Social Sciences Reference Specialist

Job Summary

The Social Sciences Reference Specialist is responsible for reference services provided by the Social Sciences Help Desk, supervises the student employees at that desk, and manages the Social Sciences reference collection. The Specialist works closely with the Religion & Family History Reference Specialist to support the Social Sciences Department Chair.

Essential Functions

1. Reference and Research Assistance
   
   1. Oversee reference services and training for the Social Sciences area.
   2. Provide reference and advanced research assistance to patrons in person, electronically, and over the phone during regular working hours.
   3. Assess the quality of reference service and develop programs to improve patron interactions with reference services and resources.
   4. Assist faculty, students, and other patrons with research methodology, strategies, and library instruction.
   5. Build subject guide(s) for the reference collection and assist librarians in building other subject guides (all using the LibGuides software) to assist and improve patrons’ ability to access the library resources.
   6. Serve as the first point of contact for library faculty/staff and patrons who have questions about the Social Sciences reference collection.
   7. Oversee reshelving of materials borrowed from the government documents collection using its unique call number system.
2. Organization, Supervision, and Training
   
   1. Interview, hire, train, supervise/mentor, evaluate, and determine wage increases of Social Sciences student reference assistants.
   2. Organize and direct training meetings with Social Sciences student reference assistants and participates in general training and Cross training of all Social Sciences Department student employees. 
   3. Manage the department student wages and supplies budgets in collaboration with the Religion & Family History Reference Specialist and the Department Chair’s support.
   4. Submit reports and keep statistics using Liblnsight and other library reporting software and systems.
   5. Work with student employees to provide creative outreach through social media and events to promote increased awareness and use of the Social Sciences area.
3. Department Support
   
   1. Act as a communication liaison in the department; be aware of all current issues and distribute information to faculty librarians and students.
   2. Act as the go-to person in the Social Sciences area for students and librarians regarding hardware, equipment, and software; maintain familiarity with all hardware and software; report problems and liaise with LIT personnel for resolution; and keep department personnel informed of progress. 
   3. Purchase supplies, printing, and other general office support for the Social Sciences area.
   4. Assist subject liaison librarians in various projects, reports, statistics, and events.
   5. Take minutes at department meetings and following up on action items (shared responsibility with Religion and Family History Reference Specialist).
   6. Assist in collecting information for and drafting various reports, including department annual reports.
   7. Compile and submit reference desk and departmental statistics as needed.
4. Collection Development and Management of the Reference Collection
   
   1. Manage the print sources for the Social Sciences reference collection by working with subject librarians in determining titles to add to the collection, ordering new titles, weeding, and evaluating usage statistics.
   2. Monitor the physical condition of the reference collection; initiate conservation or preservation treatments as needed.
   3. Keep librarians, students, teaching faculty and library colleagues informed about new acquisitions in the reference collection through electronic means.
5. Library Instruction/lnformation Literacy
   
   1. Support subject librarians with their library instruction classes, including both first-year writing and advanced writing classes, and cover their library instruction sessions as needed.
6. Continuing Education
   
   1. Maintain personal competency on the various subject databases and student/faculty resources; attend training meetings for databases and software.
   2. Study professional literature on reference services and maintain general knowledge about reference sources and research tools for Social Sciences related disciplines.
   3. Attend conferences and workshops as appropriate.
   4. Participate in professional associations related to social sciences disciplines as appropriate.
7. Library and University Citizenship
   
   1. Support the University and Library missions and strategic objectives.
   2. Promote a campus culture of unity, love, and belonging.
   3. Serve on Library and University committees, working groups, and task forces as assigned.
   4. Attend meetings relevant to this position.

Education/Experience

Minimum education/experience required:

• Bachelor's degree in a social science, education, business, or related field OR 2 years of library experience OR equivalent combination of education and experience

Preferred:

• Bachelor’s degree in a social science, education, business or related field
• Masters of Library Science (or MI-IS)
• 5+ years of library experience

Skills, abilities, knowledge, licenses, certifications:

Required:

1. Subject expertise in one or more social sciences, education, business, or related disciplines at sufficient levels to assist patrons in their curricular and research needs.
2. Ability to provide reference assistance to patrons needing research help in social sciences disciplines (and sometimes other subjects) in a variety of media.
3. Working knowledge of library reference service and understanding of theories, trends, and practices of reference work, as well as of general library functions and practices
4. Ability to be conversant with changing technology in informational databases, electronic/virtual reference services, and print and electronic resources in social science disciplines.
5. Training/teaching experience to be able to teach research methods and library use to patrons and employees.
6. Supervisory experience in order to hire, evaluate, train, and supervise student reference assistants.
7. Ability to communicate effectively and to work well with faculty, students, and the general public.

Preferred:

1. A working knowledge of academic library procedures, policies, and services
2. Strong organizational, leadership, and problem-solving skills
3. Experience managing complex projects

Employee Class: Staff (Full-Time)
Work Location: Provo Campus

Desired Start Date: As soon as possible
Job Close Date: 07/29/2023

Pay Level: 49
Approximate Starting Salary: $43,000 - $55,000, depending on qualifications

Documents Required at time of Application:
Required: Cover Letter, Resume
Optional: Letter of Recommendation

Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints must hold and be worthy to hold a current temple recommend.Brigham Young University is an equal opportunity employer, including disability and protected veteran status.Brigham Young University (BYU) is widely recognized not just for its world-class education, but for its deep commitment to inspired religious values. Gathered together in a Christ-centered atmosphere, BYU employees are a vital part of a community of belonging, where we value the experiences, perspectives, and talents of each individual. If you share in our devotion to faith and to excellence, we have a place for you here at BYU!