Graduate Assistant Reference Specialist

Position Overview

Reference and Research Graduate Assistants act as front-line research consultants to the University of Kansas community for KU Libraries services and resources. They provide general and in-depth research assistance to library patrons both in person and via chat at the research help desks in Watson Library and Anschutz Library. They make referrals to specialized librarians and staff when appropriate. As a Graduate Assistant, reference and research furthers the course work, research, academic, and professional development of any graduate program. Work at the KU Libraries teaches transferable skills in traditional library research and emerging methodologies (such as digital humanities and systematic reviews) that would enhance the student’s own skills and would support time to degree. Working at KU Libraries includes opportunities for service and engagement with the campus community and broader community and draws upon the experiences and training of the students. These Graduate Assistant positions will improve skills for the academic, non-profit, governmental, and private job markets.

Job Description

• 75% - Provide general and in-depth research assistance to library patrons both in person and via chat at the research help desks in Watson Library and Anschutz Library.
• 15% - Participate individually or on a team in special projects, based on individual interests and skills and the needs of the Libraries, to support the mission of the KU Libraries.
• 10% - Participate in pre-service training, ongoing education, departmental meetings, and professional development.

Required Qualifications

• Graduate student in good academic standing at KU.
• Excellent communication skills, as evidenced by application materials.

Preferred Qualifications

• One or more years of experience using library resources for academic research, including electronic resources (databases, ebooks, etc.), as evidenced by application materials.
• Public service experience and/or customer service skills, as evidenced by application materials.
• Teaching and/or training experience, as evidenced by application materials.
• Demonstrated ability to work well both independently and as part of a team, as evidenced by application materials.

Position Requirements

• During the semester term of the appointment, the student hourly must be enrolled in no fewer than 6 credit hours. For summer periods the student hourly must: (1) have been enrolled in no less than 6 hours in the past spring semester or (2) be pre-enrolled in the upcoming fall semester in no less than 6 hours or (3) be enrolled in summer session or (4) be admitted to study in the upcoming fall semester. Student Hourlies may be undergraduate or graduate students. (Exceptions granted for GRA/GTA/GA appointments DO NOT apply to Student Hourly appointments).

Employment Conditions

• Student employees are not eligible for remote work arrangements unless an exception is approved by the unit leadership and HR.
• A student employee cannot hold an hourly/non-exempt position and a salaried/exempt graduate or undergraduate position (GRA/GTA/GA/RUA/RGA) concurrently.

Additional Candidate Instructions

• In addition to the online application, the following documents are required to be considered for this position:
• - Resume and cover letter addressing how the required and preferred qualifications are met
• - Names and contact information for 3 professional references

Contact Information to Applicants

• Brian Moss
• bdmoss@ku.edu

Advertised Salary Range

$18.50 per hour

Anticipated Start Date

Monday August 10, 2026