Student Library Assistant

JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

The Student Library Assistant (SLA) position is composed of three main functions: Circulation, Shelving, and Special Projects. Training will be provided, no library experience required.

Circulation Desk

Be responsible for providing outstanding service to our community (direct interaction with students, staff, faculty, and community members) with empathy and clear communication.

• Help others locate information and identify appropriate resources for additional support.

• Check out/in books and equipment and confirm room reservations.

• Learn about the library's catalog, electronic services, and various print collections with the support of our team.

• Make referrals for an in-depth library consultation

• Communicate any service concerns to the supervisor and/or circulation team and provide feedback to improve services.

Shelving

• Ensure materials are shelved in the correct location, using the Library of Congress Classification (LOC). - Sort, shelve, and retrieve materials.

• Identify materials that may be misplaced, askew, or need repair.

• Use in-house software (shelfreader.com) to ensure materials are in the correct location.

Special Projects

Special projects are optional tasks that help the library with larger projects. We try to match your skills and interests to the task. Some examples are:

• Creating signs to advertise programs or services

• Designing social media posts

• Assisting with general troubleshooting and providing feedback on new services.

SLAs meet once or twice a month to learn from each other, explore resources within University Libraries, and participate in professional development opportunities. Looking for these requirements:

• Customer service experience through work, volunteering, or personal projects

• Ability to clearly communicate using chat, email, and face-to-face

• Competent in using multiple systems, websites, and tabs to checkout items and locate information. Can sit or stand at the circulation desk for 4+ hours at a time, guide a patron around the library, push/pull a book cart up to 50 lbs, lift books and/or equipment, kneel to browse low shelves, use a kick stool to browse high shelves. Reasonable accommodations are available.

• Can positively navigate change and uncertainty

• All members of the University Libraries community are responsible for, and expected to, exemplify and promote civility by following the University Libraries Civility Statement and Guidelines.

What We Can Offer:

• A supportive team to assist, train, and mentor you.

• Opportunities to work with Thun team members on special projects and events.

• Professional development and learning opportunities.

To apply for this position, please submit:

• Cover letter explaining why this opportunity is an ideal position for you, how many years you are planning to be at Berks (must be returning to Berks in fall 2024), and your favorite color
• Resume Class schedule for spring 2024 (Please note any additional times you are not available due to other commitments - tutoring, weekly appointments, clubs, etc.)
• Applications will be reviewed beginning on Monday, February, 26th and successful candidates will be contacted in March and begin work in April.

If you have any questions, please contact the Hiring Manager - Kim Cowell at [email protected].

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Penn State is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer, and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applications without regards to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identify, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.

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