Preservation Assistant

About the Job

Collection Management & Preservation Overview

The Collection Management & Preservation Department provides strategic stewardship of University of Minnesota Libraries content to ensure continuing access for future generations of users. The unit employs cost-effective strategies for managing the life cycle of content and collections, including stabilizing physical materials to ensure usability, reformatting materials to ensure long-term access to their content, implementing preventative preservation practices throughout the Libraries, and promoting preservation and providing educational opportunities for Libraries staff and users.

Position Overview

Under the supervision of the Conservation Specialist, this temporary casual position will provide support for the ongoing preventative preservation efforts of the Collection Management & Preservation Department with a focus on collections and preservation methods. This position may include performing basic conservation treatments, completing treatment documentation, assisting with collections assessments, and rehousing techniques to help care for our special collections materials.

Work Schedule and Location:

Wilson Library, Monday-Friday, flexible work hours between 9am and 5pm; maximum 14 hours/week

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

Responsibilities

Position tasks may include but are not limited to some of the following:

Rehousing/Treating Collections Materials (40%)

Once condition reporting, and treatment documentation has been complete and approved by Archives & Special Collections staff, perform rehousing and basic treatment tasks including dry cleaning, simple paper mending, encapsulation or rehousing in other formats (boxes, canisters, etc.) based on media type.

Collection Assessment & Condition Reporting (25%)

Work with Preservation staff and collections curators and coordinators to determine criteria for assessing vulnerable AV and paper-based materials and providing written documentation on what preservation measures are needed to stabilize the materials and how to determine what condition the materials are in, collecting data on each item using a custom Google Form.

Written and Photo Documentation (25%)

Using the data collected from the condition assessment, write a treatment proposal and complete photo documentation for the collection materials under the guidance of the Conservation Specialist.

Preventative Preservation (10%)

Includes activities related to collections emergency preparedness and response and other building-wide activities to care for our collections.

Outcomes for the Position

• Gain practical experience in library preservation services and collection assessments.
• Contribute to workflows for preserving vulnerable collections and the documentation of this work.
• Develop hands-on skills in treating and rehousing vulnerable collections materials.
• Build familiarity with UMN Libraries structure, our workflows, and how we work with other units and departments across the Libraries.
• Build a small portfolio of work: help to build a small portfolio that could be used for career advancement or future education purposes.

Qualifications

Required:

• High school diploma/GED
• Ability to pay attention to detail and follow detailed instructions. Ability to remain focused in an environment with repetitive tasks
• Ability to work around dust and occasional strong odors with appropriate protective equipment
• Beginner-level proficiency in Gmail, Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel) and equivalent Google Suite applications along with the ability to learn new software and technologies.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently

Preferred:

• Experience handling fragile or rare items, including books, documents, objects, specimens.
• Knowledge of how to handle rare objects and books.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate well both verbally and in writing
• Demonstrated problem-solving skills
• Demonstrated ability to adapt to a changing environment/projects
• Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other staff
• Demonstrated ability to take initiative on projects and stay on task
• Familiarity with libraries and their operations

Pay and Benefits

Pay Range: $19.00 - $20.00/hour; depending on education/qualifications/experience

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 be given 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
• Writing sample (optional)
• Work Examples/Portfolio of Work (optional)

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail jobcentr@umn.edu.

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.