Reference Assistant

How to Apply

A cover letter and resume are important submissions for the hiring team to get a sense of your experience. In the cover letter, in two pages or less, please let us know how this role aligns with your career aspirations and skill set. Submit both a cover letter and a resume as one PDF file (due to system limitations).

Job Summary

The Bentley Historical Library seeks a full-time, user-oriented, flexible, and collaborative Reference Assistant to join our Reference Team. This position will report to the Archivist for Reference.

About the Bentley Historical Library

The Bentley Historical Library, a vital part of the University of Michigan, is dedicated to collecting and promoting the study of the histories of the State of Michigan and the University of Michigan. Open to the public without fee, the Library welcomes researchers of all backgrounds. With over 11,000 research collections, including the papers of Michigan governors, records of student and faculty life, and the complete historical archive of Michigan's intercollegiate athletics, the Bentley provides a rich resource for historical research. The Library features a state-of-the-art conservation lab where expert archivists and conservators teach and preserve materials such as books, maps, and architectural drawings. Additionally, the historic Detroit Observatory on the University's central campus is a division of the Library, further enhancing its resources and outreach.

For more information, please visit our website: bentley.umich.edu

About the Reference Team

The Reference Team, a part of the Bentley's Public Engagement division, facilitates access to the library's collections through in-person research, remote reference requests, and patron requests for duplication. We support researchers of all backgrounds and experience levels, including students, academics, and community members. Our work, guided by a thoughtful and pragmatic approach to applying archival standards and the principles behind them, is informed by user needs.

Responsibilities*

• Staff the reading room during assigned hours and contribute to a welcoming and research-conducive environment
• Ensure reading room patrons are following all stated policies and procedures for use, including safe material handling
• Support access to archival material by creating and processing requests, retrieving and reshelving material, and ensuring safe care and handling of material in the reading room
• Assist remote researchers via email by answering reference questions and sharing information about future visits
• Facilitate duplication services for archival material, including communicating with remote patrons, flagging requested material, coordinating efforts with duplication staff, and delivering orders
• Develop and maintain a working knowledge of the organization, care of library materials, library services, and programs
• This position requires safely moving boxes weighing up to 40 pounds using proper techniques and equipment, including library carts, ladders, and stairs
  

Required Qualifications*

• Demonstrated experience providing research support to a broad range of audiences in libraries, with a preference for experience in special collections/archives
• Experience with library circulation tracking systems and searching material descriptions
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and cooperatively, prioritizing and completing tasks on time
• Proven track record of excellent communication and customer service skills with a range of audiences, enforcing use policies while maintaining a welcoming environment
• Demonstrated ability to resolve varied and complex research inquiries
• Proficiency with standard office technology and software
  

Modes of Work

Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes.

Additional Information

The salary range for this position is $42,000 - $44,000 annually.

Candidates can expect to be paid a competitive and equitable salary. Factors used to determine salary include education level, experience, knowledge and skills for the position, and internal equity within the unit. All candidates are encouraged to discuss salary questions to honor alignment and transparency throughout the recruiting process.

The mode of work for this position is in person. Saturday Reference desk shifts are scheduled several times throughout the year, as well as periodic Wednesday evening duties.

Excellent benefits are available; for details, see http://benefits.umich.edu/

Union Affiliation

This position is included in the bargaining unit represented by the University Staff United (USU), which represents bargaining unit members in all matters with respect to wages, benefits, hours and other terms and conditions of employment.

Background Screening

The University of Michigan conducts background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer and may use a third party administrator to conduct background checks. Background checks are performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act.

Application Deadline

Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days. The review and selection process may begin as early as the eighth day after posting. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled any time after the minimum posting period has ended.

Decision Making Process

Applications will be reviewed as received throughout the posting period and will continue until the position is filled. The estimated start date for this position is July.

U-M EEO Statement

The University of Michigan is an equal employment opportunity employer.

278017

Reference Assistant

Info Resources Assistant Inter

Ann Arbor Campus

Onsite

Full-Time

Regular

Nonexempt

Acad & Fac Affairs

Bentley Historical Library

5/22/2026 - 6/12/2026

$42,000.00 - $44,000.00

Libraries & Museums