Posted Jul 10, 2026

Graduate Assistant Reference Specialist

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Job title: Graduate Assistant Reference Specialist in Lawrence, KS at University of Kansas
Company: University of Kansas
Job description: DepartmentLibraries-GeneralPrimary CampusUniversity of Kansas Lawrence CampusJob DescriptionHourly student employees who hold a professional position that furthers the professional and/or academic development of the graduate student. The duties performed are professional in nature and under the direct supervision of faculty, academic professionals, or administrators. The duties do not involve classroom instruction or research integral to the student's degree program or dissertation. The graduate assistant's responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, administrative and professional internships. The Dean of Graduate Studies must approve GA appointments. These positions will be for .5 FTE (20 hours/week). Graduate students in these positions will receive 18 hours of tuition assistance for the full academic year. Reference and Research Graduate Assistants provide general and in-depth research assistance to library patrons both in person and via chat at the research help desks in Watson Library and Anschutz Library. DisclaimerThe University of Kansas prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, national origin, age, ancestry, disability, status as a veteran, sexual orientation, marital status, parental status, gender identity, gender expression, and genetic information in the university's programs and activities. Retaliation is also prohibited by university policy. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policies and is the Title IX coordinator for all KU and KUMC campuses: Associate Vice Chancellor for Civil Rights and Title IX, [email protected], Room 1082, Dole Human Development Center, 1000 Sunnyside Avenue, Lawrence, KS 66045, 785-864-6414, 711 TTY.Work Schedule20 hrs/week, consisting of approx. 16 hours of desk time and 4 hours of projects/meetings/ongoing trainingContact Information to ApplicantsBrian Moss - [email protected]Required Qualifications
Advertised Salary Range$18.50/hrPreferred Qualifications
Position OverviewReference and Research Graduate Assistants act as front-line research consultants to the University of Kansas community for KU Libraries services and resources. They provide general and in-depth research assistance to library patrons both in person and via chat at the research help desks in Watson Library and Anschutz Library. They make referrals to specialized librarians and staff when appropriate. As a Graduate Assistant position, reference and research furthers the course work, research, academic, and professional development of any graduate program. Work at the KU Libraries teaches transferable skills in traditional library research and emerging methodologies (such as digital humanities and systematic reviews) that would enhance the student's own skills and would support time to degree. Working at KU Libraries includes opportunities for service and engagement with the campus community and broader community and draws upon the experiences and training of the students. These Graduate Assistant positions will improve their skills for the academic, non-profit, governmental, and private job markets.Reg/TempTemporaryApplication Review Begins16-Jun-2025Anticipated Start Date04-Aug-2025Additional Candidate Instruction
To ensure consideration apply before the application review date 6/16/2025. A review of applications will continue until qualified candidates are identified.Position RequirementsDuring the semester term of the appointment, the student hourly must be enrolled in no fewer than 6 credit hours. For summer periods the student hourly must: (1) have been enrolled in no less than 6 hours in the past spring semester or (2) be pre-enrolled in the upcoming fall semester in no less than 6 hours or (3) be enrolled in summer session or (4) be admitted to study in the upcoming fall semester. Student Hourlies may be undergraduate or graduate students. (Exceptions granted for GRA/GTA/GA appointments DO NOT apply to Student Hourly appointments).Employment Conditions(1) Student employees are not eligible for remote work arrangements unless an exception is approved by the unit leadership and HR.(2) A student employee cannot hold an hourly/non-exempt position and a salaried/exempt graduate or undergraduate position (GRA/GTA/GA/RUA/RGA) concurrently.
Expected salary: $18.5 per hour
Location: Lawrence, KS
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