Macalester College seeks Library Reference Assistant

Text courtesy of Angi Faiks, Associate Library Director, Macalester College

Macalester College is hiring a part-time Library Reference Assistant in its DeWitt Wallace Library.

We welcome candidates who are currently enrolled in an ALA accredited library and information science program, including accredited AAS library programs. 

Overview

DeWitt Wallace Library, Macalester College is offering two temporary positions for fall semester. We especially encourage individuals from under-represented populations to apply. Candidates will gain practical experience working at our service desk on the main level. This service desk provides reference service, circulation services, and interlibrary lending services. The successful candidate will have an opportunity to work at the public service desk and improve their skills with reference interview techniques, become familiar with the wide range of electronic resources including the OCLC WMS online system and have opportunities to also participate in library services according to interests.

The ideal candidate will be able to split their time between day and evening hours in order to get a depth and breadth of experience in an academic library and participate in library meetings that are focused on activities that include publishing, archives, web services, collection management, and access services as well as Reference & Instruction. The DeWitt Wallace Library staff are committed to helping to increase opportunities for professionally underrepresented racial and ethnic groups to gain the knowledge, skills and competencies to thrive in an academic context and are seeking applicants from diverse backgrounds.

Position will be 18-20 hours per week during the academic year (August 20 - December 31). The following hours will be split between two assistants:

• Monday - Friday - 1:00 - 4:30 p.m.  
• Monday - Thursday - 6:00 - 9:00 p.m.
• Friday - 9:30 - 12 noon (required shift)
• Sunday - 6:00 - 9:00 p.m.

Responsibilities

• Develop and improve skills in the art of reference question interview techniques and answer reference related questions at the library service desk.
• Provide referrals to appropriate librarians for consultations when necessary.
• Develop skills in using  the OCLC WMS Circulation system to check out materials and equipment.
• Increase familiarity with searching and utilizing online databases in a wide range of disciplines.
• Develop skills in supervising student employees.
• Develop skills in our Idea Lab (makerspace) service of the library.
• Develop skills in processing interlibrary loan requests utilizing our current online systems (ILLIAD and OCLC) with attention to detail and achieving a high level of accuracy.
• Participate in developing online user guides using LibGuides.
• Participate in library staff meetings in order to become familiar with organization and planning.
• Develop an understanding of at least one other area within the library such as collections or archives, or become involved in open access efforts related to outreach or open textbook initiatives.
• Assist with annual Library Technology Conference held in the spring.
• Other duties as assigned based on skills and interest.
• Completion of an evaluation of the experience at the end of the designated time for the internship.

Qualifications

• Must be currently enrolled in an ALA accredited library and information science program, including accredited AAS library programs (e.g. MCTC) 
• Ability to start on or near August 20, 2018

Application Guidelines

Please visit the job posting for more information and instructions for applying. For best consideration, please submit a resume and cover letter in one PDF document by August 3, 2018. 

Institutional Overview

Since its founding in 1874, Macalester has provided students with the inspiration, insight, and experience to become successful and ethical leaders. Located in St. Paul, Minnesota, Macalester enrolls nearly 2,100 students who come from virtually every state and 91 countries. Macalester is committed to being a preeminent liberal arts college known for its high standards of scholarship and its special emphases on internationalism, multiculturalism, and service to society.

Macalester is proud of its longstanding commitment to social justice and creating a safe environment for all people regardless of sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, national origin, citizenship status, gender, religion, age, or ability. Macalester is dedicated to the goal of building a culturally diverse and pluralistic staff committed to working in a multicultural environment and strongly encourages applications from everyone who would add richness to our community, including people of color, individuals with disabilities and women.