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)