AY Library Circulation Desk Lead Student Worker (WS-ST3)

Job Title: Library Circulation Desk Lead Student Worker

Classification: Student Employee (non-exempt)

Name and Address of Employer: St. Olaf College, 1520 St. Olaf Ave, Northfield, MN 55057

If the position requires the student to work off campus, provide the name and address here:

Department Name: St. Olaf Libraries Access Services       

Unit Number (5 digits): 14001

Length of Position: See Employment Authorization 

Contact Person/Supervisor: Student Employment and Operations Associate

Wage Range: $11.75-12.75/hour

Description of the Position: (Purpose of the Position): 

1. To provide excellent customer service at Rolvaag Memorial Library and Halvorson Music Library by:

• Assisting patrons in accessing and using library resources and supporting the circulation of resource sharing material, course reserves, AV equipment, and related technology. 

• Establishing a welcoming environment for all library users

• Providing assistance searching the online catalog and other library resources, referring advanced questions to Research & Instruction (R&I) librarians when necessary

2. To assist in the training and guidance of circulation student workers by: 

• Onboarding, training, and supporting new student employees

• Resolving scheduling emergencies in the absence of full-time staff during evening and weekend hours, taking last-minute open shifts as their schedules allow

• Establishing a positive rapport with all Access Service employees and modeling positive interactions and public service

• Delegating tasks and responsibilities to non-Lead student employees

• Regularly communicating operational details and observations with other Student Leads and with staff 

• Taking initiative on library projects and offering their assistance to library supervisors

• Creating and updating training materials as necessary

• Assessing and providing feedback on the training and performance of other student employees

• Participating in regular lead meetings (to be scheduled according to availability) 

• Providing library staff with feedback on student employee performance, work processes, and services

Transferable Skills: 

• Leadership and peer mentoring skills

• Teamwork and interpersonal skills (including negotiating, listening, sharing, empathizing)

• Skill in prioritizing tasks in the face of competing needs and priorities

• Ability to identify the key issues when making a decision or solving a problem

• Ability to delegate and communicate priorities and goals effectively

• Ability to report meaningful information to supervisors and colleagues and provide valuable feedback when appropriate

• Ability to monitor and oversee the work of others and to work with a range of personalities and backgrounds

• Ability to communicate and explain processes, concepts, or skills to a non-expert audience

Duties and Responsibilities: 

• Training and guiding new student workers

• Resolving evening/weekend scheduling emergencies

• Prioritizing and delegating tasks

• Maintaining knowledge of collections and circulation processes at Rolvaag Library and Halvorson Music Library

• Enforcing library rules and policies for both patrons and student colleagues

• Performing advanced functions in Alma as necessary

• Identifying materials in need of repair/preservation

• Assisting patrons in finding known items via the Catalyst catalog and in locating physical materials in Rolvaag and the Music Library

Qualifications: (Education/Experience/Skills)

• Minimum of two semesters working as an Access Services Student Assistant or equivalent experience

• Demonstrated ability to assist students, faculty, and staff in a proactive and positive manner

• Evidence of strong written communication, including timely responses to email

• Ability to perform detail-oriented tasks with excellent accuracy and efficiency

• Demonstrated reliability in shift attendance and written communication

Physical and Environmental Factors:

This position requires crouching, stooping, twisting/pivoting, reaching overhead, grasping/handling, pushing/pulling, and lifting and carrying objects up to 20 lbs. to perform the essential functions. It also requires exposure to respiratory factors and proximity hazards, as well as rare exposure to heights or cramped quarters. Candidates must possess the ability to safely perform the physical work required of all duties with or without reasonable accommodation.

This job description is for general information purposes.  It is not intended to list all duties and responsibilities of the position.  This job description is subject to change at any time by St. Olaf College, with or without prior notice.