Virtual Reference Library Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

The Assistant Librarian supports the mission of the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences by providing front-line library service, research and reference support, access services, instructional assistance, and operational support for students and faculty. This entry-to-early career role supports student success and academic needs through responsive service, assistance with library technologies and resources, and collaboration with librarians on instruction, collections, technical and circulation services, outreach, and program delivery.

Working under the supervision of a Librarian or Associate Librarian, the Assistant Librarian develops professional competencies in research support, information literacy instruction, library systems, assessment, and student-centered service delivery while contributing to a welcoming, inclusive, and accessible library environment.

Note: this position requires regular weekend hours.

Student, Faculty, and Access Support

• Provide front-line service to students and faculty, including circulation, access support, directional research assistance, technology support, and general library inquiries.
• Assist students and faculty with locating, accessing, checking out, renewing, and using library materials, databases, and resources.
• Provide research and reference support under the guidance of a Librarian or Associate Librarian.
• Assist with online chat, email, and virtual reference services as assigned.
• Support a welcoming, responsive, inclusive, and student-centered library environment.

Instruction and Student Skill Development

• Assist librarians with library instruction sessions, workshops, online learning materials, and student skill-development activities.
• Support student learning related to database searching, citation tools, information literacy, evidence-based practice, and responsible use of library technologies.
• Help prepare instructional materials, research guides, handouts, tutorials, and workshop resources.
• Assist with course-based library support and student success initiatives aligned with academic needs.

Collections, Resource Access, and Library Systems

• Support collection maintenance, course reserves, cataloging, processing, shelving, inventory, and resource access workflows.
• Assist with interlibrary loan, document delivery, and access troubleshooting.
• Maintain borrower records, service statistics, usage data, and library system records as assigned.
• Process, withdraw, repair, and organize library materials and special collections items.
• Assist with ordering supplies, processing requisitions, tracking backorders, and maintaining department inventory.

Library Operations, Technology, and Service Delivery

• Assist with day-to-day library operations, including desk coverage, circulation procedures, technology use training, space maintenance, opening/closing procedures, and service continuity.
• Support and troubleshoot library technologies, including computers, printers, copiers, 3D printers, VR, and other Innovation and Creation Hub technologies as applicable.
• Support scheduling, training, and supervision of student library workers as assigned.
• Uphold library policies and procedures and assist students and faculty in understanding library services.
• Assist with library outreach, displays, communications, events, and promotional materials.
• Collaborate with librarians on projects, assessment activities, service improvements, and program delivery.

May perform other duties that management may deem necessary.

POSITION IN ORGANIZATION

Reports to: Director of Library Services

Positions Supervised: Library Student Workers

TECHNICAL, MANAGERIAL & PEOPLE SKILLS REQUIRED

To perform this job successfully an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.  The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.  Incumbents will be evaluated, in part, based on performance of each essential function.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

• Excellent written and face-to-face communication skills.
• Ability to work independently or with little supervision.
• Ability to meet deadlines and perform tasks in a timely manner, even while multi-tasking.
• Excellent interpersonal and organizational skills.
• Professional demeanor.
• Excellent computer skills and the ability to learn new software, programs and platforms easily.
• Working knowledge of office management software packages.

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• Entry-level to two years of experience in a library, academic support, student services, customer service, or related environment.
• Actively pursuing, enrolled in, or willing to pursue a Master’s degree in Library and Information Science, Library Science, or equivalent from an ALA-accredited program or equivalent.

Preferred:

• Experience working in an academic, health sciences, medical, or student-facing library environment.
• Familiarity with library systems, research databases, citation management tools, learning management systems, educational technology, or access services.
• Experience providing front-line service, research support, instructional assistance, technology support, or student worker support.

TRAVEL

Occasional travel may be required.

To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies:

• Collaborates - Building partnerships and working collaboratively with others to meet shared objectives.
• Accountability - Willingness to accept responsibility for actions and prioritize the success of the team and take ownership of work duties.
• Being Resilient - Rebounding from setbacks and adversity when facing difficult situations.
• Instills Trust - Gaining the confidence and trust of others through honesty, integrity, and authenticity.
• Drives Results - Consistently achieving results, even under tough circumstances.
• Innovation - Creating new and better ways for the organization to be successful.
• Customer Focus - Building strong customer relationships and delivering excellent customer-centric solutions.
• Drives Engagement (People Managers Only) - Creating a climate where people are motivated to do their best to help the organization achieve its objectives.
• People Leadership (People Managers Only) - Leads by example when it comes to finding and developing talent, with a focus on talent acquisition strategies, setting performance targets that raises standards and development of high potential talent.

WORK ENVIRONMENT
Work is performed primarily in a standard office environment but may involve exposure to moderate noise levels. Work involves operation of personal computer equipment for six to eight hours daily and includes physical demands associated with a traditional office setting, e.g., walking, standing, communicating, and other physical functions as necessary.