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*** The position is open to both undergraduate and graduate students.

Hiring Unit: Rare Books and Special Collections

Job Title: Student Project Assistant (Book Arts Lab) – Office Assistant A

Reports to: Lauren Williams, Liaison Librarian, Rare Books and Special Collections

Hour of work: 3-4 hours per week

Hourly Rate: $16.20

Classification: AMUSE A 

Duration: September 8, 2025 – December 19,2025

Job Summary:

Would you like to learn about historical letterpress printing? Are you ready to roll up your sleeves, get your hands dirty, and work with ink and type? This opportunity may be for you! 

The Apprenticeship Positions: 
 
We’re looking for two student printing apprentices to work with us one morning or afternoon per week, to help with the general operation and maintenance of the Book Arts Lab. Apprentices will be taught the basics of print shop safety, equipment, tools, techniques, and the printing process, from setting type to inking the presses. The two apprentices will also work toward a printing project of their own design.  

Please submit a brief cover letter explaining your interest in this position, along with any previous printing, design, or book arts experience, and a current resume. 

Training and orientation will be provided. All duties to be completed on-site, in Rare Books and Special Collections, McLennan Library Building. 

About McGill Library’s Book Arts Lab: 

The Book Arts Lab was established in 2020, to preserve and teach with remarkable historical printing presses held at the Library, and to introduce students to the materials, processes, design, and labour involved in letterpress printing. 

Other Qualifying Skills and/or Abilities:

An enthusiasm for books, printing, crafts, working with your hands

Attention to detail 

Ability to stand for 3-4 hours at a time, and aptitude for intricate, careful work with your hands

Experience with printing or graphic arts in any form is an asset, but not required

Comfortable lifting somewhat heavy objects; working in a sometimes dusty environment 

McGill University is an English-language university where day-to-day duties may require English communication both verbally and in writing. The level of English required for this position has been assessed at a level # (3) on a scale of 0-4 Other languages an asset.

For a definition of our language proficiency levels, please click here.

Minimum Education and Experience:

High School Diploma Minimal or No Related Experience

Hourly Salary:

(AMUSE A) $16.20

Estimated Number of Work Hours per Week:

4 (Part time)

Position Start Date:

2025-08-07

Position End Date:

2025-12-19

Deadline to Apply:

2025-08-22

This position is covered by the AMUSE collective agreement.

McGill University hires on the basis of merit and is strongly committed to equity and diversity within its community. We welcome applications from racialized persons/visible minorities, women, Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, ethnic minorities, and persons of minority sexual orientations and gender identities, as well as from all qualified candidates with the skills and knowledge to productively engage with diverse communities. McGill implements an employment equity program and encourages members of designated groups to self-identify. Persons with disabilities who anticipate needing accommodations for any part of the application process may contact, in confidence, accessibilityrequest.hr@mcgill.ca.