St. Paul Campus
Reference Graduate Assistantship

St. Catherine University St. Paul Library is located on the first floor of the Coeur de Catherine. The Library’s collection includes over 217,000 volumes and 500 current journals, in addition to a variety of online sources including access to over 75,000 full-text periodicals. The St. Paul Library serves undergraduate and graduate students enrolled in day, evening and weekend programs as well as faculty, staff, and members of the community.

Position Description

The purpose of the Reference Assistant position is to first provide professional reference service to the University community and, second, to facilitate hands-on learning experience for the graduate student. The Reference Assistant will be mentored by and work alongside four professional reference librarians at the St. Paul Campus. The Assistant may also work with other staff and student employees.

This position requires a set 10-hour per week schedule during normal business hours.

The Graduate Reference Assistantship is awarded once a semester for a total of 10 hours per week at a pay rate of $12/hour. (The fall assistant may also have an opportunity to work January term.)

Primary responsibilities

The Reference Assistant will work with the reference librarians to provide reference service throughout the semester. Duties may include, but are not limited to:

  • Assisting students, faculty, and staff with reference and research needs
  • Assisting with library instruction, both one-on-one and in formal classroom settings
  • Creating print and web-based guides
  • Working with librarian to determine future needs
  • Other duties as assigned, depending on library’s needs and Assistant’s skills and qualifications

Requirements

  • Must be currently enrolled in the MLIS program at St. Catherine University
  • Must have completed the 3 required core courses: LIS 7010, LIS 7030, LIS 7040
  • Must submit a current St. Kate's transcript (unofficial is acceptable) or grade report
  • Must commit to one full semester as an assistant
  • Must agree to abide by departmental policies and the student employment policies established in the St. Kate's Student Employment Handbook

 

Required qualifications for the Reference position

  1. Interest in academic librarianship
  2. Flexible schedule and availability
  3. Technical, computer skills/troubleshooting
  4. Enthusiasism, a willingness to learn, good listening and communication skills
  5. A commitment to public service and the teaching mission of the Libraries.

Preferred qualifications

  1. Completion of additional LIS courses, especially those that provide background and knowledge useful to the position (web skills, reference, instruction, etc.)
  2. Web authoring (Dreamweaver or similar) skills and/or experience
  3. Experience and comfort in teaching, training, and/or public speaking
  4. Experience in customer service

General Expectations of the Position

The Reference Assistant works as a member of the reference staff. Assistants are expected to follow the Student Employment manual (see KateWay). General expectations include, but are not limited to the following:

  1. Discuss and set goals for the semester. Meet with a librarian mentor during the semester.
  2. Complete all projects assigned by librarians
  3. Provide the best service possible to patrons. Ask when you have questions.
  4. Computers and phone are for University business only.
  5. Wear appropriate attire for the workplace.
  6. Let your supervisor or another librarian know if you will be late or absent.

Contact Information

Contact Jim Newsome (jmnewsome@stkate.edu or 651-690-6202) with questions.

Application Deadline

Deadline is September 8, 2012

Application

  • Resume
  • Current St. Kate's grade report (does not need to be official transcript)
  • One academic or work reference
  • Brief answers to the following questions:

1. What interests you about this graduate assistantship?

2. What experience, qualities and strengths would you bring to the assistantship?

3. Please describe your approach to public service.

4. What goals would you like to accomplish as part of this assistantship?

5. In an average week, what days/times are you available to work?

Submit to Jim Newsome: jmnewsome@stkate.edu