Reference Associate (Part-time)

Collin College•Wylie, TX

11h•$20•Onsite

About The Position

The Reference Associate provides basic to intermediate reference services to Collin College students, faculty, staff, and the general public. This role involves developing, evaluating, and maintaining a small library collection, and serving as a library liaison in an assigned discipline under the oversight of a Reference Librarian. The associate must be flexible to work schedules that may include evenings, weekends, and opening/closing hours. Key duties include providing professional answers to inquiries using online and physical resources, performing all circulation functions, assisting with computing resources like OPAC and the Internet, and managing record keeping and database for the collection. The position also involves responding to reference inquiries in person, by telephone, and electronically, conducting reference interviews, and instructing patrons in the use of library equipment, computers, databases, and software. Additionally, the associate will identify collection requirements, recommend material purchases, and assist with weeding the reference collection.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree required.
Two (2) years of library-related work experience or a minimum of eighteen (18) credit hours completed toward a master’s degree in library science or library and information science from an accredited American Library Association (ALA) institution required.
Knowledge of search strategies.
Knowledge of college resources.
Knowledge of the reference interview process.
Knowledge of college and library policies.
Knowledge of library databases.
Knowledge of library equipment.
Customer service skills.
Instructional skills.
Computer and applicable software skills.
Analytical skills.
Organizational skills.
Research and problem solving skills.
Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
Ability to analyze information sources.
Ability to process reports.
Ability to maintain budget for ordering.
Ability to help customers with their basic computer needs, including e-mail, answering Microsoft product questions, and navigating the Internet.

Nice To Haves

A minimum of eighteen (18) credit hours completed toward a master’s degree in library science or library and information science from an accredited American Library Association (ALA) institution preferred.

Responsibilities

Provide quick, correct, and professional answers for basic to intermediate inquiries using online resources and the reference and general collections.
Perform all circulation functions which includes creating patron accounts, issuing cards, checking materials in and out, maintaining patron database, collecting fines, shelving and courier processes.
Assist with the basic use and navigation of computing resources (i.e. OPAC and Internet).
Assist in record keeping and database management for the system’s collection as needed.
Respond to public and staff reference inquires; provide reference and readers’ advisory services to customers in person, by telephone and electronically (email and chat).
Provide both virtual and in-person reference services to library patrons.
Conduct reference interviews and research; utilize various types of print and electronic resources to assist customers in selecting and locating library materials.
Instruct and assist customers and staff in the use of the library’s equipment, computers, databases, catalogs, software applications, and the internet.
Identify collection requirements and provide recommendations regarding the purchase of reference and/or circulation materials.
Assist with regular weeding of the reference collection.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Perform all duties and maintain all standards in accordance with college policies, procedures and core values.