GSLIS Gateway

« previous | main | next »

Reference/Public Services Assistant (3 positions) - Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Science, Boston and Worcester, MA

Filed under GSLIS Jobs and Opportunities
Posted by GSLIS, June 23, 2008
View all posts for June 2008

Qualified candidates are invited to apply for Reference/Public Services Assistant positions at the Boston and Worcester libraries of the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences. Successful applicants will gain valuable experience that will prepare them for the practical aspects of a career in librarianship, especially in academic or special library environments. Library school students are especially encouraged to apply. This is a temporary hourly position without benefits, with compensation from $12-$14/hour, depending on experience.

Please submit a cover letter outlining your qualifications and indicating which job location (Boston or Worcester) you are applying for, as well as a current resume and the names of three professional references. Applications will be accepted until the positions are filled, however, for best consideration, please submit your application by July 7, 2008. Applications submitted via email are preferred.

Anticipated start date is flexible, but candidates who are available to begin training in July or August are preferred.

Work Schedule:

Boston (2 positions): During the regular MCPHS semester, 15 hours/wk, usually scheduled between 9:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m., additional evenings and weekends may be required. Reduced hours during summer session, and no hours scheduled during class breaks and college closures.

Worcester (1 position): During the regular MCPHS semester, 15 hours/wk, M-F 3:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m., additional evenings and weekends may be required. Reduced hours during summer session, and no hours scheduled during class breaks and college closures.

The MCPHS academic calendar is available at:

Duties:

  • Work at the Reference/Information Desk. Conduct reference interviews and respond to a wide variety of health information questions via chat, email, telephone, and in-person requests.

  • Assist patrons with use of print and electronic resources and library services.

  • As appropriate, refer questions to professional librarians, library staff, or Information Services staff.

  • Collect statistics relating to reference transactions and other library operations.

  • Circulation and Reserve duties as assigned.

  • Other special projects as assigned.

Required Qualifications:

  • Strong commitment to excellent customer service.

  • Excellent interpersonal, communication and public relations skills.

  • Ability to work independently and manage time effectively.

  • General experience and comfort with computers and various software products.

  • Basic Internet skills.

  • Willingness to acquire new skills in a rapidly changing environment.

Preferred qualifications:

  • Completion of a graduate level course on medical librarianship or reference services.

  • Knowledge of electronic and print library resources, including online library catalogs and library databases from Ovid and/or EBSCO.

  • Knowledge of health information, including medical terminology and medical reference sources.

  • Library Science educational background or previous work experience in a medical or academic library.

  • Availability to begin training in July or August 2008.

Submit Applications To:

Boston:

Sarah McCord
Head of Reference and Instructional Services
Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences
179 Longwood Avenue
Boston, MA 02115
sarah.mccord@mcphs.edu
617-735-1439

Worcester:

Irena Bond
Worcester Campus Librarian
Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences
19 Foster Street
Worcester, MA 01608
irena.bond@mcphs.edu
508-373-5631