Reference Library Intern

University Overview

The University of Pennsylvania, the largest private employer in Philadelphia, is a world-renowned leader in education, research, and innovation. This historic, Ivy League school consistently ranks among the top 10 universities in the annual U.S. News & World Report survey. Penn has 12 highly-regarded schools that provide opportunities for undergraduate, graduate and continuing education, all influenced by Penn’s distinctive interdisciplinary approach to scholarship and learning. As an employer Penn has been consistently ranked nationally on many occasions with the most recent award from Forbes who named Penn one of America’s Best Large Employers.

Penn offers a unique working environment within the city of Philadelphia. The University is situated on a beautiful urban campus, with easy access to a range of educational, cultural, and recreational activities. With its historical significance and landmarks, lively cultural offerings, and wide variety of atmospheres, Philadelphia is the perfect place to call home for work and play.

Posted Job Title

Reference Library Intern

Job Profile Title

Temporary Employee - Non-Exempt

Job Description Summary

The University of Pennsylvania Libraries seeks an energetic reference intern to participate as a member of our academic engagement and departmental libraries teams, receive mentoring by a progressive and seasoned team of professional librarians, and jump start their careers as information professionals.
The reference intern will have the opportunity to help shape reference for Penn Libraries while also further developing their skills by working on projects ranging from systematic reviews, outreach programming, exhibits, collections analysis, etc.

Job Description

Duties and responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Support the Reference Services Task Force in conducting a holistic analysis of general reference services across the libraries.
• Assist with analyzing 2 – 3 years of chat reference data to identify trends, patterns, and implications for staffing and service hours
• Conduct spot reviews of chat transcripts and tickets to identify opportunities for improving service quality, consistency, and documentation
• Assist in developing recommendations for one – time and ongoing training for reference providers
• Participate in an environmental scan of peer institutions and review current literature on evolving reference services

Qualifications:

• Current graduate student in an ALA-accredited library or information science program or another graduate studies program.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
• Strong service orientation and willingness to troubleshoot.
• Desire to learn, adapt quickly, and work independently.
• Desire to work in libraries and support a diverse academic community.
• Flexibility regarding work location.
• Attention to detail.
• Ability to work onsite in the library spaces.

This is a 1 year term position.

Application Requirement:

A Cover Letter and Resume/CV are required to be considered for this position. Please upload your Cover Letter where it asks you to upload your Resume/CV; multiple documents are allowed.
 

Budgeted Pay Range:

$15.00 - $20.00 commensurate with education and experience.

Job Location - City, State

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Department / School

University Library

$7.25 - $20.00 Hourly Rate

Salary offers are made based on the candidate’s qualifications, experience, skills, and education as they directly relate to the requirements of the position, and in alignment with salary ranges based on external market data for the job’s level. Internal organization and peer data at Penn are also considered.

Equal Opportunity Statement

The University of Pennsylvania is an equal opportunity employer. Candidates are considered for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, religion, creed, national origin (including shared ancestry or ethnic characteristics), citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status or any class protected under applicable federal, state or local law.

Special Requirements 
A background check may be required after a conditional job offer is made. Consideration of the background check will be tailored to the requirements of the job.

University Benefits

• Health and Life: Penn offers comprehensive medical, prescription, behavioral health, dental, vision, and life insurance benefits to protect you and your family’s health and welfare.
• Retirement: Penn offers generous retirement plans to help you save for your future. Penn’s Basic, Matching, and Supplemental retirement plans allow you to save for retirement on a pre-tax or Roth basis. Choose from a wide variety of investment options through TIAA and Vanguard.

Please note that benefit eligibility is determined/based on ACA guidelines.