What are the responsibilities and job description for the Student Library Assistant (SLA) position at The Pennsylvania State University?
- CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
- CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
- If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click "Apply" and complete the application process for external applicants.
Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location.For additional information on remote work at Penn State, seeNotice to Out of State Applicants.
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, and your favorite color
- Resume
- Class schedule for Fall 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, October 21st.
If you have any questions, please contact the Hiring Manager - Kim Cowell at kqc5659@psu.edu.
The Pennsylvania State University is committed to and accountable for advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and sustainability in all of its forms. We embrace individual uniqueness, foster a culture of inclusion that supports both broad and specific diversity initiatives, leverage the educational and institutional benefits of diversity in society and nature, and engage all individuals to help them thrive. We value inclusion as a core strength and an essential element of our public service mission.
CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS:
Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.
Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.
EEO IS THE LAW
Penn State is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer, and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, 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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