Library, Archives, and Scholarly Support Specialist/ Internal Hire Position

Full-time/

Part-time

The Library, Archives, and Scholarly Support Specialist supports the academic and missional life of Luther Seminary and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) Region 3 by providing professional library and archival services and advancing scholarly learning among graduate students. This position operates under functional supervision from multiple academic units; primary administrative supervision and performance evaluation rest with the Director of Library Services.

The position is divided across three primary functions:

• Archives Support (approx. 37.5%) – Assist with cataloging, accessioning, and research in the ELCA Region 3 Archives under the supervision of the seminary and regional archivist.
• Library Operations (approx. 37.5%) – Support day-to-day library services, including circulation, student staff supervision, and collection maintenance under the supervision of the Director of Library Services.
• Scholarly and Writing Support (approx. 25%) – Teach and assist MA, ThM, and PhD students in research, writing, and thesis formatting; coordinate key academic courses in collaboration with the Office of Academic Affairs.

ABIDE Commitment: This position actively advances Luther Seminary's ABIDE commitments (Accountability, Belonging, Inclusion, Diversity, and Equity) through day-to-day work, relationships, and decision-making. The incumbent is expected to integrate ABIDE principles into their responsibilities, contributing to a learning and working environment where all can fully belong and thrive.

Archives Support

• Assist in developing detailed catalogue of ELCA Region 3 archives
• Assist in accessioning and arranging material received by ELCA Region 3 archives
• Respond to general reference questions of ELCA Region 3 archives
• Assist in preparing ELCA Region 3 archives for move to new space

Library Operations

• Supervise, train, and schedule student staff
• Provide basic public services, including back-up staffing of the Library’s Circulation/Help Desk
• Check-in and maintain periodicals collection
• Assist the Librarian with inter-library loan services
• Provide support for projects related to the future library move

Scholarship and Writing Support

• Teach MA Capstone course, once per year
• Teach ThM/PhD Research course, two half courses in fall and spring
• Provide ad hoc scholarship/writing support for academic MA and ThM students
• Verify thesis and dissertation formatting requirements for academic MA, ThM, and PhD student work

ABIDE and Institutional Engagement

• Demonstrate ongoing commitment to Luther Seminary's ABIDE framework (Accountability, Belonging, Inclusion, Diversity, Equity) by integrating equity-focused practices into core duties, participating in ABIDE-related learning, and contributing to an inclusive and welcoming community.

Other

• Other duties as assigned

Required:

• Master’s degree in Library and Information Science, Archival Studies, History, Religious Studies, or a closely related field.
• Minimum of two years of experience in a library, archives, or museum setting (may include graduate assistantships or internships).
• Demonstrated experience in academic research and writing, including the use of scholarly databases and citation standards.
• Experience providing instruction, tutoring, or workshops in academic or educational settings.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to explain complex information clearly to diverse audiences.
• Demonstrated supervisory skills, including scheduling, training, and coaching student employees.
• Strong organizational skills; ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Attention to detail and accuracy in cataloging, documentation, and record-keeping.
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in academic settings.
• Ability to work collaboratively with faculty, staff, students, and external researchers.

Preferred:

• PhD or ABD in History, Religious Studies, Theology, or a related discipline.
• Familiarity with U.S. church history, particularly ELCA or related denominational history.
• Experience with archival description and metadata standards (e.g., MARC, Dublin Core, EAD, ArchivesSpace or similar tools).
• Experience working in a theological library or seminary context.

Core Competencies

• Service Orientation: Provides responsive, user-centered library and archival service.
• Collaboration: Builds constructive relationships and works effectively across departments and disciplines.
• Adaptability: Adjusts to shifting priorities, interruptions, and changing institutional needs.
• Technical Proficiency: Uses integrated library systems, archival management tools, and standard office software effectively.
• Cultural and Theological Sensitivity: Navigates religious and cultural diversity with respect and care.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

• Ability to remain in a stationary position (sitting or standing) at a computer for extended periods (up to 6–8 hours per day).
• Frequent use of hands and arms for keyboarding and handling library/archival materials (repetitive motions).
• Occasional walking, bending, reaching, and shelving of materials.
• Ability to lift and move boxes and library/archival materials weighing up to 50 pounds, using carts or other aids as appropriate.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position, consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act and applicable state law.