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Lynn University Library Assistants' Guide

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

Starting Your Shift

  • Clock in on Workday
  • Log in to WorldShare
  • Open a new tab to the Lynn Library homepage https://www.lynn.edu/library
  • When you're ready to work, your screen should look like this:

  • The easiest way to remember is to have all these tabs saved to your bookmarks in your browser.
  • Check the Pull List.

Opening the Library

After your computer is all set up, it's time to get the library ready to open!

  • Turn lights on at panel (located on the wall next to the Textbook Reserves shelf.
  • Turn on lights in Library Lobby (including lights on the awards and lamps at the Information Desk.) 
  • Turn on lights upstairs on 2nd floor (at the top of the stairs, display case, IT, and outside Administrative offices.). 
  • Unlock doors to the balcony. 
  • Check the “Pull List” to find any holds placed overnight.
    • Find the items on the holds’ pull list in the book, DVD, and music collections and check items in to activate hold(s).
    • For further instructions, refer to the “Holds” section of this guide.
  • Check the book drop bin under the Information Desk and check-in any items. 
  • Fill the copiers with paper as needed. 
  • Write down or take a picture of the gate count to add to the Morning Checklist. 
  • Unlock both of the front doors to the library at opening time:
    • Monday-Friday @ 7:30
    • Saturday @ 11:00
    • Sunday @ 12:00
  • Make sure that the outside front doors are unlocked as well.

 

What do Library Student Workers do all day?

DAILY DUTIES at the Information Desk 

  • Be ready to help any patron that comes to the circulation desk. Use your best customer service skills. Answer the phone quickly and politely, and greet each library visitor who approaches the desk. Do your best to make eye contact with visitors as they come in the door and approach the desk. 

  • Help the Lynn community with a variety of library-related and Lynn University-related inquiries and services. 

  • Login to OCLC WorldShare at the beginning of your shift and make sure to log-out at the end of your shift.  

  • Check-in and check-out library material (including textbooks, DVDs, CDs, musical scores, iPad chargers, etc.)  

  • Answer directional questions about the library and the university.

  •  Help patrons with printers, iPads, scanning, and copying. Refer fax requests to the librarian on duty. 

  • Locate books and resources for patrons. Direct difficult questions to full-time library staff. 

  • Refill printers and copiers with paper. Remove and recycle abandoned pages left beside the copiers. 

  • Refill staplers and tape dispensers 

  • Ensure Textbooks are in correct alphabetical order on the Textbook Reserves Shelf 

  • Straighten and organize Course Reserves shelf (just like with the Textbook Reserves) 

  • Shelf read on the 2nd floor. You will be assigned a section to keep straightened and in order. This is a maintenance job that will require your work each week. Your role is essential in helping us keep our book and DVD collections in order.

  • When there are two student workers at the desk: 

    • Each student should shelve or shelf-read for 30-60 minutes for each shift.

    • When shelving, use the orange shelving slips on the reshelf cart. Put one of these horizontally on the shelf next to each book you shelve, so that it sticks out and is easily seen.

  • Other duties as assigned.

  • Outreach

    • The library sponsors various events, and you may be asked to help out.

    • This could involve setting up in the Event Room or the Cube, stuffing folders or bags, stapling handouts, helping man a booth on campus or any other duties as assigned.

 

Closing the Library

  • Check the book drop bin once more and check-in any items. 
  • Make sure the Information Desk is neat and clean for the morning shift.  
  • If you have encountered any problems or questions you could not answer, make sure you have left a note for the full-time staff, and please include your name in case there are any questions. 
  • Turn off all the lights on the awards in the lobby, and the display case on the 2nd floor.  

Shutting down and exiting the library: 

  • Fifteen minutes before closing, flip the lights on the panel to alert patrons that we are closing the library.  
  • Tell all patrons that the library is closing, starting on the third floor. Walk around the entire floor before going down to the second floor and working your way out on the patio. Then go down to the first floor, including the study areas and meeting rooms. You should politely ask patrons to leave as you go. Turn off the lights as you go. Make sure to check the restrooms.  
    • NOTE: On Fridays and Saturdays, please do NOT turn off the lights. The custodian works until 10:00 pm so they will turn off the lights when they are done.
  • Push in all chairs, remove trash, and make sure the library is neat. 
  • At the closing hour, make sure no other patrons are in the building, log-out of WorldShare, clock out in Workday, turn off the lights on the panel, and make certain that the front doors are locked.
  • Leave together with your fellow employees, exiting out the side door or the back door. If you don't feel safe walking to your car or dorm, call Campus Safety (561-237-7226) and they will escort you. 
    • Note: Campus Safety is short-staffed, so you may have to wait a bit. You can wait inside the library.