Position Description
The Research Services Reference Assistant is responsible for helping library users navigate the information landscape through 1:1 individual patron interaction, primarily through staffing an in-person service desk during business hours.
Additional duties include providing reference services through other modalities (such as chat reference),leading orientation sessions or workshops, the creation of asynchronous materials, and other special projects related to research assistance.
This position is scoped for a graduate student on the professional track for a career in library and information science.
This position will work under the general supervision of the Director, Research Services, with the guidance of librarians and professional staff on both core work and special projects.
This is an in personposition with an estimated 15-18 hours a week through June 30, 2026.
The position is in person, primarily located at Seattle University’s First Hill campus.
Schedules are structured around regular research help service hours (weekdays between 10 and 6) but can be adjusted to accommodate class schedules.
Evening and weekend hours may be possible.
The optimal candidate would be a graduate student in their second or third year in a Master's in Library and Information Science program with coursework or experience in reference and research support, or a graduate student in their first year of such a program while concurrently enrolled in coursework in reference or research support.
Duties
Support research help through multiple modalities, including staffing the in-personResearch and Scholarly Services Desk, and other channels (chat reference, email, and events).Conduct library orientation sessions.Support the Library’s established programs and services, including conducting introductory research support workshopsCollaborate with library faculty and library staff on other projects as available: potential projects includeresearch guides, reviewing instruction materials, writing posts highlighting departmental work, programming, and other library related activitiesParticipate in scheduled meetings and engage in professional development.Qualifications
Bachelor’s DegreeAbility to work independently and in a collaborative team environmentClear and concisewritten and verbal communication skillsActive listening and strong interpersonal skillsAbility to learn new technologies quickly, including Library technologies such as databases, research guide and tutorialdesign, reference transaction tracking software, and video editing tools.
A growth mindset and willingness and ability to receive and incorporate coaching and feedbackInterest and enthusiasm for working in academic libraries Desired qualifications
Current enrollment in an ALA accredited (or equivalent) Masters in Library and Information Sciences program (as of September 2025) through Summer 2026.Experience in providing customer service support in either in person or online environments.Completion of, or active enrollment in, classwork relating to reference, instruction, and/or information seeking behavior. Experience in one-on-one tutoring, instruction, or classroom teaching, or a strong desire to learn.