At the heart of Harvard Library is its diverse community of talented employees. Hiring new employees is one of a manager’s most important responsibilities. The pages in this section offer Harvard Library and Harvard College Library managers guidelines, forms, and resources for hiring and onboarding new employees.
There are several different employment types at Harvard. The overview below should help you identify the best type to match your work needs, and more information can be found at each link.
Benefitted Staff
A regular benefitted employee can be hired to work for 17.5 or more hours per week, either with no end date or as a term appointment (usually from 6 months to 2 years). Learn more about hiring benefitted staff.
Temps and LHTs
Temporary employees can work full-time (up to 35 hours a week), for up to 90 days (longer if covering a medical leave). Less-than-half-time (LHT, or “light”) employees may only work up to 14 hours a week, but there is no limit on the duration. Learn more about hiring temps and LHTs.
Harvard Students
Registered Harvard students who are at least half-time and enrolled in a degree program are eligible to work as a student until graduation. Undergrads may work up to 20 hours a week (while classes are in session); grad students can work up to 40 hours a week. (Non-Harvard students can’t be hired for this job type.) Learn more about hiring Harvard students.
Interns, Trainees, Volunteers, and Fellows
Internships allow students to acquire hands-on experience in professional settings while exploring their career options. There are a variety of types of internships, fellowships, and other opportunities for learning available at Harvard. All interns (paid and unpaid) must be part of a program and be vetted through HR in advance and prior to any commitments being made. Harvard Library does not sponsor unpaid volunteers. Learn more about hiring interns.
Independent Contractors
If you’re in need of a specific, one-time service that can’t be provided by existing staff, you may be able to engage an independent contractor. Independent contractors are not employees — they are engaged to provide a specific service, and they submit an invoice for payment. Any contractor that you would like to work with will need to be vetted by HR before the services are performed. Learn more about independent contractors.