Student Employment: Overview

Library Services Student Assistant

Library Services Student Assistants act as the first point of contact for visitors to Ramsey Library. Often times, you will be at the Research & Checkout desk, helping folks find what they need and working with the public. The responsibilities may include checking materials in and out, answering the phone, responding to requests, assisting with projects, creating displays, keeping accurate statistics, and (depending on the shift) assisting with opening and closing Ramsey Library.

In addition, Student Assistants help folks with basic research inquiries and directional questions. This may include conducting searches in the library catalog or databases, locating library materials physically and online, helping with printing/photocopying, and offering referrals to Ramsey Library staff and librarians when needed. The ideal applicant must enjoy interacting with people! Excellent customer service and communication skills are a must, along with interest in learning new research skills, a love for finding answers, and the ability to multitask are important characteristics for this position. This is a great role if you are thinking about going into a field (like libraries!) that is oriented towards working with the public or research after graduation!

Library Resource Maintenance Student Assistants act as logistical support in Ramsey Library. Often times, you will be performing your job behind the scenes, working with materials and logistics to make sure folks can find exactly what they need. The responsibilities may include shelving materials, pulling materials for our holds shelves, responding to requests, assisting with projects, keeping accurate statistics, and (depending on the shift) assisting with opening and closing Ramsey Library.

In addition, Student Assistants help with larger scope projects. This may include conducting searches in the library catalog for materials, locating library materials physically and online, shifting materials, and offering referrals to Ramsey Library staff and librarians when needed. Applicants must have an eye for detail! Excellent communication and organizational skills are required. An interest in providing high quality service and the ability to multitask are important characteristics for this position. This is a fantastic job if you want to work in either libraries or a very detail oriented field after graduation!

Student assistants in Interlibrary Loan and Document Delivery are responsible for helping staff process loan, borrowing and delivery requests with minimal supervision. Must be able to multi-task and follow instructions. Attention to detail, legible handwriting, dependability and punctuality are very important. Duties include: looking up call numbers; pulling items from stacks; packing items for delivery via mail, scanning articles; utilizing interlibrary loan tracking software; delivering requested items; answering phone and taking complete messages when unable to answer questions; routine clean up in work area; notifying supervisor when supplies are running low. This is a fantastic job for someone who wants to go into a field that requires a lot of organizational expertise after graduation!