Reference Assistant

The Opportunity

This position provides general reference and research support to Cornell University Library users through in-person services at Olin Library and digital channels such as chat and email. The role answers factual, bibliographic, and introductory subject questions, teaches users how to navigate information resources, and refers more advanced research needs to librarians and subject specialists. The position requires strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to independently learn and work with complex software systems.

About The Cornell University Library

Cornell University Library supports the University's mission to discover, preserve, and share knowledge and creative expression. It provides world-class physical and digital resources and services that support research, education, and outreach. The Library also builds partnerships, invests in its staff and collections, and advances information access and scholarly communication.

About Research & Learning Services

The Department of Research & Learning Services provides reference and instruction services through Cornell's Olin and Uris libraries, primarily supporting the College of Arts and Sciences. It also provides front-line reference support for Kroch Asia and contributes to collection development, reference, instruction, digital scholarship, and outreach across the Cornell University Library system.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide general reference assistance to library users in the social sciences and humanities through in-person, telephone, email, online chat, and other remote services.
• Conduct reference interviews to identify and clarify users' information needs and determine appropriate follow-up or referrals.
• Develop and recommend effective search strategies and assist users with interpreting, evaluating, and synthesizing search results.
• Help users locate books, articles, documents, news, and other print and online resources using library catalogs, discovery systems, databases, and web resources.
• Assist users with finding, completing, and correcting bibliographic information.
• Help users request materials that are not available through Cornell using appropriate library services.
• Assist users in developing database search statements and evaluating the accuracy, completeness, and relevance of search results.
• Provide basic technical support for on-site and remote access to library resources and equipment, including basic hardware and software troubleshooting.
• Maintain current knowledge of the Olin, Kroch Asia, and Uris libraries' collections, resources, systems, and services through continuous learning.
• Participate in self-directed, departmental, and library-wide training and professional development activities to strengthen reference skills and knowledge of library resources.

What We Need

For further consideration, please submit a resume and cover letter.

• Bachelor's degree or completion of a formal training program, with up to two years of experience in a public information environment, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to explain technical information to non-technical audiences and provide basic technology troubleshooting guidance.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with library public services staff and IT support personnel.
• Strong problem-solving skills, with the ability to work independently and collaboratively to identify and resolve issues.
• Ability to cultivate and develop inclusive working relationships with students, faculty, staff, and community members.
• Leadership skills with the ability to motivate student employees and foster a positive team environment.

If you have all those things, great! We have a few more things that we would prefer you to have, but it's ok if you don't.

• Library experience, especially in public services.
• A strong aptitude for developing new technology skills.

This is a full-time (39 hours/week) position that is based in Ithaca, NY with a hybrid work arrangement. Core hours are Monday through Friday, between 9:00 a.m. to 6 p.m.

• During the academic year (fall and spring), the schedule includes one evening shift per week until 10:00 p.m. and two weekend days per month.
• During academic breaks, including the summer and January break, evening shifts are not required, and weekend coverage is reduced to approximately one weekend day per month. The final schedule will be established in collaboration with the supervisor and based on departmental needs.
• The position follows a rotating schedule, with approximately two weeks on and two weeks off for weekend coverage, and includes one work-from-home day per week.

Rewards and Benefits

• This position is eligible for a hybrid work arrangement. Employees typically perform this role remotely 1 day per week and on-campus 4 days per week. The university reserves the right to modify, suspend, revoke or terminate the hybrid work arrangement at any time.

• Cornell receives national recognition as an award-winning workplace for our health, wellbeing, and sustainability.

• Our benefits programs include comprehensive health care options, generous retirement contributions, access to wellness programs, and employee discounts with local and national retail brands. We invite you to follow this link to get more information about our benefits: Understand Your Benefits | Working at Cornell.

• Our leave provisions include health and personal leave, three weeks of vacation and 13 holidays: Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving and the day after, and an end of the year winter break from December 25-January 1. To offer greater flexibility for observing faiths and traditions we also offer two additional floating holidays. Learn more about our generous leave provisions: Holiday and Accrued Time Off | Working at Cornell

• Cornell's impressive educational benefits include tuition-free Extramural Study and Employee Degree Program, tuition aid for external education, and Cornell Children's Tuition Assistance Program. Learn more about our extensive educational benefits: Education Benefits | Working at Cornell

• Follow this link to learn more about the Total Rewards of Working at Cornell: Total Rewards | Working at Cornell.

Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

University Job Title:

Job Family:

Level:

Pay Rate Type:

Pay Range:

Remote Option Availability:

Company:

Contact Name:

Contact Email:

Job Titles and Pay Ranges:

Non-Union Positions

Noted pay ranges reflect the potential pay opportunity for each job profile. The hiring rate of pay for the successful candidate will be determined considering the following criteria:

• Prior relevant work or industry experience

• Education level to the extent education is relevant to the position

• Unique applicable skills

• Academic Discipline

To learn more about Cornell's non-union staff job titles and pay ranges, see Career Navigator.

Union Positions

The hiring rate of pay for the successful candidate will be determined in accordance with the rates in the respective collective bargaining agreement. To learn more about Cornell's union wages, see Union Pay Rates.

Current Employees:

If you currently work at Cornell University, please exit this website and log in to Workday using your Net ID and password. Select the Career icon on your Home dashboard to view jobs at Cornell.

Online Submission Guidelines:

Most positions at Cornell will require you to apply online and submit both a resume/CV and cover letter. You can upload documents either by "dragging and dropping" them into the dropbox or by using the "upload" icon on the application page. For more detailed instructions on how to apply to a job at Cornell, visit How We Hire on the HR website.

Employment Assistance:

For general questions about the position or the application process, please contact the Recruiter listed in the job posting or email mycareer@cornell.edu.

If you require an accommodation for a disability in order to complete an employment application or to participate in the recruiting process, you are encouraged to contact Cornell Office of Civil Rights at voice (607) 255-2242, or email at accommodations@cornell.edu.

Applicants that do not have internet access are encouraged to visit your local library, or local Department of Labor. You may also request an appointment to use a dedicated workstation in the Office of Talent Attraction and Recruitment, at the Ithaca campus, by emailing mycareer@cornell.edu.

Notice to Applicants:

Please read the required Notice to Applicants statement by clicking here. This notice contains important information about applying for a position at Cornell as well as some of your rights and responsibilities as an applicant.

EEO Statement:

Cornellwelcomes students, faculty, and staff with diverse backgrounds from across the globe to pursue world-class education and career opportunities, to further the founding principle of "... any person ... any study." No person shall be denied employment on the basis of any legally protected status or subjected to prohibited discrimination involving, but not limited to, such factors as race, ethnic or national origin, citizenship and immigration status, color, sex, pregnancy or pregnancy-related conditions, age, creed, religion, actual or perceived disability (including persons associated with such a person), arrest and/or conviction record, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, gender expression and/or identity, an individual's genetic information, domestic violence victim status, familial status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

Cornell University embraces diversity in its workforce and seeksjob candidates who will contribute to a climate that supports students, faculty, and staff of all identities and backgrounds. Wehire based on merit, andencourage people from historically underrepresented and/or marginalized identities to apply.Consistent with federal law, Cornell engages in affirmative action in employment for qualified protected veterans as defined in the Vietnam Era Veterans' Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA) and qualified individuals with disabilities under Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act. We also recognize a lawful preference in employment practices for Native Americans living on or near Indian reservations in accordance with applicable law.