Graduate Assistant, Vise Library

Graduate Assistant, Vise Library

Job Details:

Level                                                               Entry

Job Location                                                   Vise Library, Cumberland University

Position Type                                                 Graduate Assistant                 

Education Level                                             Bachelor’s Degree

Job Category                                                  Education

Supervisor                                                     Jessica Fenn, Library Director

Job scope:

• Vise Library is seeking Graduate Assistants for Academic Year 2026-2027 to help staff the library during evening hours (Vise Library is open evenings late August into early May, excepting school breaks; must be able to work Monday - Thursday from 9am-2pm or 12:30pm-5:30pm. Graduate Assistant will at times be working independently, without a library staff member on site
• On-site training is required

General qualifications:

• Must be accepted to or enrolled in an approved master’s program at Cumberland University
• Must have a 3.0 or above overall GPA
• Must be available to work at least two weekday evening shifts and to alternate Sunday evening shifts with other Graduate Assistant

 Preferred qualifications:

• Ability and desire to provide friendly, professional assistance to library patrons
• Ability to communicate clearly both verbally and in writing – assisting patrons may involve communicating by phone or by email as well as in person
• Basic familiarity with using online library catalog to locate physical library materials, using a database to locate electronic resources, and use of computers, peripherals, and software such as Microsoft Office Suite; openness to gaining this familiarity through training by other library staff; ability to assist patrons with use of these resources
• Reliability
• Flexibility

Tasks & Responsibilities:

• Monitor library front desk email, responding to inquiries, etc.
• Answer library front desk phone, providing assistance as needed
• Provide in-person/telephone/email research assistance, e.g.
  • Help students locate library materials by title or topic using online library catalog
  • Help students find relevant sections of library shelving
  • Guide students in use of electronic resources such as library catalog and databases
• Schedule study/meeting room reservations as requested in person, by phone, or by email, using the library online reservation system
• Check library resources in/out, using the library computerized circulation system
• Provide Course Reserve materials (kept behind the front desk) to students upon request
• Help patrons with computers, printers, and microfilm machine if needed
• Monitor printing station; refill paper or change toner cartridges as needed; refill stapler or paper clip holder; straighten area if needed
• Monitor art & puzzle activity area; straighten if needed
• Shelf returned library materials
• Assist with other library tasks, such as:
  • keeping the library space organized and tidy
  • submitting IT support requests when needed
  • applying protective covers to books
• When working independently:
  • Open library, turning on lights, turning on front desk computers, and otherwise readying space for patron use;
  • Prepare library for closing: walking through library to inform patrons of impending closure, to note next day’s events on room whiteboards, and to straighten library for next day’s operations;
  • After closing, walk through library to ensure any free-standing fans or heaters are turned off, room lights are turned off, and exterior doors are locked; record gate count and reset counter.

Hours:

• 20 hours/ week for each semester G.A. is enrolled; G.A. will staff library in daytime hours, i.e.  Monday - Thursday from 9am-2pm or 12:30pm-5:30pm.
• Must be able to prioritize working hours dedicated to the University regardless of any other forms of outside employment

Remuneration:

Full tuition waiver (no stipend, books, or fees)