Positions Available: 1
Position Title: LLILAS Benson Latin American Studies and Collections User Services Graduate Research Assistant
Department: Benson Latin American Collection
Supervisor:
The LLILAS Benson Latin American Studies and Collections User Services graduate research assistant (GRA) provides reference service to researchers and patrons of the Benson Latin American Collection in-person and via email in English and Spanish (and Portuguese if it is known). They also staff the rare books reading room service point and assist researchers in registering and using rare and archival materials. This position will also assist librarians and archivists at the Benson with special projects such as collection development, archival processing, metadata creation, digital projects and exhibition work. The Benson is a global destination for research and study, with over a million volumes in the collection as well as a wealth of original manuscripts, photographs and various media related to Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean and Latina/Latino presence in the United States.
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. To learn more about UT Libraries, please visit our website: https://www.lib.utexas.edu/
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 20 hours per week.
Duties:
- Provide patrons with basic in-person, phone and email reference service utilizing Benson circulating and special collections resources (in English, Spanish and Portuguese) and other resources as needed.
- 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
- 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, digital projects and exhibitions work.
- Perform other related tasks as assigned.
Required Qualifications:
- Graduate student with knowledge of Latin American, U.S. Latina/o and/or Black Diaspora 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.
- Basic reading, writing and speaking experience in Spanish
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 the preferred qualifications are not required and that we are committed to helping our future colleague develop these preferred skills.
Working Conditions: Regular indoor working conditions.
Salary/Benefits: $1,733 per month. Exemption from non-resident tuition. Benefits eligible. TRB not available for long semesters.
Applicant Instructions: Interested candidates should apply immediately by emailing a letter of interest, resume, contact information for three references and Fall 2025 class schedule AS ATTACHMENTS to: Referen.2czeu1h0644fh86a@u.box.com
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.