Bud Werner Memorial Library Reference Department
Reference Assistant Job Description
General Description:
The BWML Reference Department conducts in-depth research for patrons in various fields such as local history, genealogy, current events, statistics, and much more. Reference Assistants are responsible for providing friendly and effective assistance to library patrons in use of Library Resources (reference, nonfiction and digital collections) and Technology (public and private computers, tablets, and smartphones). Emphasis is placed on patron service, teamwork, and fulfilling the BWML Mission to provide “enrichment, education, and escape for everyone”.
Reports to: Reference Librarian.
Duties & Responsibilities:
Ø A Reference Assistant must, above all, love to research!
Research requires curiosity and a fascination with learning new things. Research often involves many hours of tedious but rewarding searches on the Internet or through books, magazines, newspapers, and microfilm. Research assistance implies helping a patron determine the exact nature of the research request and a commitment to providing a solution to their information need.
Ø A Reference Assistant must have exceptional communication skills and be able to conduct a proper Reference Interview.
Reference Assistants are trained to conduct a Reference Interview in order to appropriately ascertain what information a patron may be seeking. They are able to effectively communicate both verbally and in writing what information has been found, and any recommendations or next steps in the research process.
Ø A Reference Assistant must have extensive knowledge of all non-fiction/reference resources in print and electronic formats.
Reference Assistants are trained to expertly navigate our Online Public Access Catalog (OPAC), online subscription databases, as well as how to find free Internet resources. Reference Assistants are able to wield the Online Public Access Catalog (OPAC) to retrieve relevant materials within the physical and digital collections of BWML and other partnering libraries. A Reference Assistant has an intimate knowledge of the Non-Fiction collection and how it is structure using the Dewey Decimal Classification System
Ø A Reference Assistant must be highly organized.
Research is conducted for patrons in the library, over the phone, through email, or any other form of communication. A Research Assistant is responsible for keeping track of, and following through with, research questions to the best of their ability.
Ø A Reference Assistant is the primary human factor in digitization and metadata entry for the MARMOT Digital Archive.
Reference Assistants are trained to properly digitize and describe local history documents, oral history interviews, and other information items. Collaboration with other Routt County cultural heritage institutions, MARMOT Library Network members, and BWML staff is necessary. Understanding how this information is made available and accessed through the OPAC is paramount.
Ø A Reference Assistant is able to assist the public with all computer problems or instruction graciously and with tact.
Reference Assistants must be willing to instruct patrons in proper desktop and mobile computer function, regardless of the device, operating system, or content desired. The truly effective Reference Assistant encounters even very difficult technological obstacles calmly and with confidence. Patrons see all members of the Reference Department as patient and capable human resources when encountering difficulty with technology.
Ø A Reference Assistant keeps the library beautiful!
Reference Assistants ensure a consistently warm, welcome, and productive environment on the 2nd floor. Books are shelved snugly, upright, and flush against the edge of shelves. Chairs are pushed in and tables are kept clean. Facility repair and maintenance needs are conveyed to a supervisor promptly.
Ø A Reference Assistant promotes library collections.
Reference Assistants are familiar with the library’s role in the community and the resources provided. They advocate for the use of these collections and the credible, organized information within to a variety of stakeholders, and are able to identify new users and applications for those collections.
Ø A Reference Assistant is friendly and professional.
Reference assistants carry a professional demeanor at all times. They maintain confidentiality and privacy of user records and diligently observe the American Library Association Code of Ethics.
Results:
Ø Patrons are awed by the quality, timeliness, and level of research performed. They are delighted by the service and return to the library often, wanting more.
Ø All staff who serve the public have strong print and electronic reference skills. They are able to effectively handle most reference questions professionally, efficiently, and with compassion.
Ø The environment is one of collaboration and openness to change. Patrons are comfortable here.
Ø The library is welcoming and efficient. Patrons choose to be here.
Minimum Qualifications:
Bachelor’s Degree Preferred.
Knowledge and Abilities:
· Ability to use computers comfortably and effectively for information retrieval and basic web building applications. Ability to troubleshoot computer problems on the public computers requires proficiency with Microsoft Office, various internet browsers, cloud-based systems, and computer hardware.
· Ability to learn library procedures and practices, as well as standard reference sources in the library field, bibliographic materials, and electronic databases.
· Ability to deal tactfully and courteously with the public.
· Ability to communicate effectively with coworkers and the public.
Special Qualifications:
· A desire to help and serve the needs of the public with a strong commitment to library values.
· Must be flexible in days worked, work efficiently during periods of heavy traffic, ability to handle many tasks at one time despite interruption, remain positive and friendly under pressure.
· Cooperate with other Reference Staff to organize vacations, acquire additional shifts, or cover fellow staff members in times of illness or emergency.
Working Conditions:
· A sense of Camaraderie with fellow Reference Staff and other co-workers
· Opportunity to keep abreast of technological advancements and employ them to the benefit of the community and yourself.
· Requires working evenings and weekends. May require some lifting (up to 40 lbs) and occasional long-term standing. Many hours in front of a computer.
· Low-stress workplace with supportive co-workers, supervisors, and library institutional leadership.
· An environment that instills a sense of pride in BWML and your contribution to our community.
Approved July 12th, 2017
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