Reference Assistant - West Virginia & Regional History Center

The West Virginia & Regional History Center within Libraries at West Virginia University is currently accepting applications for a Reference Assistant.

About the Opportunity

The Reference Assistant provides reference service to researchers to enable discovery, access, and use the West Virginia and Regional History Center (WVRHC) collections and provides research services to patrons through in-depth historical and genealogical research within WVHRC collections and delivery of findings. This position will staff public services desks and provide reference and research service to remote and on-site patrons. The incumbent reports to the WVRHC Reference Supervisor.

We strongly believe in work-life balance and keeping time for things we love outside our work. WVU offers generous benefits, including:

• 37.5-hour work week
• 13 paid holidays (staff holiday calendar)
• 15 annual leave (vacation) days per year or more based on years of service (employee leave)
• 18 sick days per year (for when you're ill, for when you need time to care for sick family, for your own, or your family's, regularly scheduled medical appointments. Who is family for the purpose of this leave? A lot of people in your life including immediate relatives and in-laws as well as others considered to be members of your household living under the same roof)
• WVU offers a range of health insurance and other benefits
• 401(a) retirement savings with 6% employee contribution match, eligibility to continue health insurance, and other retiree perks. Looking for more retirement benefits information? Check out retirement health insurance benefits, retirement income, and FAQ's.
• Wellness programs

What You'll Do

Reference and research services provision:

• Staff public services desks and provide research assistance to onsite and remote patrons.
• Conduct reference interviews and uses finding aids, inventories, WVRHC collections databases and card catalogs, and the library catalog to help patrons identify relevant archival collections and other materials at the WVRHC.
• Monitor reference queue and claims questions.
• Provide research service to patrons through in-depth historical and genealogical research.
• Coordinate reproduction and licensing of images as needed.
• Communicate results to patrons in-person, over the phone, via email, and through the online reference platform. Records reference transaction statistics. Assist patrons using microfilm readers, photocopiers, and printers.
• Monitor the use of archival materials in the manuscript reading room.
• Register new patrons, receive payment for services, and direct calls at the registration desk as needed.
• Enforce reading room rules and regulations while maintaining a welcoming setting.

Support for exhibition, instruction, and programming:

• Provide research support to meet exhibition, instruction, and programming needs of the WVRHC.
• Contribute to social media accounts.
• May assist with tours and instruction sessions as needed.

Administrative and organizational support:

• Participate in department and library wide meetings and training sessions.
• Serve on appropriate interdepartmental committees as a WVRHC representative.
• Identify and participate in training opportunities specific to the position.
• Other duties as assigned.

Pay Grade: 12

Work Hours: Monday & Friday 8:30am-4:30pm; Tuesday/Wednesday/Thursday 11am-7pm

• Associate's degree.
• A minimum of one (1) year of experience working in a library, archives, or museum, preferably in an academic setting.
• Any equivalent combination of related education and/or experience will be considered.
• All qualifications must be met by the time of employment.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• A strong public service attitude and strong interpersonal skills to interact with colleagues in the WVU Libraries, the university and partner libraries.
• Must be dependable, adhering to scheduled shifts and promptly communicating any scheduling changes or relevant information to supervisor and/ or library units.
• Demonstrated knowledge of West Virginia, Appalachian, and American history.
• Demonstrated application of historical research methods.
• Knowledge of archival standards and best practices.
• Advanced computer skills, including ability to use Microsoft Office applications, library databases and preservation software, and web-based applications.
• Ability to use microfilm readers, printers, and photocopiers.
• Detail oriented with an ability to verify accuracy of information and resolve discrepancies.
• Ability to work independently and solve problems.
• Advanced organizational and time management skills.
• Ability to write and communicate effectively.
• Ability to understand, explain, and apply rules, policies, and procedures.
• Ability to work collaboratively and interact with people of all ages and diverse backgrounds.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree.

Physical Demands & Physical Coordination

• Working with historical materials requires that special care is taken to appropriately handle unique and fragile items. This position also requires physical agility and strength at times in order to retrieve and return collection containers in all sizes and forms.
• Work requires significant physical effort at times involving standing, walking, carrying, bending, etc., when retrieving or moving materials. Employee must be able to lift boxes weighing 25 to 40 pounds.

West Virginia University is a place of purpose and community. We take pride in our profound impact on the state of West Virginia and are committed to the personal and professional growth of our employees.

From the groundbreaking R1 research at our flagship campus in Morgantown to the career-oriented programs at WVU Potomac State in Keyser, and the technology-intensive programs at WVU Tech in Beckley, the contributions of WVU employees resonate across the state, touching lives and shaping futures.

At WVU, you will discover a supportive community that champions work-life balance and fosters a collaborative atmosphere. Our core values - service, curiosity, respect, accountability and appreciation - unite us as Mountaineers.

Join us at West Virginia University, where your work will make a lasting impact. To learn more about WVU, visit wvu.edu.

West Virginia University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We invite all qualified applicants regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or Veteran status.