serve on appropriate committees (with approval of department head), and participate in necessary training.
• Generate and compile statistics and metrics, as directed. 
• Collaborate with other SCCUA staff in the day-to-day operations of the department.
• Perform special projects and other related duties as needed. 

Minimum Qualifications & Characteristics

• One (1) year of archives-based experience, preferably, or work in fields related to history, libraries, museums and similar contexts.
• Interest in and commitment to discovering as well as incorporating diverse perspectives into archival research, exhibition, and practice.
• Demonstrated research and analytical skills, with attention to accuracy and detail 
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to work effectively and with diverse individuals and communities
• Strong planning and organizational skills
• Proficiency in basic computer and digital applications (Microsoft Office, Google Suite, etc.)
• Sound judgment, problem-solving skills, and the capacity to manage multiple projects effectively. 
• Commitment to confidentiality and professional ethics

Prererred Qualifications

• Associate’s degree, or higher preferred.
• Knowledge of OCLC or MARC software and platforms 
• Experience handling or preserving rare and valuable objects, documents, and other materials
• Basic understanding of special collections and archives operations

Physical Requirements

Accommodations can be provided for most areas of this job though it is still important to mention the standard physical demands of work in a Special Collections Center and University Archives. The person in this position must have the ability to handle fragile or rare materials with care and precision. In addition, document boxes in our archives usually weigh between 5 and 10 LBS, though some items or boxes weigh much more and may require the work of two people to lift safely. Our policy dictates that boxes and items are moved by cart but they must first be physically picked up or replaced on a shelf. This work routinely involves using an archive ladder or stool. Our closed stacks have compact shelving, which requires manual rolling and locking. 

Application Procedure

Please complete the online application process and upload a resume, cover letter and complete contact information for 3 professional references. Please submit all materials at the time of initial application. 

Employment at Bradley University is contingent upon the satisfactory completion of a criminal background check. 

Applications will begin being reviewed immediately and will continue until the position is filled.   

Bradley University is a top-ranked, prestigious, private university in Peoria, Illinois, offering 5,400 undergraduate and graduate students the opportunities, choices and resources of a larger university and the personal attention and exceptional learning experience of a smaller university. Bradley offers a comprehensive array of undergraduate and graduate academic programs in business, communications, education, engineering, fine arts, health sciences, liberal arts and sciences, and technology. The University is located on an 85-acre campus in Peoria, the largest metropolitan area in Central Illinois.

Bradley University is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer. The administration, faculty and staff are committed to attracting qualified candidates from underrepresented groups.