Job Title: Library Student Assistant I

Department: Library and Academic Technology

Reports to: Mary Anderson, Associate University Librarian

Location: On campus in the PAU Library, Calvin Campus, Palo Alto, CA

Hours: 5-15 hours/week

JOB SUMMARY

The Library Student Assistant I staffs the library circulation desk, provides assistance to students, faculty, staff, and guests who visit the library, and performs clerical work related to library functions and services.

JOB DESCRIPTION

• Provide excellent customer service. Library Student Assistants provide a welcoming presence and excellent customer service to all library patrons.

• Provide friendly and knowledgeable assistance to students, faculty, staff, and guests in locating and using books, videos, psychological test materials, and online library resources and systems.
• Provide friendly and knowledgeable assistance to students, faculty, staff, and guests in general use of library copy machines and audio/visual equipment in study rooms.
• Perform routine administrative and circulation work such as answering phones, scheduling/booking study room use, retrieving and checking in/out various library materials, preparing materials for shipment, delivering library curbside service for pickups and drop-offs of library materials, and scanning materials for delivery online to faculty and students.
• Perform more in-depth work related to library circulation and collections such as preparing test materials for distribution, checking test kits for completeness, and assisting librarians with organizing, processing, and analyzing library collections.
• Identify patron needs and devise strategies for meeting those needs, including referring the patron to a librarian when appropriate.
• Read all communication from supervisors and remain current on library policies and procedures.
• Arrive on time for scheduled shifts and pick up additional shifts as needed.
• Adhere to the strict confidentiality policies of the library.
• Coordinate with other Library Student Assistants and Librarians to ensure consistent and effective operations at the circulation desk by communicating across shift changes and arranging for others to cover if an absence is needed.
• Perform related duties as required.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Supervision is received from the Associate University Librarian, the Reference and Instruction Librarian, and the University Librarian.

SKILLS REQUIRED

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills (written and verbal).
• Strong customer service focus.
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships.
• Ability to learn and perform new tasks quickly and effectively.
• Punctuality, dependability, initiative, and flexibility.
• Attention to detail.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Requires enrollment as a student at Palo Alto University.
• One (1) year of library or customer service experience is preferred.
• Must be able to lift, with or without assistance, boxes of books and supplies weighing up to 20 pounds, push and pull full book carts weighing 250 pounds, bend and reach to place books and other materials on library shelves ranging from 3 to 90 inches high, and use a step-stool to reach high shelving locations.
• Must be able to work independently. Student assistants scheduled to work at the library in the evenings and on the weekends will be working independently, without a library staff member on site. At times, the library assistant working in the library may be the only person on the campus.

HOURS

Daytime, evening, and weekend shifts are available during regular terms and between terms during all open hours.

Library open hours during Fall, Winter, and Spring terms are:

Monday-Friday: 8am-9pm Saturday-Sunday: 10am-6pm

The Library is generally open between terms from 10am-6pm daily. The library is closed on all campus holidays.

SALARY

This position pays the minimum wage set by the City of Palo Alto (https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/Business/Business-Resources/Minimum-Wage), which is $16.45 for 2022

PAU is committed to providing an educational environment that supports a diverse, equitable and inclusive population. In your cover letter, please include information about your experiences in working in a diverse environment, and what qualities you would bring to supporting this commitment to inclusivity at PAU.

PAU is an equal opportunity employer/Affirmative Action Employer and actively works to enhance its diversity.