Reference Assistant

Cornell University Library promotes a culture of broad inquiry and supports the University's mission to discover, preserve, and disseminate knowledge and creative expression. It engages with the ongoing transformations of society to deliver world-class physical and digital content and services critical to research, education, and outreach, now and in the future. The Library acts globally, supporting Cornell's land grant mission in New York State and beyond, and builds partnerships within and outside the university. It invests in its staff, collections, and physical and virtual libraries. And, it serves as a neutral and trusted party supporting information access and scholarly communication.

About the Opportunities

We have two full-time, benefits-eligible Reference Assistant positions available at the Cornell University Library. Please note the different locations, position hours, and benefits structures for each position.

Olin and Uris Libraries Reference Assistant

The Department of Research & Learning Services administers the reference and instruction services of Cornell's Olin and Uris libraries and primarily serves the College of Arts and Sciences. Along with its core role in Olin and Uris libraries, the Department of Research & Learning Services also provides support for collection development, reference, instruction, digital scholarship, and outreach activities throughout the Cornell University Library system.

Reference Services at Olin and Uris Libraries are provided seven days a week, including four evenings until 10pm. The schedule based on department needs. Currently, the reference assistant position includes daytime, weekday shifts Monday through Friday, a weeknight shift, and two weekend shifts (10 am to 6 pm) a month.

The Olin and Uris Reference Assistant will be part of the Endowed Benefits Program.

Mann Library Reference Assistant

Albert R. Mann Library is an open, trusted, and welcoming home for research and discovery in the life sciences, agriculture, applied social sciences and human ecology. As a New York State land-grant library, we actively support the needs of all who seek knowledge and foster the open exchange of diverse ideas to improve the lives of people everywhere. Recognizing that the information landscape is ever changing, we preserve knowledge and strive to be innovative in our approach to its dissemination and in service to our patrons, particularly our partners in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and College of Human Ecology.

Reference Services at Mann Library are provided five days a week. The schedule is based on department needs. Currently, the schedule for this position includes daytime, weekday shifts Monday through Friday.

The Mann Library Reference Assistant will be part of the Contract College Benefits program.

As a Reference Assistant, you will:

• Assist users of the Cornell University Library with their information needs, currently at the service point, and through digital reference services such as online chat and email.
• Answer directional, factual, bibliographic, and basic subject reference questions.
• Teach individual users how to navigate and use online and print information resources.
• Refer users to other staff and service points when appropriate.
• Assist with technical support at public workstations.
• Support departmental initiatives and programming.
• Participate in continuous training.

Success Factors

You will be considered competitive for these positions if you demonstrate:

• Intentional Inquiry and Engagement: You excel at asking insightful questions to understand patrons' immediate needs, helping them make progress on their requests while connecting them to additional resources for deeper exploration.
• Curiosity and Growth Mindset: You are endlessly curious, self-motivated, and committed to learning and growing. You approach challenges with creativity and enthusiasm, contributing directly to the success of learning, teaching, and research at Cornell.
• Collaborative Problem-Solving: You bring a creative and flexible approach to problem-solving, navigating the complexities of research and information access with open-mindedness and resourcefulness to unlock new possibilities for patrons.
• Dependability and Collegiality: You are punctual, highly organized, and reliable. Your authentic communication style builds trust with patrons and colleagues, fostering a warm, supportive, and collaborative environment.

What We Need

• A cover letter and resume outlining your interest and how your experience and goals align with the potential for mutual success in the role are required for consideration.
• Experience in and/or demonstrated commitment to supporting diversity, equity, access, inclusion, and wellbeing.
• Experience working directly with people from diverse racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds.
• Bachelor's degree or other formal training program and up to two years of experience in a public information environment or equivalent combination.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively in a rapidly evolving environment.
• Effective written, verbal, and presentation skills.
• Ability to communicate well with a diverse user population in an academic setting.
• Ability to interpret, clarify, and analyze users' questions, and make appropriate judgements.
• A strong aptitude for working calmly under pressure at a public desk.
• Self-motivation to learn continuously and independently, displaying a vigilance to be self-reflective and responsive to experiences and interactions with patrons at service points.
• Familiarity with PC and Macintosh-based operating systems.

If you have all those things, great! We have a few more things that we would prefer you to have, but it's ok if you don't.

• Library experience, especially in public services.
• A strong aptitude for developing new technology skills.

Rewards and Benefits

• Cornell receives national recognition as an award-winning workplace for our health, wellbeing, sustainability, and diversity initiatives.
• Our benefits programs include comprehensive health care options, generous retirement contributions, access to wellness programs, and employee discounts with local and national retail brands. We invite you to follow this link to get more information about our benefits: https://hr.cornell.edu/benefits-pay.
• Our leave provisions include health and personal leave, three weeks of vacation and 13 holidays: Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving and the day after, and an end of the year winter break from December 25-January 1 and two floating holidays. Learn more about holiday and accrued time off, visit: https://hr.cornell.edu/about/employment-policy-practice/employment-policies/time-and-leaves/holiday-and-accrued-time.
• Cornell's impressive educational benefits include tuition-free Extramural Study and Employee Degree Program, tuition aid for external education, and Cornell Children's Tuition Assistance Program.
• Follow this link to learn more about the Total Rewards of Working at Cornell: https://hr.cornell.edu/jobs/your-total-rewards.

Visa Sponsorship is not available for this position.

University Job Title:Public Svcs Asst IV

Job Family:Library/Museum

Level:D

Pay Rate Type:Hourly

Pay Range:$24.50 - $26.83

Remote Option Availability:Onsite

Company:

Contact Name:Carolyn Chow

Job Titles and Pay Ranges:

Non-Union Positions

Noted pay ranges reflect the potential pay opportunity for each job profile. The hiring rate of pay for the successful candidate will be determined considering the following criteria:

Prior relevant work or industry experience

Education level to the extent education is relevant to the position

Unique applicable skills

Academic Discipline

To learn more about Cornell's non-union staff job titles and pay ranges, see Career Navigator.

Union Positions

The hiring rate of pay for the successful candidate will be determined in accordance with the rates in the respective collective bargaining agreement. To learn more about Cornell's union wages, see Union Pay Rates.

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Employment Assistance:

For general questions about the position or the application process, please contact the Recruiter listed in the job posting or email [email protected].

If you require an accommodation for a disability in order to complete an employment application or to participate in the recruiting process, you are encouraged to contact Cornell University's Office of Institutional Equity and Title IX at voice (607) 255-2242, or email at [email protected].

Applicants that do not have internet access are encouraged to visit your local library, or local Department of Labor. You may also request an appointment to use a dedicated workstation in the Office of Talent Attraction and Recruitment, at the Ithaca campus, by emailing [email protected].

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EEO Statement:

Diversity and Inclusion are a part of Cornell University's heritage. We are a recognized employer and educator valuing AA/EEO, and we do not tolerate discrimination based on any protected characteristic, including race, ethnic or national origin, citizenship and immigration status, color, sex/gender, pregnancy or pregnancy-related conditions, age, creed, religion, actual or perceived disability (including persons associated with such a person), arrest and/or conviction record, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, gender expression and/or identity, an individual's genetic information, domestic violence victim status, familial status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. We also recognize a lawful preference in employment practices for Native Americans living on or near Indian reservations in accordance with applicable law.

Cornell University embraces diversity and seeks candidates who will contribute to a climate that supports students, faculty, and staff to all identities and backgrounds. We encourage individuals from underrepresented and/or marginalized identities to apply.2025-01-16

Cornell University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action educator and employer.