Library Assistant - Moorland-Spingarn Research Center, Moorland Library (FWS)
Institution Description
The Moorland-Spingarn Research Center (MSRC) is the largest and most comprehensive repository of books, documents, and ephemera on the global Black experience. It was founded in 1914 as the Moorland Library and became a research center within Howard University in 1973, consisting of the University Archives Division, the Manuscripts Division, Moorland Library, Museum, and the Black Press Archive. Our mission is to provide access to history through diverse formats and to preserve it for generations to come.
The Moorland Library is 1 of 4 divisions with the MSRC. The Moorland Library serves as the primary access point for MSRC’s special collections, supporting students, faculty, and visiting researchers. The special collection was developed by Dorothy Porter.
Job Description
The Moorland Library is seeking a reliable and detail-oriented Library Assistant to support the daily functions of the reading room. This includes library operations, collection maintenance, document development, patron research assistance, and other tasks as needed. This position supports staff by ensuring that the library collections records, and public service operations remain organized, accessible, and responsive to user needs. The successful candidate will assist with the ever-evolving needs of the library.
Key Responsibilities
Patron Services & Outreach
- Assist with the front desk operations
- Provide staffing support during events and programing
- Perform opening and closing procedures for library reading room
- Maintain statistics from reading room visits and library programs
- Assist with research appointments
Collection Maintenance & Technical Services
- Supports the re-shelve materials
- Assist with inventorying and identifying materials
- Facilitates identification & pulling of damaged materials
- Provide aid for relocation projects
- Assist with processing materials
Administrative Tasks
- Assist with the development of procedural documents
- Schedule research appointments
- Assist with the creation of library guidance documents
Please note that this opportunity is only available for eligible federal-work study students