Ebling Library for the Health Sciences is hiring for a UW-Madison iSchool MA Library & Information Studies student interested in acquiring on-the-job reference and public services experience at the front desk of an academic health sciences library.
Gain valuable knowledge of library, and health science, resources and services while helping a dynamic group of faculty, staff, and students. Receive training on:
- Indispensable general reference and public services skills
- Introductory health sciences research
- Consumer health reference
- And more, depending on interest
Position Details
Reference assistants staff Ebling’s service desk and assist library staff in getting the best outcomes for patrons. This is an in-person position and training will be provided in all areas. Responsibilities and expectations:
- Representing Ebling in a welcoming, helpful, and professional manner
- Answering general information questions and providing entry level reference in person, on the phone, over email, and via chat
- Referring questions to appropriate Ebling staff or other campus entities
- Handling some basic circulation duties
- Basic technology troubleshooting and equipment assistance
- Maintaining a working knowledge of related documentation and procedures, along with pertinent services and resources
- Completing special projects as assigned, depending on interest and availability
Required
- Accepted or current UW-Madison iSchool MA Library & Information Studies student
- Keen interest in reference and public services experience in a library setting
- Curiosity and a desire to learn
- Ability to work collaboratively, including consulting with and referring to library staff as needed
- Excellent interpersonal and communication (written and oral) skills
- Dependability
- Professionalism
- Ability to follow through when working on independent projects
Preferred
- Experience working at a library service desk or other customer service experience
- Experience with UW-Madison campus libraries’ services and resources
- Interest in health sciences
Hours & Pay
- Monday-Friday, 8:45am-5:00pm, shifts are usually 8:45am-1pm or 12:45pm-5pm
- Reference assistants generally work 2-3 shifts per week, depending upon class schedules and other employee availability
- Attending 1-2 team meetings per semester is also expected
- Pay is $16.00 per hour
About Ebling Library
Ebling serves the students, staff, faculty, and clinicians from the UW health sciences community (Schools of Medicine and Public Health, Nursing, Pharmacy, and related programs, and UW Hospital), as well as the rest of the UW-Madison campus and Wisconsin residents.
Questions?
Contact Naomi Stuesser
To Apply
Applications will be accepted until 06/19/26. Email the following materials and information to Naomi Stuesser
- Your resume
- A statement of interest in this position – no longer than 1 page and please do not use AI
- Names of two references, with contact information and your relationship
- Whether you are a current iSchool student or a newly accepted student starting in fall, intended graduation date, and emphasis of study
- When you would be available to start – noting that new students are generally eligible to start campus positions in August
- Your availability between 8:45am–5pm, Monday-Friday
- How many hours a week you hope to work at Ebling – keeping in mind most reference assistants work between 8-13 hours a week
- Whether you have another job on or off campus, or are actively seeking another job