Graduate Assistant - Library Job at Cairn University in Langhorne
Cairn University, Langhorne, PA, United States
The Masland Library is seeking a reliable and detail-oriented Graduate Assistant to join our team starting August 1, 2026. This position plays a vital role in daily library operations, with primary emphasis on managing the front circulation desk, supervising student workers, coordinating interlibrary loan services, and maintaining the stacks. The successful candidate will serve as a key member of the library team during afternoon and evening shifts, providing excellent customer service and ensuring smooth daily operations.
The ideal candidate will demonstrate strong organizational and supervisory skills, a customer-service mindset, and the ability to work independently.
Graduate Assistantships (GAs) are available to a limited number of Cairn full-time graduate students who have the skills and abilities to fulfill a professional position on a part-time basis during their period of study. To be eligible for a GA position, the student must have already earned a bachelor’s degree and be enrolled in a Cairn master’s degree program. Dual-level students may not be considered for GA positions.
Position Responsibilities
Serve as the primary staff member at the circulation desk during scheduled afternoon and evening shifts, providing excellent customer service to students, faculty, and staff.
Oversee and manage the front desk, including problem‑solving and patron assistance.
Supervise, train, and mentor student workers: assist in creating and maintaining the student worker schedule, communicate updates and changes, manage reminders for changed and rotating shifts, and provide ongoing guidance.
Coordinate interlibrary loan (ILL) services: search for and request materials, process borrowing and lending requests, track overdue materials, and communicate with borrowing libraries regarding overdue and lost items.
Run overdue reports and physically verify that items are not on the shelves before sending final notices.
Manage stacks maintenance: train and supervise student workers on shelving and stack procedures, shelve and straighten materials, retrieve items as needed, monitor the condition and organization of the stacks, and communicate any issues or concerns to the librarians.
Assist with basic reference inquiries.
Additional Duties
Perform other tasks as assigned to support overall library operations.
Work Schedule
Minimum of 4 days per week, with a focus on afternoon and evening shifts to provide coverage during peak patron hours.
Schedule will be developed collaboratively, with flexibility around the GA’s class schedule.
Qualifications & Qualities
Ability to work independently with minimal supervision, especially during evening shifts, while collaborating effectively as part of a small team.
Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and reliability in managing schedules and multiple tasks.
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills; a friendly, customer‑focused attitude is essential.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook).
Previous employment in an academic library, preferred.
Physical capability to retrieve and shelve materials from shelves up to 84" high and to handle materials/equipment weighing up to 40 pounds.
Commitment to promoting access to information and supporting the university’s academic mission.
To apply, please follow the link below. You may upload and submit your resume/CV and cover letter and unofficial transcripts with the application.
Ineligible for sponsorship of H1B visa.
Cairn University does not discriminate on the basis of race, gender, color, national or ethnic origin, age, disability or other protected characteristics, in administration of its educational, employment and admissions policies.
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The ideal candidate will demonstrate strong organizational and supervisory skills, a customer-service mindset, and the ability to work independently.
Graduate Assistantships (GAs) are available to a limited number of Cairn full-time graduate students who have the skills and abilities to fulfill a professional position on a part-time basis during their period of study. To be eligible for a GA position, the student must have already earned a bachelor’s degree and be enrolled in a Cairn master’s degree program. Dual-level students may not be considered for GA positions.
Position Responsibilities
Serve as the primary staff member at the circulation desk during scheduled afternoon and evening shifts, providing excellent customer service to students, faculty, and staff.
Oversee and manage the front desk, including problem‑solving and patron assistance.
Supervise, train, and mentor student workers: assist in creating and maintaining the student worker schedule, communicate updates and changes, manage reminders for changed and rotating shifts, and provide ongoing guidance.
Coordinate interlibrary loan (ILL) services: search for and request materials, process borrowing and lending requests, track overdue materials, and communicate with borrowing libraries regarding overdue and lost items.
Run overdue reports and physically verify that items are not on the shelves before sending final notices.
Manage stacks maintenance: train and supervise student workers on shelving and stack procedures, shelve and straighten materials, retrieve items as needed, monitor the condition and organization of the stacks, and communicate any issues or concerns to the librarians.
Assist with basic reference inquiries.
Additional Duties
Perform other tasks as assigned to support overall library operations.
Work Schedule
Minimum of 4 days per week, with a focus on afternoon and evening shifts to provide coverage during peak patron hours.
Schedule will be developed collaboratively, with flexibility around the GA’s class schedule.
Qualifications & Qualities
Ability to work independently with minimal supervision, especially during evening shifts, while collaborating effectively as part of a small team.
Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and reliability in managing schedules and multiple tasks.
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills; a friendly, customer‑focused attitude is essential.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook).
Previous employment in an academic library, preferred.
Physical capability to retrieve and shelve materials from shelves up to 84" high and to handle materials/equipment weighing up to 40 pounds.
Commitment to promoting access to information and supporting the university’s academic mission.
To apply, please follow the link below. You may upload and submit your resume/CV and cover letter and unofficial transcripts with the application.
Ineligible for sponsorship of H1B visa.
Cairn University does not discriminate on the basis of race, gender, color, national or ethnic origin, age, disability or other protected characteristics, in administration of its educational, employment and admissions policies.
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