After initial training period, all Library Student Assistants will be expected to do the following:
- Work efficiently and responsibly with minimal supervision
- Answer simple directional and informational questions
- Develop and maintain outstanding attendance and work habits
- Answer the phone and field and/or transfer calls as appropriate
- Sort and shelve books using the Library of Congress call number system
- Retrieve books and other materials from various library locations
- Be familiar with all of the different services and areas in the Learning Commons
- Complete routine clerical, customer service, and library support tasks
- Assist with opening and closing of building or respective office areas
- Identify, correct, or report any problems with public and office areas, equipment, and materials as needed and appropriate
- Use the library's print and electronic resources effectively
- Collect and record statistics as assigned
Keep in mind that when you submit your job application, you might be contacted by any of the supervisors who manage the different units within the library. The following are examples of additional responsibilities and requirements assigned to student assistants by supervisors within the library:
Library Help Desk
- Provide friendly, competent assistance at a central service desk
- Answer informational questions about the library and its resources
- Record accurate, timely statistics on customer service transactions
- Determine when a question or problem should be referred, and where to make appropriate referrals
- Troubleshoot basic computer and/or printer problems for library users
- Perform regular “walk-throughs” of the library space
- Work days, evenings, and weekends on a set schedule
Automated Retrieval System (ARS)
- Retrieve books and other materials and deliver them to the holdshelf
- Accurately shelve requests in alphabetical order as required
- Store items into ARS bins
- Perform ARS inventory audits
- Troubleshoot and report equipment malfunctions to the supervisor on duty in a timely manner
- Work days, evenings, and weekends on a set schedule
Stacks Maintenance
- Pick up and record library materials that have been used
- Sort and prepare books to go back to the stacks
- Accurately return books to the open stacks
- Perform audits of shelves to make sure books are placed neatly and in the correct order
- Move impacted books to shelves that have space
- Conduct inventory work on projects that involve moving books to different locations
- Answer informational questions about the library and its resources
Archives & Special Collections
- Provide friendly, competent assistance and greet patrons at the Reading Room desk
- Answer informational questions about the library and its resources
- Assist patrons requesting Archives & Special Collections materials
- Determine when a question or problem should be referred, and where to make appropriate referrals
- Demonstrate proper Special Collections handling procedures to patrons and monitor use
- Perform routine preservation work
- Type/input finding aids, inventories, correspondence, acknowledgments, bibliographic records, and other works in accordance with established formats and standards
Interlibrary Loan
- Process incoming and outgoing LINK+ and ILLiad requests and mail
- Scan articles and book chapters into PDF format
- Accurately shelve requests in alphabetical order as required
Technical Services
- Process new materials and gifts
- Prepare materials for delivery
- Sort mail
- Type/input records, and print labels in accordance with established formats and standards