Peer Research Consultants (PRCs) support the Libraries' Research, Teaching & Collections department by providing personalized research assistance to their fellow students through peer consultations; representing the Libraries and especially research support services at campus events; contributing to social media outreach and other projects specifically relating to research help; and staffing shifts on the Dinand Library Research Desk.
DUTIES:
PRCs in their first semester will complete training activities typically 4 hours per week, including independent training exercises; meetings with the Coordinator and current PRC; and shadowing librarians and the current PRC in research appointments. Depending on scheduling, they may also assist in staffing shifts at the Dinand Research Desk and/or help represent the library at campus events. Schedule is flexible; however, during the first semester, PRCs should plan to fulfill most of their hours between 8am-6pm EST.
PRCs will be required to complete an assessment to demonstrate their skills before becoming a full PRC. Once a PRC has completed this assessment to the Coordinator’s satisfaction (typically towards the end of their first semester), they will be responsible for the following duties (approximately 6-8 hours per week):
Offering peer consultations (30-minute appointment slots), including evenings and weekends. Peer consultations might include tasks such as…
Locating scholarly/academic sources for a Montserrat research paper
Searching CrossSearch and locating books in the library;
Suggesting appropriate starting points for a particular topic;
Guiding peers in identifying and revising search terms;
Teaching peers to create basic citations (books/articles in all styles).
Note: The Coordinator will monitor all incoming consultation requests and refer any requests that are more appropriate for a librarian.
Staffing at least 1-2 shifts on the Dinand Research Desk each week, including answering questions on chat.
Representing the Libraries and especially research support and library- and campus-wide events;
Other projects as assigned, depending on the flow of the academic year. PRCs will be given opportunities to take on other projects aligned with their specific interests whenever possible. Previous projects have included creating instructional materials, drafting social media posts, and organizing the creation of training materials.
Schedule is flexible, and may vary. With the exception of Research Desk shifts which present a longer-term commitment, PRCs will be allowed to set their own schedule (with the Coordinator’s approval) and offer appointment slots that meet their availability. However, a combination of daytime and weekend/evening hours will be required.
PRCs who remain in their position past a 2nd semester will assist in the training of new PRCs.
POSITION REQUIREMENTS:
Must be sophomore or junior in current academic year.
Some knowledge of basic library research skills, i.e., checking out a book, using CrossSearch, and recognizing scholarly sources.
Willingness (and eagerness!) to learn new research and other skills.
Dependable; able to work independently with minimal supervision.
Previous customer service, tutoring, or other relevant experience is preferred. Comfort with social media a plus!
Financial aid work-study is preferred, but not required.
Schedule:
Must be able to work at least 4 hours per week in first semester and 6-8 hours per week in remaining semesters.
Must be willing to commit to at least 2 semesters as a PRC.
TO APPLY:
Submit the application form, including a current resume, no later than December 16, 2024.
Applicants who successfully pass the first round will be invited to an interview. Interviews will be conducted the week of January 19, 2025.
The successful applicant will be notified by January 27, 2025 and expected to begin their duties the week of February 2, 2025.