Job Description

The principal role of the Reference Desk Research Assistant is to provide excellent research services to the law school’s students and faculty. This is a position that demands legal research skills, a customer-service mindset, and a high level of professionalism. This position primarily reports to the Associate Librarian for Public Services and the library’s Access Services Coordinator/Supervisor(s).

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provides excellent customer service by answering basic legal research questions from faculty and students.
• Maintains the library’s reference section by reshelving and shifting books, reading reference shelves, updating legal reference texts, and cleaning.
• Aids the Associate Librarian for Public Services in upkeeping library LibGuides related to legal research and artificial intelligence.
• Prepares library spaces for reference outreach events such as tabling and workshops.
• Assists the Associate Librarian for Public Services by creating marketing materials to advertise library databases, services, and collections.
• Completes special projects assigned by the Associate Librarian for Public Services or Access Services Coordinator/Supervisor(s).
• Contributes to the annual preparation for and execution of the 1L Legal Research Intensive.
• Keeps a vigilant posture while staffing the Reference Desk to identify patrons who may need assistance.
• Demonstrates the ability to work in and with diverse populations, supporting an inclusive environment.
• Complies with the Liberty University School of Law business casual dress code.
• Strictly adheres to Liberty University policies, representing the University in an exemplary manner.
• Works effectively as a team member, embracing and fostering LU’s Christian model and Mission – Training Champions for Christ.

Additional information may be found here

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

None.

QUALIFICATIONS AND CREDENTIALS

Education and Experience

• Current enrollment in Liberty University School of Law is required.
• One year of law school experience is required.
• Grade point average of 3.0 or above is preferred.
• A grade of B- or higher in LAW 527: Legal Research Intensive is preferred.
• Federal Work Study status is preferred
• Previous customer service experience preferred.
• Some knowledge of the Library of Congress classification and call number system preferred.

ABILITIES AND COMPETENCIES ESSENTIAL TO THE FUNCTION OF THE JOB

Communication and Comprehension

• Ability to effectively communicate both verbally and in writing to convey clear, well-articulated information.
• Ability to understand, speak, and write English in order to convey messages and correspond in an articulate and professional manner.
• Possess public communication skills that allow professional representation of Liberty University.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Basic computer skills and familiarity with Microsoft 365.
• Ability to work independently and exercise good judgment and discretion.
• Promptness and reliability to follow scheduled hours.
• Ability to maintain an attitude of courtesy, respect, and tact when dealing with others.
• Ability to read call number labels quickly and accurately.
• Ability to use Lexis, Westlaw, Bloomberg, HeinOnline, and other library databases proficiently. Basic understanding is acceptable and further training will be provided.
• Ability to use simple marketing tools such as Canva or Adobe Photoshop. Basic understanding of marketing concepts is acceptable and further training will be provided.
• Ability to conform to job guidelines that differentiate reference work from improper peer collaboration.

Problem Solving

• Intuitively able to reason, analyze information and events, and apply judgment in order to solve problems of both a routine and complex nature.

Physical and Sensory Abilities

• May be required to travel to other areas of Green Hall.
• Regularly required to sit to perform deskwork and type on a keyboard.
• Regularly required to see, hear, and speak in order to effectively communicate with patrons.
• Regularly required to stand, walk, and climb stairs to move about the campus.
• Regularly required to handle materials, reach overhead, kneel or stoop in order to conduct business.
• Regularly required to lift 20 or fewer pounds and push book carts weighing up to 250 pounds.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Work Environment

The working environment in which one will typically perform the essential functions of this position is a climate-controlled setting. It is well lighted, and the noise level is moderate. Working environment may include facilitation of events outdoors occasionally.

Driving Requirements

If the employee is required to travel in performing the duties and responsibilities of the position, the use of one's personal vehicle (or LU vehicles) may be required for travel. Proof of a valid driver's license, an acceptable DMV record, LU Driving Approval, and liability insurance is required when driving in the performance of the employee's position.

Time Type

Part time

Location

Onsite

Pay Rate

Starting at $12.77

Student employees are paid at least the current Virginia minimum wage per hour. Pay may vary by position and department based on job responsibilities, required skills, available funding, and market conditions.

The University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We believe it is our moral and legal obligation to meet the responsibility of ensuring that all management practices regarding employees are conducted in a nondiscriminatory manner. In compliance with Title VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act, and other applicable federal and state statutes, all recruiting, hiring, training, and promoting for all job classifications will be administered without regard to race, color, ancestry, age, sex, national origin, pregnancy or childbirth, disability, military veteran status or other applicable status protected by law, including state of employment protected classes. It is, therefore, our policy and intention to evaluate all employees and prospective employees strictly according to the requirements of the job. All personnel related activities such as compensation, benefits, transfers, job classification, assignments, working conditions, educational assistance, terminations, layoffs, and return from layoffs, and all other terms, conditions and privileges of employment will be administered without regard to race, color, ancestry, age, sex, national origin, pregnancy or childbirth, disability, military veteran status or other applicable status protected by law, including all applicable state of employment protected classes. The University is a Christian religious-affiliated organization; and as such, is not subject to religious discrimination requirements. The University’s hiring practices and EEO discrimination practices are in full compliance with both federal and state law. Federal law creates an exception to the “religion” component of the employment discrimination laws for religious organizations (including educational institutions), and permits them to give employment practice preference to members of their own religious beliefs.