Student- TUSC Reference Desk

Tulane University Libraries; New Orleans (LA); On-site; USD 17,000 - 21,000; Full time

Job summary

Tulane University Libraries seeks a student assistant to work at the Reference Desk of Tulane University Special Collections (TUSC). The position is in-person, located in room 202 of Jones Hall, and operates within 10-20 hours per week during the Fall to Spring 2027 timeframe.

Shifts run 9am–4:30pm with flexible scheduling. Responsibilities include greeting patrons, guiding to tables, basic research help using the library catalog and Archives Space, assisting with scanning, reshelving, and

Qualifications

• Must be enrolled as a Tulane student and eligible for Federal Work Study.
• Strong customer service and communication skills.
• Interest in libraries and archives is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Greet patrons and direct to assigned tables.
• Provide guidelines on handling archival materials.
• Assist with scanning services and using library tools.
• Reshelve materials and fulfill duplication requests via email.
• Support projects, social media, exhibits, and special events.
• Process basic archival tasks and data entry.

Skills

Customer service

Public interaction

Education

Active Tulane student enrollment

Tools

Archives Space

Library catalog

MS Excel

Job description

This position is to begin as soon as agreed upon for the semester and end on a determined basis. We are hiring a student that is available for the Fall into the Spring 2027 semester. No more than 20 hours per week is allowed for all combined student positions. Please keep this in mind when applying for this position.

This position is for a student assistant to work at the Reference Desk of Tulane University Special Collections (TUSC). We are located in room 202 of Jones Hall. TUSC is open to the Tulane community and general public weekdays 10am-4:30pm. Appointments are strongly encouraged, but walk-in patrons are welcome. We provide access to the library's Rare Books collection and archives from the Hogan Archive of New Orleans Music, Louisiana Research Collection, Southeast Architectural Archive, and University Archives.

Hours of Operation

Shifts are available during our operating hours from 9am-4:30pm.

Hours per week

Student assistants will be expected to work 10-20 hours per week.

Schedule

Flexible but 3 to 4 hours per shift preferred.

Hourly Pay Rate

The wage begins at $12 per hour.

Position

In-person.

The Work At The TUSC Reference Desk Entails

• Greet patrons, direct to assigned tables
• Provide guidelines on proper handling of archival materials
• May provide basic research assistance using the library catalog and Archives Space, page additional material for patrons, and provide help with scanning services

Other Tasks Include

• Answer reference telephone calls
• Reshelve materials
• Fulfill duplication requests via email
• Assisting with projects, social media, exhibits and special events
• Basic archival processing tasks
• Data entry
• Active enrollment as a student at Tulane University
• Ability to push book trucks and lift heavy boxes (up to 20 to 30lbs)
• Basic technical skills using scanners, printers, Microsoft excel
• Great customer service - you will be working directly with researchers
• Reliable and punctual
• Familiarity with Library of Congress and Dewey Decimal System preferred but not required
• This position is limited to students with Federal Work Study (FWS) funding. See this page for more information about work study: Federal Work Study Program | Human Resources (tulane.edu)

About Us

Everyone here at the Howard-Tilton Memorial Library strives to make this a safe, welcoming, and inclusive space. We’re looking for students who are outgoing, thrive on public interactions, and enjoy showing off the library’s resources.

Tulane University is an equal opportunity educator and employer committed to providing an education and employment environment free of unlawful discrimination, harassment, and retaliation. Legally protected demographic classifications (such as a person’s race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, shared ancestry, disability, genetics, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws) are not relied upon as an eligibility, selection or participation criteria for Tulane’s employment or educational programs or activities.

Tulane University is responsible for providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities throughout the applicant screening process. If you need assistance in completing an application or during any phase of the interview process, please contact the Office of Human Resources by phone at 504-865-4748 or by email at [e-mail].