Curriculum Support Student Reference Specialist

The Position

Job Title: Curriculum Support Student Reference Specialist

Location/Department: Curriculum Support/Learning Services & Social Sciences – Seattle

Rate: $22.37/hr

Hours: 10-15; Mondays through Fridays, between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 7:30 p.m.

Positions available: 3-4

Date posted: August 19, 2026

Closing date: August 30, 2026

Start date: September 21, 2026 (negotiable)

About This Job

Curriculum Support Student Reference Specialists provide beginning- and intermediate-level library research help, with an emphasis on support for the Program in Writing & Rhetoric (PWR). They deliver classroom presentations on core research skills to PWR classes (ENGL 109/110, 111, 121, 131, and 182). They provide one-on-one research consultations in-person and online, covering issues such as database searching, formulating effective research questions and theses, and evaluating and using information for specific purposes. They may also contribute to outreach activities and the development of learning content for the use of instructors and students.

This is an academic year position, Fall quarter 2026 through Spring quarter 2027.

Duties

• Provide beginning-and intermediate-level research assistance: help student clients build research skills such as locating, evaluating, and effectively using information resources for coursework and providing referrals to next-level assistance
• Evaluate, create, and/or update learning content to support undergraduate information literacy activities
• Conduct in-class workshops on library research topics
• Conduct short, introductory orientation visits to select undergraduate courses or groups, focusing on library services
• Communicate appropriately, effectively, positively, and in a timely manner, including keeping colleagues and supervisors apprised of absences, both planned and unplanned.
• Apply effective and empathetic listening strategies with all clients and colleagues
• Participate actively in all training sessions to develop theoretical and practical understanding of best practices in library research help and library instruction
• Other contributions to Libraries services. Help staff the Odegaard Information Desk and the Libraries online chat reference service. Serve on other Libraries committees and cross-unit projects as needed.

Required Qualifications

• Completed Bachelor’s degree
• Experience providing customer/public service support in person or onlineDemonstrated effective communication, listening & interpersonal skills
• Experience in one-on-one instruction or classroom teaching, or a strong desire to learn
• Interest in, and a strong desire to provide, information literacy-centered reference work
• Must be reliable, responsible, and able to work without direct supervision.
• Ability to learn new technologies quickly

Desired Qualifications

• Enrollment in the UW Information School, either on-line or in-person modes
• Previous library work experience
• Availability to commit to the job for at least one full academic year
• Experience working with diverse groups

Additional Details

We score applications with a rubric based on the listed qualifications. Applications that show you match the required and desired qualifications are most likely to be successful.

About the Unit: The Curriculum Support Unit is one of five units within the Learning Services & Social Sciences Department that advance the Libraries’ Mission and Vision through the lens of teaching, learning, and engagement. The Unit’s primary responsibilities include: Libraries instruction for the Program in Writing & Rhetoric and other research & writing course-based instruction, Libraries instruction coordination, and related supervision/mentoring of graduate student assistants; subject liaison responsibilities; research help services (including consultations in the Odegaard Writing and Research Center and/or online); and OUGL-based undergraduate collections selection/analysis.

How to Apply

The following supplemental materials are required. A single PDF or Microsoft Word file containing both items is preferred.

Please name your file using the following format: LastName_FirstName.docx/pdf
• Cover letter
• Resumé

Upload your cover letter and resume to the form above with your student NetID.

Application process tips and more information about working at the Libraries

Equal opportunity and accommodation information

The University of Washington is committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful and welcoming community for all. As an equal opportunity employer, the University considers applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, sex, pregnancy, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, disability, or veteran status consistent with UW Executive Order No. 81.

To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Services Office at 206-543-6450 or [email protected].