Reference Desk Research Assistant for School of Law Library

Liberty University • Lynchburg, VA

8d • Onsite

About The Position

The principal role of the Reference Desk Research Assistant is to provide excellent research services to the law school’s students and faculty. This is a position that demands legal research skills, a customer-service mindset, and a high level of professionalism. This position primarily reports to the Associate Librarian for Public Services and the library’s Access Services Coordinator/Supervisor(s).

Requirements

• Current enrollment in Liberty University School of Law is required.
• One year of law school experience is required.
• Ability to effectively communicate both verbally and in writing to convey clear, well-articulated information.
• Ability to understand, speak, and write English in order to convey messages and correspond in an articulate and professional manner.
• Possess public communication skills that allow professional representation of Liberty University.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Basic computer skills and familiarity with Microsoft 365.
• Ability to work independently and exercise good judgment and discretion.
• Promptness and reliability to follow scheduled hours.
• Ability to maintain an attitude of courtesy, respect, and tact when dealing with others.
• Ability to read call number labels quickly and accurately.
• Ability to use Lexis, Westlaw, Bloomberg, HeinOnline, and other library databases proficiently. Basic understanding is acceptable and further training will be provided.
• Ability to use simple marketing tools such as Canva or Adobe Photoshop. Basic understanding of marketing concepts is acceptable and further training will be provided.
• Ability to conform to job guidelines that differentiate reference work from improper peer collaboration.
• Intuitively able to reason, analyze information and events, and apply judgment in order to solve problems of both a routine and complex nature.
• Regularly required to sit to perform deskwork and type on a keyboard.
• Regularly required to see, hear, and speak in order to effectively communicate with patrons.
• Regularly required to stand, walk, and climb stairs to move about the campus.
• Regularly required to handle materials, reach overhead, kneel or stoop in order to conduct business.
• Regularly required to lift 20 or fewer pounds and push book carts weighing up to 250 pounds.

Nice To Haves

• Grade point average of 3.0 or above is preferred.
• A grade of B- or higher in LAW 527: Legal Research Intensive is preferred.
• Federal Work Study status is preferred
• Previous customer service experience preferred.
• Some knowledge of the Library of Congress classification and call number system preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provides excellent customer service by answering basic legal research questions from faculty and students.
• Maintains the library’s reference section by reshelving and shifting books, reading reference shelves, updating legal reference texts, and cleaning.
• Aids the Associate Librarian for Public Services in upkeeping library LibGuides related to legal research and artificial intelligence.
• Prepares library spaces for reference outreach events such as tabling and workshops.
• Assists the Associate Librarian for Public Services by creating marketing materials to advertise library databases, services, and collections.
• Completes special projects assigned by the Associate Librarian for Public Services or Access Services Coordinator/Supervisor(s).
• Contributes to the annual preparation for and execution of the 1L Legal Research Intensive.
• Keeps a vigilant posture while staffing the Reference Desk to identify patrons who may need assistance.
• Demonstrates the ability to work in and with diverse populations, supporting an inclusive environment.
• Complies with the Liberty University School of Law business casual dress code.
• Strictly adheres to Liberty University policies, representing the University in an exemplary manner.
• Works effectively as a team member, embracing and fostering LU’s Christian model and Mission – Training Champions for Christ.

Benefits

• Student employees are paid at least the current Virginia minimum wage per hour.
• Pay may vary by position and department based on job responsibilities, required skills, available funding, and market conditions.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed