Skip to Main Content

Student Worker Handbook: Expectations

What you need to know to excel as a library assistant

Library Student Worker Job Description

Duties: 

  • Assisting patrons at the desk 

  • Checking materials in and out 

  • Shelving books and DVDs 

  • Helping patrons find resources in print and online 

  • Keeping the library spaces tidy and clean 

  • Assisting students with printing and copying 

  • Answering the phone 

  • Tracking questions answered and patrons counted 

Qualifications: 

  • Good customer service skills 

  • Detail oriented 

  • Servant minded 

  • Punctual 

  • Dependable 

  • Self-starter 

  • Team worker 

Schedule: 

  • Daytime and evening hours are required 

  • You could be scheduled anytime between 7:45 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. 

Follow staff Directions

Your supervisor will be assigning schedules, signing timesheets, and directing responsibilities.  However, remember that you work for the entire library staff.  You should treat all library staff members as your boss.

Take Initiative

If you see something that needs to be done, do it.  If you have ideas on how something can be done more effectively, talk to a staff member.  We encourage you to use your gifts and talents to improve library services.   

Be Prepared to Work During your Shift

  • Be punctual.
  • Inform your supervisor as soon as possible if you will be late for a shift or unable to work an assigned shift.
  • If you know that you will miss a shift, you are responsible for finding a replacement.
  • ​Do not expect to have study time while you are at work.
  • Library tasks must always be completed before doing your homework.

Behave and Dress in a Professional Manner

  • You are the public face of the library when you work at the desk. 
  • What you do shapes your fellow students’ perception of the library. 
  • Be courteous, respectful, and professional in the way you act and speak.
  • Dress in a way that represents the university well.

Be Welcoming and Helpful

  • Keep your head up, smile, and be friendly. 
  • Be helpful to everyone entering the library building. 
  • Refer patrons to a librarian if you cannot help them.
  • Keep an eye out for patrons who might need assistance.
  • Do not wear earbuds, headphones, hats, or hoods while working.

Maintain Confidentiality

Keep patron information confidential.  Do not share who has checked out an item. Other personal information in a patron’s record is private as well. You may not access patron records to look up a phone number, e-mail, or address. 

Communicate with Your Supervisor and Fellow Workers

  • Tell someone when you are leaving so that someone else can staff the desk after you leave. 
  • Let a staff member know where you will be working in the library if you are not going to be at the front desk.  
  • If something isn’t working well or there is a problem, discuss the matter with a staff member before you get frustrated or angry.
  • If you need to leave a note for a member of the library staff, be sure to include any pertinent information, such as name, ID number, barcode, title, etc. It is vital that notes provide details for follow up.

Maintain A Positive Attitude

The library staff functions as a team, does whatever is needed, and helps each other out. The same is expected of student workers – help each other and help the full-time staff. 

  • Your attitude is a key to teamwork. 
  • Do all things without grumbling or complaining.
  • Treat your neighbor well.