Library Research Assistant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Agency: East Texas A&M University

Job Location: Commerce, Texas

Job Type: Staff

Job Description:

The Library Research Associate-Evenings at East Texas A&M University (ETAMU) is responsible for providing advanced customer services, resources, basic research assistance and coordinating access services operations during evening hours. As a proud member of the third-largest institution in The Texas A&M University System, ETAMU fosters a strong professional environment that supports career growth and academic excellence.

ETAMU is a fast-growing public university with a strong reputation for academic excellence, research innovation, and student success. With over 140+ degree programs, a 20:1 student-to-faculty ratio, and nationally ranked online and graduate programs, ETAMU is committed to transforming lives through quality education. Our employees benefit from a collaborative community, cutting-edge research opportunities, and outstanding resources.

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Directs evening library operations, manages shift responsibilities in assigned access services functional areas (circulation, technology, spaces, course reserves, etc.), and provides service desk coverage.
• Coordinates with Access Services Lead to ensure facility is operational, properly staffed, and that hours of operation are observed; ensures that conditions are conducive to a positive learning environment; reports problems affecting library operations to Access Services Lead.
• Provides onboarding support, general work training, guidance, supervision assistance, and directs activities of students and graduate assistants.
• Follows a Monday-Friday (12:00 pm – 9:00 pm) schedule during fall/spring semesters, with a modified schedule during intersession and summer months.
• Manages the course reserves, ensures copyright compliance, and serves as the primary contact for faculty.
• Serves as first point of contact for library visitors during evening shifts, accurately communicates policies and procedures regarding services, collections, spaces, technology, equipment, and media.
• Answers basic reference questions through in-person and virtual service points, triaging more advanced questions to the appropriate Research and Instruction Librarian.
• Provides project management for special projects, collection maintenance, shelving, relocation and deselection of materials, communicates expectations and project goals to student employees, ensures projects are completed within established deadlines.
• Performs regular facility checks every two hours, documenting and reporting service issues, repairs and building maintenance issues, security concerns, and emergency issues.
• Submits end of shift and incident reports daily to the Access Services Lead, keeps team members updated, prepares service areas and spaces for the next/morning shift, and performs opening and closing functions as needed.
• Ensures collection materials and equipment are processed and shelved within one hour of receipt.
• Performs opening and closing as needed.
• Contributes to the development and implementation of policies, procedures, and workflows.
• Supports engagement activities, events, and library initiatives.
• Collects, compiles, and analyzes departmental statistics.
• Supports Research and Instruction Librarians with projects, and performs other duties as needed.

Minimum Requirements:

• Education: Bachelor's degree in applicable field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience / Knowledge / Skills: Knowledge of word processing and spreadsheet applications. Ability to exercise discretion in interpreting guidelines and decision making. Attention to detail and accuracy. Strong communication, planning and interpersonal skills. Conflict resolution skills.
• Ability to: Multi-task and work well as part of a team. Ability to work in a rapidly changing environment with shifting priorities. Ability to communicate with all levels of customers and employees. Ability to work beyond normal office hours (evenings, nights, and weekends) as needed. Demonstrates strong customer service orientation.
• Licensing/Professional Certifications: N/A
• Physical Requirements: N/A
• Other Requirements: Ability to move medium weight boxes, books, heavy book truck or similar items. Ability to handle material which can contain dust or microscopic mold spores.

Preferred Education / Skills/ Experience:

• One year of extensive customer service experience or experience with various access services functional areas (circulation, course reserves, stacks management, resource sharing, etc.) in a library environment (academic preferred).
• Experience with providing reference service at a library information desk.
• One year of supervisory experience.
• Experience with integrated library systems (ExLibris Alma, FOLIO).
• Experience with Springshare applications.
• Knowledge of learning management systems (D2L, Blackboard, Canvas, etc.) and/or emerging related technologies (Artificial Intelligence, augmented reality, gamification, etc.)
• Knowledge of the Library of Congress Classification and Dewey Decimal System.

Supervision of Others:

Student Workers. Graduate Assistants.

Why Work at East Texas A&M University?

Competitive Benefits & Work-Life Balance:

• Employee tuition assistance for master's and doctoral programs.
• Comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, vision, life, and long-term disability insurance.
• ETAMU contributes to employee health and basic life insurance premiums.
• 12-15 days of annual paid holidays, plus up to eight hours of paid sick leave and vacation each month.
• Automatic enrollment in the Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS), with optional additional retirement plans (ORP).
• Physical wellness program and wellness release time for eligible employees.

Career Growth & Development:

• Access to cutting-edge research opportunities at a designated R2 Research Institution.

Academic Excellence:

• ETAMU is ranked among the top 30% in five online degree programs and offers national recognized academic programs.
• Over 140 degree programs, including nationally ranked online and graduate options.
• First accredited institution to offer a competency-based bachelor's degree in criminal justice.
• Distance education offerings in Corsicana, Dallas, Frisco, McKinney, Mesquite, Bryan, and online.

State-of-the-Art Facilities:

• Work in advanced facilities such as the 113,470-square-foot Nursing and Health Sciences Building, featuring a state-of-the-art simulation hospital and a 1,300-acre agricultural research farm.

Vibrant Campus Life:

• Engage with over 95 student organizations and 14 NCAA Division I athletic teams, contributing to a thriving campus community.

Prime Location & Growth:

• Enjoy the benefits of working in rapidly growing regions, with abundant career opportunities at six locations across Dallas and Northeast Texas.