Library Work Study Guide

The main expectation of a student employee is to keep a pleasant, helpful, and efficient work environment. The following guidelines are designed to help you accomplish this goal.

• We all must remember we are offering a service to our patrons, whether they are staff members, faculty, administrators, or fellow students. We must realize that those we come in contact with, whether it is in person or on the phone, are developing their impressions of the Library by your actions and demeanor.
• You should do all you can to make patrons feel welcome by an enthusiastic greeting and attention to their needs. If there is a request that is something you have not been trained to respond to, you should immediately seek your supervisor to help you meet the need. 
• There may be times when activity is at a slower pace. During those times you should ask your supervisor if there is anything specific that needs to be done. If not, you may ask if you can study. At all times you should remain aware of the comings and goings of people in your assigned area. Please do not come to work expecting to study or finish a project; work comes first.

• You should not leave your assigned area while on duty without notifying your supervisor. 

• Your work area should be neat and clean at all times. Personal effects should be properly stored out of the way in the Library Office.

• Unless your supervisor tells you otherwise, you should not eat meals at or around your workstation and not have friends visit you at work.

Work study is more than a job; it is an introduction to the professional workplace.  The main function and expectation of a student employee is to keep a pleasant, helpful, and efficient working environment. Please bear in mind that how you represent the University Library is critically important to how the library is perceived by the university community. Your physical appearance and dress, your manner, and your dedication make a difference.

The following is expected of you while working at the Library:

• Show up ON TIME.  This means that if your shift starts at 10am, be here at 10am, not 10:05, 10:15, etc.  You will not be able to make up time if you are late.
• Punch in for your shift at the Circulation Desk. DO NOT punch in anywhere else on campus. The system shows us exactly where you punch in through Synerion.
• Homework is not to be done until ALL Library tasks are completed.  Check with the supervisor on duty to see what library tasks need to be done.
• Hours scheduled are for the entire semester except for finals week, there will be a new schedule for that week.  Keep this in mind when picking your shifts.  We rely on you to be at the desk during your scheduled time. 
• You must become familiar with Library Procedures and Circulation Procedures.
• Know the library staff (director, reference librarians)
• Behave and dress appropriately (no sweat pants, crop tops, etc.)  
• We are a TEAM.  This means any library staff member can assign you a task.
• If you miss your shift without prior notification, you CANNOT make up the hours.   
• Punch in and out for your shifts and log your hours in the blue binder at the desk.
• Stay at the Circulation Desk during your shift unless you are shelving or helping someone.  Under NO circumstances should you be sitting at one of the lab computers during your shift.
• Your friends should not stand at the Circulation Desk to “visit” you during your shift.  
• NO EATING MEALS at the desk. Please eat your meals before or after your shift.
• Answer the phone politely “Good Morning/Afternoon Daemen University Library”.
• It is YOUR responsibility to notify the supervisor on duty if you are going to miss your shift.