Student Library Assistant

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:

• CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.

• CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.

• If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click “Apply” and complete the application process for external applicants.

JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS

This position requires you to have received a work-study award. To verify if you have received a work-study award, please consult the Financial Aid Award Summary area in your LionPATH account. A Federal Work Study award does not guarantee a job is available. 

The Student Library Assistant (SLA) position is composed of three main functions: Circulation, Shelving, and Special Projects. Training will be provided, no library experience required. Training will begin during the Fall 2025 semester. We are looking for students who can work during the next academic year: Fall 2025 and Spring 2026.

Circulation Desk

Be responsible for providing outstanding service to our community (direct interaction with students, staff, faculty, and community members) with empathy and clear communication.

• Help others locate information and identify appropriate resources for additional support.

• Check out/in books and equipment and confirm room reservations.

• Learn about the library's catalog, electronic services, and various print collections with the support of our team.

• Make referrals for an in-depth library consultation

• Communicate any service concerns to the supervisor and/or circulation team and provide feedback to improve services.

Shelving

• Ensure materials are shelved in the correct location, using the Library of Congress Classification (LOC).

• Sort, shelve, and retrieve materials.

• Identify materials that may be misplaced, askew, or need repair.

• Use in-house software (shelfreader.com) to ensure materials are in the correct location.

 Special Projects

• Special projects are optional tasks that help the library with larger projects. We try to match your skills and interests to the task. Some examples are: 
• Creating signs to advertise programs or services
• Designing social media posts
• Assisting with general troubleshooting and providing feedback on new services.
• SLAs meet once or twice a month to learn from each other, explore resources within University Libraries, and participate in professional development opportunities. Looking for these requirements:
• Customer service experience through work, volunteering, or personal projects
• Ability to clearly communicate using chat, email, and face-to-face
• Competent in using multiple systems, websites, and tabs to checkout items and locate information. Can sit or stand at the circulation desk for 4+ hours at a time, guide a patron around the library, push/pull a book cart up to 50 lbs, lift books and/or equipment, kneel to browse low shelves, use a kick stool to browse high shelves. Reasonable accommodations are available.
• Can positively navigate change and uncertainty

All members of the University Libraries community are responsible for, and expected to, exemplify and promote civility by following the University Libraries Civility Statement and Guidelines.

What We Can Offer:

• A supportive team to assist, train, and mentor you.
• Opportunities to work with Thun team members on special projects and events.
• Professional development and learning opportunities.
• Hourly Rate of $12.50 per hour

To apply for this position, please submit:

• Cover letter explaining why this opportunity is an ideal position for you, how many years you are planning to be at Berks, and tell us where your favorite spot on campus is and why. 
• Resume
• Class schedule for Fall 2025 (Please note any additional times you are not available due to other commitments – tutoring, weekly appointments, clubs, etc.)
• Applications will be reviewed beginning on Monday, September 15, 2025.

If you have any questions, please contact the Hiring Manager – Kim Cowell at [email protected].

The starting hourly rate for this job is $12.50.Federal Work Study job performance is evaluated either annually or through ongoing mentorship. Students who received a Federal Work Study award have the opportunity to obtain a job and perform related duties either on campus, or remotely, if possible and at the discretion of the employer.  Students applying for Federal Work Study positions should clarify expectations with their potential employer regarding either on campus/in person or remote work arrangements.

BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.

CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS

The Pennsylvania State University is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university’s teaching, research, and service mission.

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