Web Archiving and Digital Curation Graduate Assistant
- Unit: Digital Curation – Preservation Services
- Job Type: Graduate Assistantship
- FTE / Hours: 12.5 hours per week (31.25% FTE)
- Appointment Dates: August 16, 2026 – May 15, 2027
Major Duties and Responsibilities: The Graduate Assistant supports the Digital Curation Services Lead in the curation of born-digital library materials, with a primary focus on managing the Library’s Archive-It web archiving service.
- Web Archiving: Work closely with the Digital Curation Services Lead and other library staff to support web archiving projects, including content selection, capture, quality review, and metadata creation using Archive-It, a web archiving and hosting tool supported by the Internet Archive.
- Documentation: Create written documentation for newly developed workflows and procedures; update existing documentation to reflect current practices; organize and maintain documentation; prepare reports such as project updates and web archive resource usage as requested.
- Communication: Build and maintain effective working relationships with library faculty and staff. In consultation with the Digital Curation Services Lead, provide project updates in meetings and prepare written reports as needed.
- Digital Curation Support: Assist the Digital Curation Services Lead with additional digital curation tasks and projects related to the preservation of born-digital special collections materials.
- Other duties as assigned.
For more information on the Digital Preservation Program, visit: https://www.library.illinois.edu/preservation/digital-preservation/
Required Qualifications
- Ability to work a set schedule of at least 12.5 hours per week between 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.
- Ability to work on-site at the University Main Library in Urbana, IL
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively
- Strong problem-solving and critical thinking skills
- Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to maintain consistent, professional communication
- Excellent attention to detail and organizational skills
- Ability to adapt to evolving instructions and rapidly changing practices
- Demonstrated interest in digital preservation and archives
- High-level understanding of website infrastructure and markup languages (e.g., HTML, CSS), or willingness to learn
- Competency with computer operating systems and file systems
Preferred Qualifications
- Knowledge of digital preservation theory and practice
- Demonstrated web development skills
- Demonstrated project management skills
- Demonstrated technology troubleshooting skills
- Experience working with library or cultural heritage materials
Education: Preference will be given to students enrolled in the School of Information Sciences (iSchool).
Application Procedure: To apply, email a cover letter addressing how you meet the required qualifications, a résumé, and contact information for three references to:
Tracy Popp
Digital Curation Services Lead
tpopp2@illinois.edu
Deadline: Applications must be received by April 3, 2026 for full consideration.
For More Information: Contact Tracy Popp at tpopp2@illinois.edu.