Reference Assistant

Primary Duties and Responsibilities: Work in collaboration with Library Faculty to provide reference assistance, both in-person and virtually, to the College community, including students, faculty, staff, and community members. Assist and instruct patrons in the use of Library collections, services, research tools and methods, utilizing reference and circulation systems and software. Provide excellent service as defined by the Library's Mission and Philosophy of Service; foster an environment that encourages visitors to follow the Library Patron Responsibilities.

• Answer directional, ready reference, general reference, and assignment-based research questions, on the telephone, via chat and email reference service.
• Assist and instruct patrons in searching catalogs, databases, research guides, and other online services.
• Work collaboratively with Library faculty to assist and instruct patrons in selecting appropriate resources and tools, creating search strategies, and finding and retrieving information in the Library's print and electronic resources.
• Help patrons to locate materials in the Library and at other area libraries using online catalogs; assist patrons in submitting interlibrary loan requests.
• Assist and instruct students in locating, interpreting and formatting citations in various styles (MLA, APA, Chicago, etc.).
• Make appropriate referrals to subject librarians, other Library departments, or offices within the College.
• Answer basic questions about software on Library computers or refer patrons to appropriate resource.
• Support the work of the Library faculty in collection development and special projects as assigned.
• Provide backup for Circulation Services, including checking materials in and out, answering phones and other related duties.
• Process patron requests for materials beyond the College collection by verifying accuracy of requests, recommending items for purchase, and/or locating a lending library and placing an interlibrary loan request; communicate with the requester as needed.
• Monitor and enforce Library Policies.
• Other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Education
  • Library Technical Assistant (LTA) or Bachelor's degree required.
  • Library Science coursework, including Intro to Reference, or equivalent work experience preferred.
• Experience
  • One to two (1-2) years of customer services experience required.
  • One (1) year of library work experience or library reference experience preferred.
  • Proficiency in written and spoken English required.
  • Must be skilled in the use of current office technologies.

Working Conditions:

• Standard office equipment and software; specialized library systems equipment and software, including ExLibris Alma/Primo, Springshare and accessibility tools.
• Busy public service area; must have excellent people skills; must be flexible and willing to adjust to last minute situations.
• Must be able to spend extended periods of time at a computer keyboard and monitor.
• Vision adequate to read a variety of print materials and computer screens.
• Must be able to adapt to changing policies and technologies as needed.
• This position requires a background check at the College's expense.