Archives and Special Collections Assistant (Library Assistant II)

Framingham State University was founded in 1839 for a singular purpose - to meet a public need and promote the public good. At our founding as the nations first public normal school that need was for comprehensively educated public school teachers who would in turn promote an educated citizenry. FSU continues to offer exceptional teacher education programs and while we are proud of our roots as a teachers college we have grown far beyond them. Public need continues to evolve and FSU right along with it. Our students and alumni are making waves in the fashion industry designing nutrition plans for professional athletes writing for major media and news organizations working for Fortune 500 companies right here in Framingham and so much more. FSU is a proudly public and truly transformative institution offering accessible affordable educational opportunities that integrate an academically challenging liberal arts education with workforce preparation programs in a highly personalized teaching environment. Our programs have expanded but our purpose and commitment to public education for the public good remain steadfast.

FSU currently enrolls about 3000 undergraduate and 1200 graduate and professional students offers 60 undergraduate and graduate programs in the arts and humanities behavioral and social sciences and professional fields and enrolls 48% BIPOC students and 54% first-generation college students in our undergraduate programs. We are deeply committed to inclusive excellence and strive to promote a culture of equity and antiracism. This commitment has earned FSU eight Insight Into Academia Higher Education Excellence and Distinction (HEED) Awards and led to our recognition in the Great Colleges to Work For program. We encourage applications from those who share our commitment to promoting a diverse welcoming and inclusive community.

FSU is ideally situated between Boston and Worcester on land originally stewarded by the Nipmuc people for thousands of years. FSU and the surrounding area are steeped in history achievement and innovation and provide access to urban hotspots verdant landscapes natural and cultural amenities and diverse communities.

Our founding motto LIVE TO THE TRUTH was said at the end of each class by beloved first principal Cyrus Peirce who sought to discover and teach truth in theory and in spirit and in manner and intellectual and truth moral. Early leaders found this motto speaks of sincerity of intensity of effort of resolution to succeed of joy in achievement. LIVE TO THE TRUTH aptly reflects our past and our pledge for the future as it continues to guide our institution in practice and endeavor. If you share in this quest for truth and a commitment to living it fully make the next chapter of your career the best chapter at Framingham State University.

Learn more about our career opportunities at Description:

GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES:

Under the supervision of Archivist/Special Collections Librarian the Archives and Special Collections Library Assistant (officially classified as Library Assistant II) works primarily in the Archives and Special Collections areas of the library.

See full Librarian Assistant classification specifications.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED:

Works under the general supervision and review of the Archivist/Special Collections Librarian.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED:

May supervise student workers and interns under direction of Archivist

EXAMPLES OF SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Assist with requests from faculty staff students alumni and outside patrons.
• Supervise student workers interns and patrons using archival and special collections materials and the Special Collections Reading Room.
• Assist with supervising students and interns assigned to archives/special collections.
• Locate retrieve and return to proper locations archival materials in a safe and efficient manner.
• Arrange process describe and preserve archives manuscript and image collections using established standards and local policies and procedures set by the Archivist/Special Collections Librarian.
• Tracks and compiles patron usage statistics and logs on use of the archives and special collections.
• Organizes and copies archival materials as needed.
• Collaborate with Archivist/Special Collections Librarian on a wide range of initiatives including physical and digital exhibits preservation projects special events tours and class visits.
• Enter data in and manage Excel and Access databases and prepare lists using Microsoft Word.
• Use standard archival and filing procedures to inventory collections do filing and create lists of Honors Thesis papers and other collections as needed.
• Organize and prepare materials for digitization.
• Attend department and library meetings serve on appropriate staff work groups and participate in necessary training.
• Perform projects and other duties as assigned by supervisor.
• Staff library front deskas assigned

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Works in library archives and special collections rooms and in office. Must have the ability to safely lift/move boxes and push book trucks of up to 40 pounds.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Applicants must have at least (A) one year of full-time or equivalent part-time paraprofessional or clerical experience as a library assistant preferably with archival and special collections in a library museum or similar context or (B) any combination of the required experience and the substitution below.

Substitutions:

An Associates degree or higher may be substituted for the required experience. *

*Education toward such a degree will be prorated on the basis of the proportion of the requirements actually completed.

ADDITIONAL QUALIFICATIONS:

• Detail-oriented and able to work with accuracy
• Excellent organizational and planning skills
• Proven ability to work independently and follow-through and resolve tasks and issues to completion
• Able to ensure proper handling care storage preservations and tracking of collection items
• Proficiency in use of the Internet Excel and other Microsoft Office products
• Ability to understand and apply Library and university procedures and guidelines
• Ability to prepare general reports
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to work effectively with diverse individuals and communities
• Sound judgment problem-solving skills and the capacity to manage multiple projects effectively
• Ability to safely lift boxes and push book trucks of up to 40 pounds.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Basic experience or understanding of archives and special collections
Experience handling or preserving rare or fragile documents objects and other materials

This is a full-time non-exempt benefits-eligible position in the American Federation of State County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) bargaining unit with a union title of Library Assistant II. The bi-weekly pay rate is $1872.37 (grade 12 step 1).

Framingham State University conducts criminal history and sexual offender record checks on recommended finalists prior to final employment for all positions.

Framingham State University is an equal opportunity employer. The University considers all qualified candidates without regard to race color sex age national origin disability status Veteran status gender identity gender expression sexual orientation genetic information or any other characteristics protected by law.

Members of underrepresented or minoritized groups women veterans persons with disabilities and all persons committed to equity diversity and inclusive excellence are strongly encouraged to apply.

Candidates must apply online by submitting:

• Cover Letter
• Resume/CV
• Names and contact information for three (3) professional references (references are not contacted automatically upon submission of application).

For best consideration please submit application materials by July 27 2026. The review of applications may continue beyond that date and until the position is filled at the discretion of the search committee.

Framingham State University only accepts application materials through our online application system. We are unable to accept application materials through mail email fax or hand delivery. If you experience technical issues with the online application process please submit ahelpdeskticket.

Framingham State University understands that persons with specific disabilities may need assistance with the job application process and/or with the interview process. For confidential assistance please contact the Human Resources Office ator.