Library Human Resources

Reference, Research, and Scholarly Services

The Reference, Research, and Scholarly Services department has several 14 hour a week and 10 hour a week Graduate Assistant appointments available for the 2012-2013 academic year. Ten-hour a week appointments are joint appointments with other units; check on the Library HR website for listing for other 10 hour a week appointments. 


Requirements: Interest in reference work and the ability to work with a diverse public.  Excellent interpersonal and communication skills. Willingness to work late night and weekend hours. Basic technology skills required, more advanced or unusual technology skills are desirable. Must be enrolled in as a student in GSLIS.  Students in other departments who already have an MLS degree will be considered.

 

Job Description:

The primary duties of the Graduate Assistants in the RRSS are focused on the Information Desk, a high-visibility, high-volume reference and referral service. Our patrons include students at all levels of study, faculty, visiting researchers, and local community members. Duties include:

 

Training: The Reference Library provides an extensive orientation and training program for the Graduate Assistants.  In addition, there is a weekly meeting for continuing training and support.  Training is mandatory and will start August 13, 2012.

 

Expectations: Graduate Assistants will learn and demonstrate: effective research skills, knowledge of information resources; friendly and appropriate customer service behaviors; understanding and communication of information literacy skills; classroom management techniques. A solid work ethic and ability to work as part of a team are important to success in this position.  Graduate Assistants are also expected to attend weekly meetings and designated library training sessions.

 

Work Environment: The Information Desk is staffed by RRSS as well as librarians and GAs from other units in the library.  There are eleven graduate assistants in the RRSS department, occasionally supplemented by hourly graduate students and practicum students. The Information Desk is situated in a highly-visible public area. This position will report to Kathleen Kern, the RRSS GA coordinator, and will work with other RRSS librarians on instruction and various projects.

 

Pre-professional Experience: RRSS strives to provide a rounded pre-professional experience in reference and public services.  Graduate Assistants work with various librarians to complete a range of projects during their appointments and build a portfolio of work that will enable them to be career-ready upon graduation.  Each Graduate Assistant brings a unique background and set of skills and we encourage GAs to share their ideas and knowledge in a reciprocal professional setting.

 

Contact: Please send your resume and cover letter to Kathleen Kern katkern@illinois.edu. Please indicate if you have any dates that you will be visiting campus in April or May 2012 or availability for telephone or videoconference interview.