Research Help Desk Library Student Assistant - Fall 2026

Oberlin College Development; Oberlin (OH); On-site; USD 1,653,000 - 2,204,000; Part time

Job summary

Oberlin College is seeking a Fall 2026 Library Student Assistant to provide research help and customer service at the Research Help and Circulation desks, both online and in person. The role offers hands-on learning in research methods and public service within the Academic Commons.

The position requires enrollment at Oberlin College and availability for specified afternoon and evening shifts. Training and supervision will be provided; opportunity to engage with diverse patrons and sharpen

Qualifications

• Must be able to work the following shifts: Mon 1:30-2:30pm, Wed 2-4pm and Thurs 7-9pm.
• Must be enrolled at Oberlin College.
• Public service orientation (enjoy working with people!).
• Basic familiarity with libraries, online library catalogues, research databases, and office equipment.
• Attention to detail and strong organizational skills.
• Able to communicate effectively in both written and oral form.
• Willingness to learn a wide range of skills and processes.

Responsibilities

• Assist library users online and in person; answer general questions, help locate information and conduct research.
• Answer questions and assist library users (in-person, online, via phone); make referrals and enforce policy.
• Support patrons in using library equipment and applications.
• Assist with maintenance and activities of the Academic Commons.
• Assist Core Reference Team with displays, promotions, assessments, workshops, and events.
• Other related duties as required.

Skills

Public service orientation

Research assistance

Communication

Library catalogs & databases

Customer service

Education

Enrolled at Oberlin College

Tools

Photocopier

Scanner

Fax machine

Job description

Research Help Desk Library Student Assistant - Fall 2026

Below you will find the details for the position including any supplementary documentation and questions you should review before applying for the opening.

Please see Special Instructions for more details.

Qualified applicants will be contacted to schedule an interview.

Announcement Information

Job Summary

This position is responsible for excellent customer service by providing research and library help through online chat and in person at the Research Help and Circulation desks. The job offers a great opportunity to become more familiar with the library and gain research and public service skills.

Responsibilities

• Assist library users online and in person; answer general questions, help users locate information and conduct research


• Answer questions and assist library users (in-person, online, via phone), make referrals to other departments as needed, and enforce library policy


• Support patrons in using library equipment and applications


• Assist with the maintenance and activities of the Academic Commons


• Assist the Core Reference Team with library displays, promotion of services and collections, assessment projects, workshops, class instruction, and/or special events…


• Other related duties as required

Qualifications

• Must be able to work the following shifts: Mon. 1:30-2:30pm, Wed. 2-4pm and Thurs. 7-9pm


• Must be enrolled at Oberlin College


• Public service orientation (enjoy working with people!)


• Basic familiarity with libraries, online library catalogues, research databases, and office equipment (photocopier, fax, scanner). Desired qualification is experience with the Oberlin College Libraries.


• Attention to detail and strong organizational skills


• Able to communicate effectively in both written and oral form


• Willingness to do a variety of tasks and learn a wide range of skills and processes.


• Clear sense of responsibility for fulfilling scheduled work assignments

Qualified applicants will be contacted to schedule an interview.

Documents Needed to Apply

Required DocumentsOptional Documents

Supplemental Questions

• What about this job interests you?

  (Open Ended Question)



• Tell us briefly about your experience using or working in libraries.

  (Open Ended Question)



• Have you worked in any Oberlin College library before? If so, which one?

  (Open Ended Question)



• What is your expected semester and year of graduation?

  (Open Ended Question)

Office of Human Resources
Oberlin College
173 West Lorain Street
Oberlin OH 44074

http://new.oberlin.edu/office/human-resources/

Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Hours: M-F 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

[e-mail]