Graduate Assistant Reference Specialist

Hourly student employees who hold a professional position that furthers the professional and/or academic development of the graduate student. The duties performed are professional in nature and under the direct supervision of faculty, academic professionals, or administrators. The duties do not involve classroom instruction or research integral to the student's degree program or dissertation. The graduate assistant's responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, administrative and professional internships. The Dean of Graduate Studies must approve GA appointments. These positions will be for .5 FTE (20 hours/week). Graduate students in these positions will receive 18 hours of tuition assistance for the full academic year. Reference and Research Graduate Assistants provide general and in-depth research assistance to library patrons both in person and via chat at the research help desks in Watson Library and Anschutz Library.

75% - Provide general and in-depth research assistance to library patrons both in person and via chat at the research help desks in Watson Library and Anschutz Library

15% - Participate individually or on a team in special projects, based on individual interests and skills and the needs of the Libraries, to support the mission of the KU Libraries

10% - Participate in pre-service training, ongoing education, departmental meetings, and professional development

Disclaimer

The University of Kansas prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, national origin, age, ancestry, disability, status as a veteran, sexual orientation, marital status, parental status, gender identity, gender expression, and genetic information in the university's programs and activities. Retaliation is also prohibited by university policy. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policies and is the Title IX coordinator for all KU and KUMC campuses: Associate Vice Chancellor for Civil Rights and Title IX,, Room 1082, Dole Human Development Center, 1000 Sunnyside Avenue, Lawrence, KS 66045,, 711 TTY.

Work Schedule

20 hrs/week, consisting of approx. 16 hours of desk time and 4 hours of projects/meetings/ongoing training

Contact Information to Applicants

Brian Moss -

Graduate student of good academic standing at KU (see Position Requirements)

Excellent written communication skills as evidenced in application materials

Meets KBOR-mandated English proficiency requirements, if applicable

One or more years of experience using library resources for academic research, including electronic resources (databases, ebooks, etc.)

Public service experience and/or customer service skills

Teaching and/or training experience

Ability to work well both independently and as part of a team, as evidenced in application materials.

Position Overview

Reference and Research Graduate Assistants act as front-line research consultants to the University of Kansas community for KU Libraries services and resources. They provide general and in-depth research assistance to library patrons both in person and via chat at the research help desks in Watson Library and Anschutz Library. They make referrals to specialized librarians and staff when appropriate. As a Graduate Assistant position, reference and research furthers the course work, research, academic, and professional development of any graduate program. Work at the KU Libraries teaches transferable skills in traditional library research and emerging methodologies (such as digital humanities and systematic reviews) that would enhance the student’s own skills and would support time to degree. Working at KU Libraries includes opportunities for service and engagement with the campus community and broader community and draws upon the experiences and training of the students. These Graduate Assistant positions will improve their skills for the academic, non-profit, governmental, and private job markets.

Resume and cover letter addressing how the required and preferred qualifications are met.

Names and contact information for 3 professional references.To ensure consideration apply before the application review date 6/16/2025. A review of applications will continue until qualified candidates are identified.

Position Requirements

During the semester term of the appointment, the student hourly must be enrolled in no fewer than 6 credit hours. For summer periods the student hourly must: (1) have been enrolled in no less than 6 hours in the past spring semester or (2) be pre-enrolled in the upcoming fall semester in no less than 6 hours or (3) be enrolled in summer session or (4) be admitted to study in the upcoming fall semester. Student Hourlies may be undergraduate or graduate students. (Exceptions granted for GRA/GTA/GA appointments DO NOT apply to Student Hourly appointments).

Employment Conditions

(1) Student employees are not eligible for remote work arrangements unless an exception is approved by the unit leadership and HR.

(2) A student employee cannot hold an hourly/non-exempt position and a salaried/exempt graduate or undergraduate position (GRA/GTA/GA/RUA/RGA) concurrently.