Library Reference Assistant, Tufts University Hirsh Health Sciences Library, Boston MA

Posted May 7, 2013

Tufts University Hirsh Health Sciences Library

Library Reference Assistant

The Tufts University Hirsh Health Sciences Library (http://www.library.tufts.edu/hhsl/) is seeking a full time permanent reference assistant. The Hirsh Health Sciences Library serves the Tufts University schools of Medicine; Dental Medicine; Nutrition; Public Health and Graduate Biomedical Sciences; and their affiliate hospitals. The Hirsh Health Sciences Library is located in downtown Boston in the Chinatown/Theater district.

The Library Reference Assistant is responsible for carrying out all the daily activities of the Library Service Desk in an effective, customer-oriented and professional manner. Duties include providing service to library patrons at the Library Service Desk. These services include providing basic reference help and point-of-need consultation and instruction to users for their information access questions, assisting users with access to the physical library and accessing resources on the website, and assisting users with printing and photocopying. Interactions with patrons occur in person and electronically.

The person in this position will also use the circulation module of the University Library’s integrated library system to circulate material, create and maintain patron records, and create and maintain reserve lists. They will also create and maintain the reserves collection by contacting faculty on a regular basis, maintaining the library’s internal Access database, and coordinating with library staff as needed for ordering new materials and processing existing materials. Responsibilities also include interpreting and applying library policies as appropriate, accurately referring users to appropriate staff members when needed for information, reference or technical questions, and using Qualtrics to create and run surveys for the library. This person will also be responsible for processing the library’s BLC WorldCat Local requests made by HHSL users for materials from other BLC libraries.

Additionally, this position will be on library and university committees as assigned, including the Library PR Team, the University Library’s Circulation and Reserves Team, and the University’s Social Media Working Group. This position is in charge on Saturdays. Other duties as assigned.

Basic requirements: 1 – 3 years related experience; college degree; experience with library circulation systems; MS Office products (including Access) and current communication platforms (wikis, blogs etc.).The working hours are Monday, Tuesday (or Wednesday), Thursday, Friday 7:30 – 3:30 and Saturday 10 – 6.

Preferred Qualifications: Experience in an academic or special library environment with knowledge of III Millennium preferred. Very strong verbal and written communication skills and a demonstrated high level of good judgment, analytical and problem-solving skills. Familiarity with emerging technologies and related skills. Ability to be helpful and approachable. Ability to work collaboratively in a team and independently. Enthusiasm and initiative, and the ability to prioritize diverse responsibilities and meet deadlines. Good organizational skills. Ability to meet and exceed customer needs and expectations

Please apply online at: http://www.tufts.edu/hr/jobs. Search by job title: Library Reference Assistant – Hirsh Health Sciences Library or Job Requisition number: 1874 . Tufts University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. Resume review will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.