Benson Latin American Collection
University of Texas Libraries
The University of Texas at Austin
POSITION AVAILABLE: January 1, 2025. Position is subject for renewal for the Summer 2025 semester.
WORK SCHEDULE: Monday through Friday between 9am and 5pm as agreed upon with supervisor, for a total of 20 hours per week.
DUTIES:
- 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.
- Digitize Benson materials for patron duplication requests
- Monitor Benson reference and special collections mailboxes, answering or referring questions 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.
- Assist Benson archivists and librarians with special projects, which may include archival processing, metadata creation, collection development projects, and exhibitions work.
- Perform other related tasks as assigned.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Graduate student in good academic standing in the School of Information, enrolled for at least three [3] semester hours for summer session and nine [9] semester hours for each long semester (fall and spring semesters),
- Knowledge of Latin American, U.S. Latina/o and/or Black Diaspora studies.
- 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:
- Fluency in Spanish and/or Portuguese.
- Experience providing library reference services to a diverse population.
- Experience working with archival or other historical collections.
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.
WORKING CONDITIONS: Regular indoor working conditions.
SALARY/BENEFITS: $1733 per month. Exemption from non-resident tuition. Benefits eligible. TRB is not available for this position for long semesters.
APPLICANT INSTRUCTIONS: Interested candidates should submit, via e-mail, a letter of interest, resume, contact information for three references, and Spring 2025 class schedule AS ATTACHMENTS to: Referen.qfg22yp8tmrauzkk@u.box.com
The University of Texas Libraries advances teaching, catalyzes research, and democratizes learning in order to develop critical thinkers and global citizens. As an essential campus partner in building a rich research and learning ecosystem, we are committed to creating and sustaining a community that welcomes and respects all individuals, celebrates different perspectives and experiences, and fosters belonging.
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.
