Special Collections & Archives Assistant

Special Collections & Archives Assistant
(Library Services Specialist II)

Compensation and Benefits

Anticipated Hiring Salary Range: $3,981 - $4,061 per month


Full CSU Classification Salary Range: $3,981 - $5,800 per month

• This is a full-time (equivalent to 40 hours per week), probationary, non-exempt position.

The CSU system provides a comprehensive benefit package that includes medical, dental and vision plans, membership in the California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS), sick and vacation time, and 15 paid holidays a year. Eligible employees are also able to participate in the fee waiver education program. A summary of benefit information can be found here .

Job Summary


Under the supervision and overall direction of the Head of Special Collections Research Center at the Fresno State Library, the Special Collections and Archives Assistant position in Special Collections oversees the operations of the research reading room for all Special Collections researchers. The incumbent takes the lead in answering reference and research questions in various modes (e.g. email, phone or in-person) and scheduling research visits. The incumbent hires, trains, schedules and oversees the work of student assistants in the unit. The incumbent also keeps track of the balances of various Foundation and state accounts for Special Collections. Additionally, this position serves an active and engaged role in all of the unit's ongoing initiatives, projects, events and exhibitions. This is an in-office position Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Key Qualifications

• Thorough knowledge of and ability to interpret overall library policies and procedures and an in-depth knowledge of library operations, policies and procedures pertaining to assigned functional area, including a solid understanding of individual work functions and the ability to adapt work procedures.
• Working knowledge of library collection and its organization, as well as classification schemes.
• Demonstrated expertise in creating and correcting bibliographic records.
• Thorough knowledge of external on-line databases, systems, and resources, including the ability to perform complex on-line searches.
• Thorough knowledge of institution's and library's policies and practices associated with the ethical use of and access to library and on-line resources.
• Working knowledge of national standards pertaining to library operations, including a thorough knowledge of institutional standards pertaining to copyright and intellectual property protection and the ability to interpret and apply them, as well as explain them to patrons, to ensure compliance.
• Demonstrated expertise in using library automated system(s), especially subsystem(s) pertaining to the functional area, including database maintenance.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills to be able to prepare internal library reports and written and visual presentations on library resources and present them to library patrons, including students.
• Strong communication and interpretive skills to be able to interview patrons regarding their information needs and guide them in the use of more complex library and on-line resources.
• Strong organizational skills to oversee and lead workflow in assigned areas.
• Thorough knowledge of all aspects of lead work direction including assisting in employee selection, training employees in new work procedures, assigning work, organizing workflow, and establishing priorities, reviewing work, providing input to performance evaluations, and promoting teamwork to optimize effectiveness. Working knowledge of campus human resource practices and payroll procedures.
• Ability to investigate and research more complex problems, including analyzing and interpreting information.

To view the full list of qualifications and job responsibilities, please click the Position Description button above.

Education and Experience

• Completion of a high school education or equivalent certification.
• Two years of related library experience.
  • Preferred Knowledge, Skills, or Abilities:
    • Bachelor's degree.
    • Professional or volunteer experience in a library, especially an academic library and/or a special collections department or archives.
    • Full proficiency in the use of automated library system(s) and subsystem(s) pertaining to the Special Collections Research Center (e.g. OCLC, Ex Libris Primo, Samvera, Omeka and ArchivesSpace).
    • Shelving experience in a library using the Library of Congress (LC) call number classification.
    • Knowledge of local, regional and California history and/or Fresno State history.
    • Experience with: 1. LC subject headings and other controlled vocabularies 2. Inputting metadata into a database 3. Scanning and image editing 4. Software programs such as Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, PowerPoint and Microsoft Excel.

Department Summary


The Fresno State Library supports the University mission of education, research and service. To this end, the Library selects, develops, manages and provides access to information resources; promotes the critical use of information for learning and research; and presents cultural and scholarly programming that serves the campus, region and beyond.

Deadline & Application Instructions


Applications received by April 19, 2026 will be given full consideration by the search committee.

• Applications received after that date will be forwarded at the request of the Hiring Manager and/or search committee.

Please click "Apply Now" to complete the employment application for California State University, Fresno. Interested applicants must complete the application and attach the following: 1) their most recent resumé/vitae, 2) a cover letter that addresses their specific qualifications and interest, and 3) contact information for three professional references.

Fresno State


California State University, Fresno is one of 23 campuses in the California State University System. The University's mission is to boldly educate and empower students for success through our values of Discovery, Diversity and Distinction. The current student population is more than 25,000, including a large percentage of students with diverse and culturally rich backgrounds. The University serves the San Joaquin Valley while maintaining deep involvement with the state, nation, and across the globe.


Metropolitan Fresno, with a multi-ethnic population of over 527,000, is located in the heart of the San Joaquin Valley. The campus is within driving distance of Yosemite, Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Parks, San Francisco, Los Angeles, the Monterey Peninsula, beaches, sailing, lakes, and numerous ski resorts. Fresno boasts one of the most reasonable housing markets in California and offers a wide array of locally grown fruits and produce.

Equal Employment Opportunity Information


California State University, Fresno is committed to maintaining and implementing employment policies and procedures in compliance with applicable state and federal equal employment opportunity laws and regulations. Executive Orders 1096 and 1097 prohibit discrimination, harassment, and retaliation on the basis of a protected status: race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, sex (including gender identity), sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, mental disability, physical disability, medical condition and covered veteran status. Fresno State's commitment to diversity informs our efforts in recruitment, hiring, and retention. We are proud to be an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer.

COVID19 Vaccination Policy


Per the CSU COVID-19 Vaccination Policy , it is strongly recommended that all employees who are accessing office and campus facilities follow COVID-19 vaccine recommendations adopted by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) applicable to their age, medical condition, and other relevant indications. Questions may be sent to View email address on click.appcast.io .

Supplemental Information


Following a conditional offer of employment, a background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily before any candidate may start work with California State University, Fresno. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may result in the withdrawal of the offer of employment. Current employees who are offered positions on campus will be required to undergo a background check for any position where a background check is required by law or that Fresno State has identified as sensitive.


The person holding this position is considered a "mandated reporter" under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment.


This position may be a "designated position" under the California State University's Conflict of Interest Code. This will require the filing of a Statement of Economic Interest on an annual basis and the completion of training within six (6) months of assuming office and every two (2) years thereafter.


Fresno State is a tobacco-free, smoke-free and vapor-free campus.



Fresno State is not a sponsoring agency for staff or management positions. (e.g. H1-B Visas)


Advertised: Apr 03 2026 Pacific Daylight Time

Applications close: