Lynn UniversityLynn Library
Skip to Main Content

Lynn University Library Assistants' Guide

Everything you need to know to be a successful library assistant!

Guidelines

The main function and expectation of a student employee is to keep a pleasant, helpful, and efficient working 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, fellow students, or guests. 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.
  • 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.
  • You should do all you can to make the patron feel welcome by an enthusiastic greeting and attention to their needs. If a customer's request is something you have not been trained to respond to, you should immediately seek your supervisor or a librarian 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 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.
  • The work area should be neat and clean at all times. Personal effects should be properly stored out of the way. 

Tips from Former Student Workers

Be patient.

Have fun, love your job.

Be respectful.

Be approachable.

Kill people with kindness.

Greet people as they come in.

Thank people for coming in/say goodbye/have a nice day.

Offer up options and alternative solutions.

Look up; don’t get too involved in your computer.

Tell a librarian if people are breaking rules/making you uncomfortable.

Don’t come to work impaired.

Personal Conduct on the Job

Courtesy is a vital function of the Library. Students should remember that not only are they employees, they are also representatives of Lynn University and the Library. Our patrons are the reason we have a job and they deserve our full attention and respect. 

  1. While you are on duty, your friends are not to visit. Ask them to meet you for break or after work.
  2. Student workers are the only people that should be at the Information Desk. Friends and others are not permitted behind that desk.
  3. Respect your fellow workers. Come to work on time.
  4. Cooperate as a friendly team player with coworkers and librarians.
  5. If you have an accident or injury while on the job, please see your supervisor as soon as possible.
  6. Any student who is dismissed during the semester will not be considered for re-employment in the library.

Dress for Success!

Please dress appropriately. We are aware that you are students but please, no cut-off shorts or shirts, no clothing with suggestive or inappropriate messages, or revealing attire. 

OK TO WEAR

AVOID
Sneakers, sandals Slippers or bare feet
Clean denim jeans or shorts Dirty, ripped, or stained clothing
Tee shirts Visible undergarments
Hoodies Pajamas

                    
 

Working in a College Library

Articles on the Basics of Academic Libraries

“Aren't they all librarians? library training and careers explained” by Glynis Bramley-Moore 

(This article explains the various roles and qualifications required for different library workers. It also addresses the common misconception that any person who works in a library must be a librarian. Also included is a detailed explanation of the differing vocational outcomes of library assistants, library technicians, teacher librarians and librarians, as well as a summary of relevant qualifications and career opportunities.)

Four Types of Undergraduate Library Users, Based on Their Profile of Library Use, Knowledge and Perceptions

"Web sources for teaching library skills" 

(Includes a list of web sources for learning library skills.)

What Do Undergraduate Course Syllabi Say about Information Literacy? (Librarians seek opportunities to improve outreach to faculty and promote shared interests in information literacy. A comprehensive review of syllabi for all undergraduate courses offered during one academic term examined course-level learning outcomes and graded assignments to see how well they aligned with the five Association of College and Research Libraries Information Literacy Competency Standards for Higher Education.)

Orientation using visual storytelling and the cloud (This article describe how library orientation is given on this college campus to reduce library anxiety and normalize the usage of the library.)

Books on the Basics of Academic Libraries

 

The Academic Library provides a fresh look at the environment of colleges and universities that can benefit practicing academic librarians. In an astute examination of the content and function of academic libraries, the author includes a detailed analysis of the workings of higher education as they affect libraries and information services. 

 

 

 

 

 

Libraries in the Information Age provides an important overview of libraries in the era of electronic information. It helps students build necessary core knowledge in such areas as electronic dissemination of information, the impact of the Internet on libraries, the changing responsibilities of library professionals, the new paradigm for evaluating information, and characteristics and functions of today's library personnel.