The Opportunity
This position provides general reference and research support to Cornell University Library users through in-person services at Olin Library and digital channels such as chat and email. The role answers factual, bibliographic, and introductory subject questions, teaches users how to navigate information resources, and refers more advanced research needs to librarians and subject specialists. The position requires strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to independently learn and work with complex software systems.
About The Cornell University Library
Cornell University Library supports the University’s mission to discover, preserve, and share knowledge and creative expression. It provides world-class physical and digital resources and services that support research, education, and outreach. The Library also builds partnerships, invests in its staff and collections, and advances information access and scholarly communication.
About Research & Learning Services
The Department of Research & Learning Services provides reference and instruction services through Cornell’s Olin and Uris libraries, primarily supporting the College of Arts and Sciences. It also provides front-line reference support for Kroch Asia and contributes to collection development, reference, instruction, digital scholarship, and outreach across the Cornell University Library system.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide general reference assistance to library users in the social sciences and humanities through in-person, telephone, email, online chat, and other remote services.
- Conduct reference interviews to identify and clarify users’ information needs and determine appropriate follow-up or referrals.
- Develop and recommend effective search strategies and assist users with interpreting, evaluating, and synthesizing search results.
- Help users locate books, articles, documents, news, and other print and online resources using library catalogs, discovery systems, databases, and web resources.
- Assist users with finding, completing, and correcting bibliographic information.
- Help users request materials that are not available through Cornell using appropriate library services.
- Assist users in developing database search statements and evaluating the accuracy, completeness, and relevance of search results.
- Provide basic technical support for on-site and remote access to library resources and equipment, including basic hardware and software troubleshooting.
- Maintain current knowledge of the Olin, Kroch Asia, and Uris libraries’ collections, resources, systems, and services through continuous learning.
- Participate in self-directed, departmental, and library-wide training and professional development activities to strengthen reference skills and knowledge of library resources.
What We Need
For further consideration, please submit a resume and cover letter.
- Bachelor’s degree or completion of a formal training program, with up to two years of experience in a public information environment, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to explain technical information to non-technical audiences and provide basic technology troubleshooting guidance.
- Ability to collaborate effectively with library public services staff and IT support personnel.
- Strong problem-solving skills, with the ability to work independently and collaboratively to identify and resolve issues.
- Ability to cultivate and develop inclusive working relationships with students, faculty, staff, and community members.
- Leadership skills with the ability to motivate student employees and foster a positive team environment.
If you have all those things, great! We have a few more things that we would prefer you to have, but it’s ok if you don’t.
- Library experience, especially in public services.
- A strong aptitude for developing new technology skills.
This is a full-time (39 hours/week) position that is based in Ithaca, NY with a hybrid work arrangement. Core hours are Monday through Friday, between 9:00 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- During the academic year (fall and spring), the schedule includes one evening shift per week until 10:00 p.m. and two weekend days per month.
- During academic breaks, including the summer and January break, evening shifts are not required, and weekend coverage is reduced to approximately one weekend day per month. The final schedule will be established in collaboration with the supervisor and based on departmental needs.
- The position follows a rotating schedule, with approximately two weeks on and two weeks off for weekend coverage, and includes one work-from-home day per week.
Rewards and Benefits
- This position is eligible for a hybrid work arrangement. Employees typically perform this role remotely 1 day per week and on-campus 4 days per week. The university reserves the right to modify, suspend, revoke or terminate the hybrid work arrangement at any time.
- Cornell receives national recognition as an award-winning workplace for our health, wellbeing, and sustainability.
- Our benefits programs include comprehensive health care options, generous retirement contributions, access to wellness programs, and employee discounts with local and national retail brands. We invite you to follow this link to get more information about our benefits: Understand Your Benefits | Working at Cornell.
- Our leave provisions include health and personal leave, three weeks of vacation and 13 holidays: Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving and the day after, and an end of the year winter break from December 25-January 1. To offer greater flexibility for observing faiths and traditions we also offer two additional floating holidays. Learn more about our generous leave provisions: Holiday and Accrued Time Off | Working at Cornell
- Cornell's impressive educational benefits include tuition-free Extramural Study and Employee Degree Program, tuition aid for external education, and Cornell Children's Tuition Assistance Program. Learn more about our extensive educational benefits: Education Benefits | Working at Cornell
- Follow this link to learn more about the Total Rewards of Working at Cornell: Total Rewards | Working at Cornell.
Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
University Job Title:
Public Svcs Asst IV
Job Family:
Library/Museum
Level:
D
Pay Rate Type:
Hourly
Pay Range:
$26.00 - $30.05
Remote Option Availability:
Hybrid
Company:
Endowed
Contact Name:
Keionda Lewis
Contact Email:
kll98@cornell.edu
Job Titles and Pay Ranges:
Non-Union Positions
Noted pay ranges reflect the potential pay opportunity for each job profile. The hiring rate of pay for the successful candidate will be determined considering the following criteria:
Prior relevant work or industry experience
Education level to the extent education is relevant to the position
Unique applicable skills
Academic Discipline
To learn more about Cornell’s non-union staff job titles and pay ranges, see Career Navigator.
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The hiring rate of pay for the successful candidate will be determined in accordance with the rates in the respective collective bargaining agreement. To learn more about Cornell’s union wages, see Union Pay Rates.
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2026-09-11