The Student Research Tutor for Natural Sciences will expand library research support for faculty and students in the natural sciences. This position is timely in light of the Science Library’s physical collection moving to Rolvaag, the science librarian’s part-time appointment, and the proliferation of online research resources for sciences that require specialized skills and knowledge.
The science research tutor(s) will staff a new public research service point in Regents Hall during hours that are unstaffed by the science librarian. While on duty, tutors will be connected online (via chat and video) with the main research desk in Rolvaag Library. Tutors will receive specialized, in-depth training in scientific databases and other applications that are widely used in science research, such as EndNote, Endnote Web, Browzine, and iPads. Science tutors will also participate in the existing mentorship program for research tutors in Rolvaag and attend an intensive two-day workshop prior to the beginning of the 2017-18 academic year, plus other research skills training opportunities during the year.
Successful candidates will be science majors, preferably juniors (although sophomores and rising seniors are also encouraged to apply). We seek students who are familiar with or curious about research in the sciences and enjoy digging into challenging research questions. Excellent computer technology skills (both Mac and Windows) and the ability to learn new applications quickly are desirable. Preferred candidates will have a friendly, outgoing, patient, and attentive disposition that will ensure a pleasant and positive interaction with a wide range of library users, including students, faculty, staff, and community members. They should be confident working independently and be willing to continuously improve their research and personal service skills.
This new position will impact the student’s professional development in many ways:
- Equip the science tutors with excellent foundations and skills to conduct library-based research, particularly in the sciences
- Boost confidence in handling their own research assignments and papers as their familiarity with research resources and techniques grows
- Build confidence in professional interactions with various audiences
- Practice responsible, independent work — often without direct supervision
- Gain advanced search and bibliographic management skills, which provide excellent preparation for graduate and medical schools
- Develop an excellent understanding of academic librarianship as a profession and, for those interested in pursuing librarianship as a career, prepare them to be successful students in library and information science graduate programs
If interested, please contact: Kasia Gonnerman, Head of Research & Instruction. gonnermk@stolaf.edu
