Job Description

This Histories and Legacies of America Slavery library student worker will work directly with Diane Skorina in the Library and with the wider Histories and Legacies of American Slavery grant team for the Spring and Fall 2026 semesters. The library worker will dedicate up to seven hours per week during the semesters engaged in the tasks listed under the Responsibilities heading below. The final product that the student(s) will create is a Digital Commons Site related to this project. The role is generously financed by a Histories and Legacies of American Slavery Grant funded by the Mellon Foundation and administered by the Council of Independent Colleges.

Responsibilities:

• research in the Ursinusiana collection
• research and read primary and secondary sources related to the project
  • create a bibliography of reading materials in concert with supervisor to direct this reading
• interview/engage in oral histories with project participants
• identify documents, images, and objects to become part of a Digital Commons website
• scan and/or photograph documents, images and objects
• create metadata for documents, images and objects
• write text for the Digital Commons site

Requirements

• Currently enrolled as a sophomore, junior, or senior in a related Bachelor’s degree program ( e.g., English, History, etc.), preferably along with a related interdisciplinary minor ( e.g., African American and Africana Studies, American Studies, Digital Studies, Museum Studies, etc.) at Ursinus.
• Demonstrated proficiency with the Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Excel, Word, PowerPoint).
• Excellent organizational skills and meticulous attention to detail.
• Strong interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.
• Proactive, self-motivated, and positive attitude with a strong desire to learn and contribute in a team-oriented environment.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks, convey information clearly, and receive feedback effectively.
• We strongly encourage applications from students who are interested in exploring a career in academia, archival science, archaeology, historic preservation, public history, library science, and/or museum studies.

Physical Requirements:

• frequent and close visual work in an archive and at a desk or computer
• frequent verbal and written communication with the Legacies Team.

Other Duties:

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the individual(s) assigned to this position. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified.

Job responsibilities and activities may be modified or changed at any time with or without notice. Job descriptions will be audited periodically by the Ursinus Human Resources department to ensure they are up-to-date and reflect the essential responsibilities and duties of the job.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Ursinus College is a selective, independent, co-educational, residential liberal arts college of approximately 1500 students located about 25 miles northwest of center city Philadelphia. With a diverse community of students, it is an expectation of all faculty to contribute to the inclusion, engagement, and success of all students. Ursinus is an *EO/AA employer. Ursinus College does not discriminate on grounds of race, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, age, creed, ancestry, veteran status, marital status, disability, or other classification protected by applicable law in the administration of any of its educational programs or activities or with respect to employment.