Information Associate Hourly

Advertising Summary: 

Unit: VCU Libraries MBU

Department: University Libraries

Department Summary: VCU Libraries supports learning, research, and creativity across Virginia Commonwealth University. With locations at James Branch Cabell Library on the Monroe Park Campus and the Health Sciences Library on the MCV Campus, we help students, faculty, and staff access the information, spaces, and services they need to succeed. Our team values collaboration, innovation, and service, creating an environment where ideas thrive and learning flourishes.
Part-time Information Associates are part of the department of Access Services at James Branch Cabell Library. Access Services introduces VCU community members to library services, staff, and information resources that advance their academic success and research endeavors. We seek to educate patrons so that they may become sophisticated, independent library users and information consumers. We value an exceptional level of service excellence; building relationships with faculty, students, staff, and community members; an environment built on principles of diversity, equity, and justice; and making Cabell Library an accessible, friendly, welcoming atmosphere for study and learning.

This position will work at the Cabell Library Information Desk located on the Monroe Park Campus. We are currently seeking to fill 2 hourly positions, scheduled to work Monday - Thursday. The morning shift will work 10am - 3pm for a total of 20 hours per week; the evening shift will work 2pm - 8pm for a total of 24 hours per week. Work hours are on a fixed schedule during the academic semester, and we require a high level of commitment and dependability from our hourly employees. This position is scheduled to work during the semester when classes are scheduled at VCU, but they will begin training before classes begin this summer.

Work responsibilities include:
• Providing access to library materials.
• Circulating library materials to patrons, including books, DVDs, calculators, etc.
• Maintaining patron records in Alma, VCU Libraries’ Integrated Library System.
• Implementing borrowing policies.
• Providing information/reference assistance in person at Cabell Library’s Information Desk and via phone, chat, and text.
• Assisting patrons in locating library materials.
• Maintaining a clean, organized, and sanitary work environment.
• Assisting patrons with their research needs:
     o Identifying materials appropriate to users’ needs and skill levels.
     o Evaluating and selecting resources based on quality, accuracy, relevance, and authority.
     o Maintaining a working knowledge of the VCU Libraries’ suite of research tools.
     o Referring to librarians and other library departments for in-depth research assistance.
• Assisting patrons with all aspects of library use:
     o Providing directional assistance to services and materials at Cabell Library and at VCU.
     o Monitoring library facilities and reporting problems.
     o Providing lost and found services.
     o Answering fine and fee inquiries and explaining payment options

VCU Libraries employees are expected to comply with VCU Code of Conduct (https://president.vcu.edu/policies/).

Duties & Responsibilities:

VCU Libraries supports learning, research, and creativity across Virginia Commonwealth University. With locations at James Branch Cabell Library on the Monroe Park Campus and the Health Sciences Library on the MCV Campus, we help students, faculty, and staff access the information, spaces, and services they need to succeed. Our team values collaboration, innovation, and service, creating an environment where ideas thrive and learning flourishes.

Part-time Information Associates are part of the department of Access Services at James Branch Cabell Library. Access Services introduces VCU community members to library services, staff, and information resources that advance their academic success and research endeavors. We seek to educate patrons so that they may become sophisticated, independent library users and information consumers. We value an exceptional level of service excellence; building relationships with faculty, students, staff, and community members; an environment built on principles of diversity, equity, and justice; and making Cabell Library an accessible, friendly, welcoming atmosphere for study and learning.

This position will work at the Cabell Library Information Desk located on the Monroe Park Campus. We are currently seeking to fill 2 hourly positions, scheduled to work Monday - Thursday. The morning shift will work 10am - 3pm for a total of 20 hours per week; the evening shift will work 2pm - 8pm for a total of 24 hours per week. Work hours are on a fixed schedule during the academic semester, and we require a high level of commitment and dependability from our hourly employees. This position is scheduled to work during the semester when classes are scheduled at VCU, but they will begin training before classes begin this summer.

Work responsibilities include:

• Providing access to library materials.
• Circulating library materials to patrons, including books, DVDs, calculators, etc. 
• Maintaining patron records in Alma, VCU Libraries’ Integrated Library System.
• Implementing borrowing policies.
• Providing information/reference assistance in person at Cabell Library’s Information Desk and via phone, chat, and text.
• Assisting patrons in locating library materials.
• Maintaining a clean, organized, and sanitary work environment.
• Assisting patrons with their research needs:
  • Identifying materials appropriate to users’ needs and skill levels.
  • Evaluating and selecting resources based on quality, accuracy, relevance, and authority.
  • Maintaining a working knowledge of the VCU Libraries’ suite of research tools.
  • Referring to librarians and other library departments for in-depth research assistance.
• Assisting patrons with all aspects of library use:
  • Providing directional assistance to services and materials at Cabell Library and at VCU.
  • Monitoring library facilities and reporting problems.
  • Providing lost and found services.
  • Answering fine and fee inquiries and explaining payment options

VCU Libraries employees are expected to comply with VCU Code of Conduct (https://president.vcu.edu/policies/).

Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications

• Demonstrated ability to work in and foster an environment of respect, professionalism and civility with a population of faculty, staff, and students from all backgrounds and experiences, or a commitment to do so as a staff member at VCU.
• Customer service experience.
• Experience or willingness to work in and foster a diverse environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working in a library environment.
• Experience working in an academic setting.
• Undergraduate degree.

Salary Range: 

Benefits: All full-time university staff are eligible for VCU’s robust benefits package that includes comprehensive health benefits, paid annual and holiday leave, generous tuition benefits, retirement planning and savings options, tax-deferred annuity and cash match programs, employee discounts, well-being resources, abundant opportunities for career development and advancement, and more.

FLSA Exemption Status: Non-Exempt

Hours per Week: 24

Restricted Position: No

ORP Eligible: 

Flexible Work Arrangement: Fully Onsite

Salary/Hourly Rate - $15.00/hour