Archival Assistant

About the Job

Position Summary

This Archival Assistant role assists the Curator of the Sherlock Holmes Collections in processing and re-processing archival material. This role will be focused on physically processing large-scale collections of publications, artwork, 3D artifacts, ephemera, and other material, as well as creating correlating finding aids. The Archival Assistant will also communicate with the Curator about their work in the collections and advise on final processing decisions.

This is an ongoing casual appointment of 14 hours or less per week (10-14 hours negotiable within the standard work week) and is not eligible for benefits.

Work is performed on-campus in Elmer L. Andersen Library.

This position is not eligible for H-1B visa sponsorship.

Responsibilities

Archival Processing (80%)

• Sort and arrange historical records with the possibility of applying different criteria to different projects, following directions of professional staff.

• Create finding aids for physical collections or metadata for digital collections as appropriate

Administrative Assistance (15%)

• Make advanced data entries of statistics and other data using Excel or statistics software.

• Retrieve materials from the storage area following set safety guidelines and procedures.

Research Assistance (5%)

• Inventory small collections of historical records in support of researcher requests and customer service.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED

• Basic office skills (filing, alphabetizing, sorting, accurate typing)

• Demonstrated ability to communicate well with both verbal and written skills

• Attention to detail in an environment with repetitive tasks

Preferred Qualifications

• Ability to demonstrate problem-solving skills, multi-tasking, and independent decision making

• Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other staff

• Knowledge of archival processing

Physical Requirements, with or without reasonable accommodation (if applicable)

• Ability to regularly lift and move up to 40 pounds

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.

Pay and Benefits

Pay Range: $20.00/hour

Retirement plan options are available for Civil Service, Faculty, Labor-Represented, Professional & Administrative, and Temp Casual classifications. Learn more about retirement plans.

How To Apply

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will have the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

Please attach the following documents in Word or PDF Format (DO NOT copy and paste.)

• Resume.
• Cover Letter

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

Diversity

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Employment Requirements

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

About University of Minnesota

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nations most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by Forbes as a Best Employer for Company Culture (2026), Best Employer for Women (2023, 2025, 2026), and Best Employer by State (2022-2026). In 2026, we also received Culture Excellence & Industry Awards recognition for employee appreciation and work-life flexibility.