Library Services Student Assistant Guide

• All student workers are expected to perform certain tasks such as check in/out and pre-shelving while at the front desk.
• When students are assigned to an AFD (Away From Desk) shift they are expected to be working on AFD related tasks. They are not permitted to sit behind the Library Services Desk
  • There will be an AFD task list posted in the Shelving Priorities in your Student Assistant Google Drive outlining what AFD related tasks you should be working on.
    • Certain students, based on experience, will be assigned specific tasks (ex) shelving the periodical book truck. Others will have 1^st, 2^nd and 3^rd priorities.
• Student workers are NOT allowed to wear headphones/earbuds at the desk
  • The only exception to this rule is if students are shelving
    • While working on shelving related tasks students are permitted to wear headphones/earbuds covering one ear only as long as it does not interfere with the accuracy of their work
• Student workers are expected to follow all college and library safety protocols
  • Failure to do so can result in disciplinary action which could lead to termination
• Student workers are NOT allowed to eat meals while working unless on break. A small, discreet snack like a granola bar is acceptable.
• While working, students should not be using personal electronics
  • Checking the occasional text is permitted as long as this privilege is not abused
  • Personal phone calls at the desk are not allowed
    • If you need to make a personal call, ask the shift supervisor/on-call librarian
  • Using your personal laptop at the desk is not allowed
• Please keep socializing with your friends down to a minimum. Explain that you are working and can meet up with them afterward.
• Because Student Assistants are considered library staff members, it is your responsibility to provide efficient and courteous service. Occasionally someone may become disagreeable, make unreasonable demands, or ask that you disregard established policy. It is important that you know the policy and explain it courteously. Should the person be unwilling to accept your statement, contact your supervisor immediately and explain the situation. The supervisor will come to your assistance and try to solve the problem, but it is essential that the supervisor understands from you what has occurred.
• If you are in doubt about any procedure or policy, it is your responsibility to consult the applicable manual or ask for help. Please do not guess about the way in which something should be done. It is acceptable to say you don’t know the answer but will find the answer, and then do exactly that.
• Student Assistants should direct all appropriate reference questions to the On Call-Librarian.
• By adhering to New York State Law, the Library maintains the confidentiality of circulation records: under no circumstances will the staff disclose the borrower’s name without the borrower’s consent.
• Student Assistants should report to their shift supervisor or during the evenings, the On-Call Librarian any instances of theft or abuse of library materials or property. The Public Services Desk student assistant must fill out a theft report at the time of the reported incident.
• The use of tobacco is not permitted anywhere in the Library. This policy applies to staff and patrons alike. People found using tobacco in any form will be asked to dispose of it or leave the library.
• Although food and drink are permitted in the library, if you see there are problems with food and drink, the items may be confiscated unless the patron immediately disposes of it or leaves the library. If a patron does not cooperate, you should call Security (x4444).
• Student Assistants, especially the Library Services Department Student Assistants, should review the Patron Code of Conduct found on the Library web site via the About Us tab and then the Library Policies link for a list of Library patron prohibited behaviors.

DISCIPLINARY ACTION

Disciplinary action may be taken against a Student Assistant for violation of Library policies and procedures. While any action is at the discretion of the supervisor, in general disciplinary action will be carried out as follows:

• First violation may result in a verbal warning.
• Second violation will result in a written warning.
• Third violation will result in dismissal from the position held at the Library.