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Form of workThis position is for fall employment at Clemons Library. This is an in-person position, but as conditions change at the University and the Library Reference Assistants may be asked to monitor chat from home if the library is not open. Graduate Students in all areas of study are encouraged to apply. Preference will be given to students who can work Wednesday and Sunday evenings.
Clemons Library's Reference Desk is seeking Graduate Student workers for the upcoming academic year. The Reference Desk and its staff help create the first impression library patrons have with Clemons Library. The purpose of this position is to perform a variety of tasks related to Reference services for library patrons at assigned service points and occasionally work on special projects. Research experience, attention to detail, dependability, and a friendly, helpful attitude are the essential components of this position. Applicants must be registered Graduate Students (in SIS).
The primary duty of this position is providing Reference service during evenings and weekends at Clemons Library's 4th Floor Desk. Reference Student Assistants help our patrons find the information they need to pursue their research whether in person, on the phone, or via online chat. A welcoming and helpful attitude is crucial. The ideal candidate will have a familiarity with or willingness to learn about a wide variety of library resources, including databases, the VIRGO catalog, research guides, and advanced internet searching; we will provide additional training. Reference Student Assistants generally make decisions autonomously, but will refer patrons to specialist Librarians when appropriate. Reference Student Assistants open and close Reference areas and assist with building security and safety of patrons on nights and weekends. Reference Student Assistants may also provide basic Circulation services like checking out, discharging, and renewing library materials. Daytime shifts are occasionally required and other duties may be assigned as needed.
FWSA (i.e., Work-Study) eligibility preferred, but not required. The pay rate for this position is $15.32/hour. This is a wage position for 20 hours per week or less. To apply, please include a resume and cover letter highlighting customer service experience.
Desired Skills
- Must have a good public service attitude and like working with people.
- Excellent interpersonal communication skills.
- Experience using library catalogs and databases for post-graduate level research and citations.
- Willingness and ability to work an established schedule.
- Be on time for each assigned shift.
- Dependability and accuracy
- Attention to detail
- Ability to use computers, integrated library systems, and other library technology.
- Must be able to communicate verbally in a clear manner.
- Must be able to type reasonably quickly using good grammar and spelling for our chat service.
- Must be able to provide service to library patrons (in person, on the telephone, and via chat) in a courteous, efficient manner.
- Must be able to read printed labels.
- Must be able to push a full book cart and lift 15 pounds.
Responsibilities
- Help create a welcoming, informative environment for library patrons by assisting patrons in person, on the phone, and via online chat with Reference questions at the main Clemons desk.
- Make effective use of the library's information resources, including the VIRGO catalog, databases, research guides, and advanced internet searches to assist patrons in answering reference questions. Refer patrons to specialist Librarians when appropriate.
- Assist patrons in successfully navigating the Library's physical spaces as well as its services and policies.
- Assist with charging, discharging and renewing library materials for patrons.
- Answer basic inquiries about directions, circulation, and library policy questions.
- Assist in maintaining the appearance of the library, keeping it neat and orderly.
- Must work a minimum of 10 hrs/week, but no more than 20 hrs/week.
- Must be able to work weekends and during exam week periods.
- Adhere to all library policies and procedures.
- Assist with general library duties as required. Special projects as assigned.
- If unable to work an assigned shift, must be able to find a substitute for that shift.
- Be available to work from date of hire through the last day of spring exams.
- Duties will vary according to position
- In addition to the above job responsibilities, other duties may be assigned.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
Education: Current UVA Graduate Student
Experience: None
Licensure: None
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
This is primarily a sedentary job involving extensive use of desktop computers. The job does occasionally require traveling some distance to attend meetings, and programs.
The University of Virginia, including the UVA Health System which represents the UVA Medical Center, Schools of Medicine and Nursing, UVA Physician's Group and the Claude Moore Health Sciences Library, are fundamentally committed to the diversity of our faculty and staff. We believe diversity is excellence expressing itself through every person's perspectives and lived experiences. We are equal opportunity and affirmative action employers. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity or expression, marital status, national or ethnic origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, veteran status, and family medical or genetic information.
