Library Research Support Services Fellowship
Title: Library Research Support Services Fellowship
Division/Department: University of Chicago Library
Reports to: Librarian for College Instruction and Outreach, University of Chicago Library.
General Summary:
As graduate students consider alternative careers beyond research and teaching positions, library and information science is a field that offers many opportunities for individuals with an academic background. Academic research librarians are engaged with researchers of all levels, providing research consultations and one-on-on instruction on how to identify, locate and use a wide variety of information resources (including printed materials, archives, data, etc.). In addition, many research librarians require deep domain knowledge to provide support to scholars in specific fields.
This fellowship will provide graduate students with hands-on experience supporting researchers in an academic library through in-person and virtual reference services. In addition, the fellowship will also offer graduate students an opportunity to learn about academic libraries services and collections that may benefit their own research, along with providing an insight into careers in library and information science.
While initial appointment is for a single academic quarter, reappointment for additional quarters and/or summer term is anticipated for the successful fellow.
Specific activities will vary according to fellow’s skills and interests, but may include:
- Providing research assistance in-person at the Regenstein Library Ask a Librarian/Services Desk.
- Answering virtual reference and directional questions via email and chat services.
- Offering one-on-one instruction in research consultations for students and faculty.
- Creating finding aids and research guides for the Library’s website.
- Co-teaching and teaching workshops on citation management and research tools.
- Attending Library staff meetings focusing on reference services.
- Becoming familiar with the University of Chicago Library collections, research tools, and services.
- Learning about Library and Information Science programs, careers and resources.
Each fellowship that is renewed for two additional quarters requires a presentation focusing on an issue relating to research support services in an academic library during the third quarter of the fellowship experience.
Qualifications:
- Student currently enrolled a graduate program in the University of Chicago’s Humanities Division or Social Science Division. in good academic standing during the period of the fellowship
- Experience using the University of Chicago Library’s collections for research
- A strong service philosophy
- Ability to manage multiple priorities.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience in academic or public library.
- Experience interacting with undergraduates.
- Interest in library or information science as a career.