Library Support Specialist, Research Institute for Social Equity

Summary:

The Research Institute on Social Equity (RISE) at the Center for Public Policy (CPP) in the L. Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) is seeking a Library Support Specialist to advance the Wilder Collections project. This position is essential for organizing and cataloging archival materials in preparation for digital scanning, ensuring ongoing progress in preserving and enhancing access to these collections. The Library Support Specialist will be involved in reviewing, describing, and classifying historical documents, photographs, and other archival records using standardized metadata and cataloging systems. The specialist will ensure accurate and consistent data entry, supporting the long-term preservation and retrieval of archival collections. Strong attention to detail and experience with cataloging principles are essential.

The Wilder School’s mission is to:

• Engage, teach and inspire students and leaders to understand and solve challenges in our world.

• Advance research that informs public policy and decision making to improve our communities.

• Collaborate with communities through innovative partnerships to enhance quality of life.

The Wilder School's vision is to be the premier resource for public policy expertise and social equity in public safety, governance, and economic and community development. The 2024-2025 U.S. News and World Report rankings confirm the Wilder School among the top 15% of graduate schools of public affairs at No. 39. The School is also ranked No. 6 in Homeland Security Programs and No. 33 in Public Management and Leadership. The Wilder School has over 1,500 students and more than 11,000 alumni, with an established environment where diverse perspectives thrive and where a common interest in public service and the betterment of society unites these perspectives together. Our academic excellence attracts the highest quality faculty, staff, and students, and our graduates are leaders in their professions.

Our location in Richmond, the capital of the Commonwealth of Virginia, combined with our proximity to Washington, DC, provides numerous opportunities for engaged scholarship, teaching and community engagement activities. A creative, interdisciplinary School with both academic programs and training/research centers in the social sciences and professional arenas, we reflect the diversity of the communities we serve providing students and faculty with the knowledge, skills, opportunities and experience necessary for success.

For additional information about the Wilder School, please visit our website at wilder.vcu.edu .

Position Responsibilities:

• Review, organize, and catalog archival materials using established classification systems.

• Create detailed descriptions and apply metadata to ensure accurate record-keeping.

• Maintain consistency in data entry and classification to support long-term accessibility.

• Collaborate with archivists and librarians to refine cataloging workflows and standards.

• Ensure proper documentation of cataloged materials for future digital scanning.

• Attend meetings with the library team and collections vendor to provide project updates and

ensure alignment with cataloging and digitization goals.

Required Qualifications:

• Detail-oriented with strong organizational and analytical skills to ensure accuracy and consistency.

• Comfortable handling historical documents and working in a library or archival setting.

• Experience cataloging or organizing materials through coursework, internships, or professional

work .

• Willing to work with a team, follow instructions, and document processes.

• Demonstrated experience working in and fostering an environment of respect, professionalism

and civility with a population of faculty, staff, and students from various backgrounds and

experiences, or a commitment to do so as a faculty member at VCU.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in library science, or a study history or related field.

• Experience with metadata standards (e.g., MARC, Dublin Core, EAD).

• Familiarity with archival management or cataloging software.

• Understanding of digital preservation practices and scanning workflows.

• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.

Typical Physical and Cognitive Requirements:


Physical Demands and Activities (Essential):

• • Light lifting (<20>
• • Pushing/pulling

• • Standing

• • Sitting

• • Emotional Demands (Essential):

• • Fast pace/Average pace

• • Multiple stimuli

• • Frequent change

• • Intense customer interaction

Mental/Sensory Demands (Essential):

• • Memory

• • Reading

• • Reasoning

• • Hearing

• • Logic

• • Analyzing

• • Verbal communication

• • Written Communication

Application Submission/Other Information:


All applications should include a cover letter, a detailed resume, and the names and contact information of three professional references.

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.

“VCU is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. Under Federal and State Equal Employment Opportunity laws and VCU policy, it is prohibited to discriminate against an applicant or employee based on race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, age, sex (including pregnancy), political affiliation, veteran status, family medical and genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or disability”.