LIBRARY ASSISTANT – REFERENCE/RESEARCH DEPARTMENT
General Description:
The Reference/ Research Department conducts in-depth research for patrons in various fields such as genealogy, local history, small business, statistics, travel information, and much more. This position is responsible for providing friendly assistance to library patrons in use of the Library’s resources, including reference, nonfiction and digital collections. Emphasis is placed on patron service, teamwork, and research skills.
Reports to: Reference Librarian.
Duties & Responsibilities:

A Research Assistant must, above all, love to research!
Research requires curiosity and a fascination with learning new things. Research often involves many hours of searching on the Internet or leafing through books, magazines, newspapers, or microfilm. Research implies a commitment to providing a patron with the solution to their exact information need, or figuring out what that information need is should they be unaware.
 Must have exceptional communication skills and be able to conduct a proper Reference
Interview.
The staff person will be trained to conduct a Reference Interview in order to appropriately ascertain what information a patron may be seeking. Must be able to effectively communicate both verbally and in writing what information you have found, and any recommendations or next steps in the research process.

Must have extensive knowledge of all reference resources in print and electronic format.
The staff person will be trained to expertly navigate our online subscription databases as well as how to find free Internet resources. The researcher must be savvy at database searching and know how to navigate the web beyond “keyword” searching.
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The staff person 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 research questions to the best of their ability.
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Knowledge of the Non-Fiction collection and how it is structured.
Expertise in navigating the Dewey Decimal Classification, both in the stacks of the Non-
Fiction collection and on the OPAC (online public access catalog).
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
The staff person will assist in digitization and metadata entry for the MARMOT Digital
Archive.
The staff person will be trained to properly digitize and describe local history documents, oral interviews, and other information items. Collaboration with other Routt County cultural heritage institutions, MARMOT Library Network members, and BWML staff will be necessary. Understanding how this information is made available and accessed through the
OPAC is paramount.

Able to assist the public with all computer problems or needs with graciousness and tact.
Able to solve unfamiliar problems, learn solutions, and convey new techniques to patrons and staff alike.
The staff person 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 equally proficient and capable resources when encountering difficulty with technology.

Keep the library beautiful!
Display newspapers and periodicals. Push in scattered chairs, pick up trash, and turn off unused lamps. Take damaged materials off of the shelf. Treat the library like your living room (only if your living room is normally super clean and cozy).
 Promote library collections and assist with reader’s advisory service.
In other words, READ! So you don’t read? That’s ok. Watch movies, listen to music, or search the web for cool stuff! Then, talk about it and recommend interesting material to patrons. Become a subject expert.

Be friendly! Be professional!
Be able to carry a professional demeanor at all times. Maintain confidentiality and privacy of user records.
 Maintain a good sense of humor and a cooperative attitude in dealing with patrons as well as with other library staff.
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Results:

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.
 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.

The environment is one of collaboration and openness to change. Patrons are comfortable here.

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.
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Ability to learn library procedures and practices, as well as standard reference sources in the library field, bibliographic materials, and electronic databases.
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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.
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Must be flexible in days worked, work efficiently during periods of heavy traffic, ability to handle many tasks at one time despite interruption, work well (remain positive and friendly) under pressure and not be subject to burnout or moodiness.
Working Conditions:

This position frequently requires working evenings and weekends. May require some lifting (up to 40 lbs) and constant standing. Many hours in front of a computer.
Approved December 21 st
, 2015
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