Reference Associate

Primary Location:

2550 Bending Branch Way, Allen, Texas, 75013

We are searching for candidates that meet the required qualifications and experience and are able to perform the essential duties and responsibilities.

Job Summary:

Provide basic to intermediate reference services to Collin College students, faculty, staff and the general public. Develop, evaluate and maintain a small library collection and serve as library liaison in the assigned discipline with oversight provided by a Reference Librarian.

Must be flexible to work schedules that may include evenings, weekends, and opening/closing hours.

Required Qualifications:

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide quick, correct, and professional answers for basic to intermediate inquiries using online resources and the reference and general collections.
• Perform all circulation functions which includes creating patron accounts, issuing cards, checking materials in and out, maintaining patron database, collecting fines, shelving and courier processes.
• Assist with the basic use and navigation of computing resources (i.e. OPAC and Internet).
• Assist in record keeping and database management for the system’s collection as needed.
• Respond to public and staff reference inquires; provide reference and readers’ advisory services to customers in person, by telephone and electronically (email and chat). Provide both virtual and in-person reference services to library patrons.
• Conduct reference interviews and research; utilize various types of print and electronic resources to assist customers in selecting and locating library materials.
• Instruct and assist customers and staff in the use of the Library’s equipment, computers, databases, catalogs, software applications, and the internet.
• Identify collection requirements and provide recommendations regarding the purchase of reference and/or circulation materials. Assist with regular weeding of the Reference collection.

 
Supplemental Functions

• Perform other duties as assigned.
• Perform all duties and maintain all standards in accordance with college policies, procedures and Core Values.

 
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of search strategies
• Knowledge of college resources
• Knowledge of the reference interview process
• Knowledge of college and library policies
• Knowledge of library databases
• Knowledge of library equipment
• Customer service skills
• Instructional skills
• Computer and applicable software skills
• Analytical skills
• Organizational skills
• Research and problem solving skills
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing
• Ability to analyze information sources
• Ability to process reports
• Ability to maintain budget for ordering
• Ability to help customers with their basic computer needs, including e-mail, answering Microsoft product questions, and navigating the Internet

 
Physical Demands, Working Conditions and Physical Effort
Light Work - Exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly having to move objects. If the use of arm and/or leg controls requires exertion of forces greater than that for the Sedentary Work category and the worker sits most of the time, the job is rated Light Work. Positions in this class typically include talking, hearing, seeing, grasping, standing, walking and repetitive motions, plus stooping, kneeling, crouching, and reaching. Relatively free from unpleasant environmental conditions or hazards. Office environment. Occasional physical effort required.

Requirements
Bachelor's degree required.
Two (2) years of library related work experience or a minimum of eighteen (18) credit hours completed toward a master’s degree in library science or library and information science from an accredited American Library Association (ALA) institution.

Preferred

A minimum of eighteen (18) credit hours completed toward a master’s degree in library science or library and information science from an accredited American Library Association (ALA) institution.
 
**This position is Security Sensitive, therefore, candidates will be subject to a criminal background check.**

The above description is an overview of the job. It is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of duties and responsibilities of the job as duties and responsibilities may change with business needs. Collin College reserves the right to add, change, amend, or delete portions of this job description at any time, with or without notice. Reasonable accommodations may be made by Collin College in its discretion to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Required & Preferred Qualifications (if applicable):

The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the types of duties and responsibilities that will be required of the positions given this title and shall not be construed as a declaration of the specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position. Employees may be requested to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description. Fair Labor Standards Act (exempt/non-exempt) is designated by position. The employer actively supports Americans with Disabilities Act and will consider reasonable accommodations.

***This is a Security Sensitive position. Therefore, candidates will be subject to a criminal background check.***

Compensation Type:

Salary

Employment Type:

Full time

Hiring Minimum

$41,600.00

Hiring Maximum

$50,731.00

Compensation is determined based on experience.

**Application submission deadline is 12am of the date listed.**

03/06/2026

Collin College is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of any characteristic protected by applicable law.