Library Research/Reference Assistant
Cisco College Mission and Purpose: The Mission of Cisco College is to provide quality, affordable, educational opportunities to meet the diverse academic, technical and career needs of the students and communities we serve. Cisco College maintains an open-door admissions policy and provides an array of educational programs offered at two primary locations, Cisco and Abilene, in addition to many off-campus sites. Cisco strives for an institutional culture of innovation, collaboration, faculty and staff empowerment and recognition, and an openness to change that underscores our commitment to a shared mission and vision.
Cisco College Core Values: Cisco College facilitates student success by ensuring open-door access to diverse educational opportunities, embracing innovation and best practices, and providing effective student support. Cisco College insists on excellence in our programs, instruction, services, management, and learning environment.
Cisco College Guiding Principles: Learning, Respect, Integrity, Communication, Cooperation, Joy, and Innovation.
Role: The Library Research/Reference Assistant supports teaching and learning at the Abilene Educational Center by maintaining a welcoming, student-centered environment and providing research and reference support and access services for students, faculty, and staff. The role also provides basic assistance with library and learning technologies, including computer lab support. A commitment to the role of the community college, as described in the College Mission, is essential.
This position is designed as an entry point into academic library work and a pathway to academic librarianship. Individuals interested in pursuing a library career, such as a library technology program or a master’s degree in library and information science, are strongly encouraged to apply. As the employee builds experience and completes relevant education, there may be opportunities for the scope of the role to grow based on institutional needs and approval, including additional responsibilities in instructional support, faculty collaboration, outreach, and future Center for Teaching and Learning initiatives.
Team: The Library Research/Reference Assistant reports to the Abilene Campus Library Manager and is part of Library Services. The position collaborates with library colleagues and the Digital Learning Team across campuses to support consistent service and equitable access to resources. Once established, the position will serve as a member of the Center for Teaching and Learning.
Responsibilities:
• Collaborates with faculty and staff to connect courses and assignments to library resources and available research support.
• Assists with access services, including circulation, course reserves, interlibrary loan and intercampus sharing, and patron account assistance.
• Maintains accurate service records and basic usage statistics and supports timely patron communication related to borrowing, returns, and account notifications.
• Supports basic technology needs for library services and digital learning resources, assists with troubleshooting questions in the computer lab, and escalates technology problems to the appropriate personnel as needed.
• Contributes to daily operations, including opening and closing as scheduled, promoting accessibility, maintaining a welcoming environment, and communicating library policies.
• Promotes library services and events through outreach materials, displays, and coordinated communications with Marketing and campus partners.
• Performs other duties as assigned by the Library Manager in support of Library Services and student success.
Essential Qualifications:
• Strong customer service skills and demonstrated ability to work effectively with diverse students, faculty, staff, and community members.
• Proficiency with computers and common workplace software; ability to provide basic technology support and troubleshoot routine issues (e.g., logins, printing, browsers, peripherals).
• Demonstrated ability to learn and apply research tools (including library databases) and to explain steps clearly to others.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills with attention to detail, including accurate recordkeeping and file management.
• Ability to work independently, prioritize competing needs in a public-service setting, and maintain professionalism under pressure.
• Availability to work evenings and/or weekends and travel to Cisco, as needed and as scheduled.
Preferred Qualifications:
• Previous experience in a library setting (academic highly preferred) or in a higher-education student support role (e.g., tutoring, advising, learning center, help desk).
• Familiarity with library databases, interlibrary loan, or circulation systems/intercampus material sharing.
• Experience supporting online learners and/or assisting with learning technologies in a lab or public-access environment.
• Demonstrated interest in pursuing a career in librarianship or information services (e.g., library-related coursework, library technology certificate, or intent to pursue an MLIS), with willingness to engage in ongoing professional development.
