Assistant Reference Librarian Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Salary: $24.23 Hourly
Location : St. Bonaventure, NY
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: 202200588
Division: Academic Affairs
Department: Library
Opening Date: 04/23/2026
Description
Provides reference and instruction services for students, faculty, staff, alumni, and visiting scholars. Processes collections using archival accessioning techniques; provides services to researchers; identifies archival materials needing repair and conservation; ensures use of proper preservation techniques; shelves materials; prepares information and collections for web-based use; and performs any other function necessary to the operation of the University Archives. By definition in the Faculty Status and Welfare Handbook, librarians are faculty members at the university.
Typical days for this position are Sunday through Thursday during the school year and Monday through Friday when school is not in session. The exact hours each day will be determined based on library needs.
Examples of Duties
Staffs scheduled hours at the main reference desk, providing in-person and virtual reference/instruction assistance to students, faculty, staff, alumni, and visiting scholars.
40%Manages the day-to-day activities of the University Archives, including supervision of student assistants
25%Builds and manages university archive record groups and unit-related digital collections
15%Applies and promulgates standards and best practices in providing access to archival and manuscript collections through finding aids, catalog records, and other descriptive means; provides hands-on support for the arrangement and description of archival and manuscript collections, and provides reference, consultation, and instruction services related to University Archives collections.
15%Develops methods for maintaining and tracking statistical records of unit operations and use of collections, particularly student use of primary source materials; creates and coordinates exhibitions, public programs, and publications that promote the University and the use of the University Archives, and pursues grant funding and development opportunities to support University Archives activities. Consults with area institutions to assist with their archival programs
5%
Supplemental Functions:
Other duties as assigned or as identified by employee.
Typical Qualifications
Education:
Master's degree from an ALA-accredited library and information science program or equivalent accredited graduate archives management program. A candidate without the required master's degree must currently be enrolled in an accredited program and demonstrate a plan to complete the degree within 18 months of hire. Solid knowledge of library and archival computer applications. Ability to successfully pass a criminal background check
Years of Experience:
Three (3) years of experience in a library and working with archival materials.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Ability to handle highly confidential material, understanding that all University information should only be disclosed to others who have a need to know, for legitimate business reasons. Have the ability to exercise and apply sound judgment and decision making skills as well as the ability to maintain integrity and confidentiality of data.
• Demonstrates a commitment to our academic programs of distinction serving undergraduate and graduate students by providing notable library services and learning resources to support learning, instruction and the pursuit of academic achievement.
• Distinct knowledge of archival descriptive cataloging principles, experience working with archival database applications, web-based technologies, digitization technologies and standards.
• Knowledge of archival theory, methods and practices; knowledge of preservation techniques; skill in deciphering deteriorated or poor quality printed matter handwritten manuscripts, photographs, or film; ability to understand the content of documents and the context in which they are created.
• Collaborates in setting policy determining preservation practices, reproduction and usage fees, research use of the collections, and copyright issues involved in digitization.
• Provide reference and retrieval services for students, faculty and other researchers. Educates faculty and students in use of primary research material by in-class presentations to illustrate materials available for public use, develop pride in the University through understanding of its history and changing role, and explain the purpose and function of the University Archives.
• Collaborates with departments and program units in the University to achieve the University's strategic goals.
• Possess ability to analyze projects and proposals; develop policy; and ability to shift quickly between several tasks without loss of continuity while balancing priorities to accomplish assigned tasks within the required time frame.

Working Conditions / Physical requirements:
The working environment for this position is a typical office setting, with occasional need to be in a classroom or other setting.
Physical strength/endurance to enable him/her to perform/participate in the following activities:

• Physically able to lift various materials up to 25 pounds on an occasional basis.
• While performing required job tasks, physically able to remain seated, frequently to continuously.
• While performing required job tasks, physically able to remain standing up to 15% of the time.
• Possesses dexterity abilities required to operate a computer and other office equipment.

Requirements may be adjusted as needed to accommodate ADA needs.
Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship.
Full-time employees at SBU enjoy unparalleled
Abundance of Time off
Tuition Remission

• 100% undergraduate tuition remission for employee, spouse, and dependents
• 80% graduate tuition remission for employee (online and ground programs)
• 50% for spouse (ground programs only)

Full Benefit package

• 403b Retirement Plan + 10% Employer contribution after 2 years
• Health Insurance with $250 Wellness card
• Dental Insurance
• Employer Paid Life insurance
• Short-term Disability
• Employer Paid Long-term Disability
• Employee Assistance Program

Other Perks

• Free access to campus fitness center
• 2 free Division 1 Men's Basketball Season tickets
• Golf course membership discount
• Other National and Local discounts available

St. Bonaventure University is located in the scenic Enchanted Mountain region of Western New York, approximately 75 miles south of Buffalo, New York, with easy access to major metropolitan areas. A close-knit and caring community guided by its values of compassion, wisdom and integrity, St. Bonaventure is dedicated to academic excellence as informed by its Franciscan and liberal arts traditions. The university is committed to developing an inclusive community and preparing leaders dedicated to ethical conduct and compassionate service.
The university currently enrolls approximately 2,000 undergraduate students and more than 1,000 graduate students in its schools of Arts and Sciences, Business, Education, Communication, and Health Professions. U.S. News & World Report ranks SBU in the top 15% of regional universities in the North, for both value and overall. St. Bonaventure is a member of the Atlantic 10 Conference (NCAA Division I), with athletes participating in 20 sports.
St. Bonaventure University is committed to providing a comprehensive benefits program designed to attract and retain high-quality Faculty and Staff. To view an overview of the benefits offered at SBU for full time employees, click the link below: