Performance Expectations for Library Student Assistants    

Commitment | Breaks | Socializing | Telephones | Studying | Headphones | Computers

Commit to keeping your work schedule

You and your supervisor will arrange your work schedule at the beginning of each semester. All student assistants are expected to report to work on time and remain until the end of the assigned shift. If an unusual situation arises and you know you will be late or unable to work your assigned shift or need to leave early, contact your supervisor as soon as possible. Contact your supervisor directly rather than leaving a voicemail message.

If you are unable to do so before the absence, you will need to meet with your supervisor as soon as possible after the absence and discuss the reasons for it. Your supervisor will determine if the absence will be categorized as Excused or Unexcused.

Because the library depends so heavily on our student assistants, unexcused absences are very serious. No-shows or last-minute late calls, and even excused absences, create problems for your supervisor, for the other student assistants in your department, and for those who come to use the library expecting it to be fully staffed. If you miss work, arrive late to work, or leave work before your shift has ended without supervisory approval (Unexcused Absence) your supervisor will take the following steps:
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First Unexcused Absence

• You will receive a written note via email. You will need to discuss the incident with your supervisor before or at the start of your next scheduled shift.
• Second Unexcused Absence: You will receive a written note again.  Be sure to discuss this second absence with your supervisor before working again.
• Third Unexcused Absence:   You may be dismissed.

We understand that sometimes there are circumstances that arise suddenly and you may need to miss work. If you have a legitimate reason, your supervisor may regard your absence as Excused. Nevertheless, even excused absences create problems for your supervisor and department. Therefore, after three Excused absences, your supervisor will schedule a meeting with you to discuss your commitment to your work here. It may be necessary to terminate employment.  Always talk to your supervisor. There may be a misunderstanding. We can most always solve problems when we talk them over.
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Breaks

If you work four hours in a shift, you may take a fifteen minute break halfway through your work session. If you work longer than four hours, for each hour over four you are entitled to a 5-minute break. The time taken will need to be at a time agreed upon by you and your supervisor. Breaks may not be used to cover a late arrival or an early departure.

If you work an eight hour day, you will actually be here 8 1/2 hours: taking your two fifteen minute breaks, and a thirty minute unpaid lunch. Any exceptions need to be arranged with your supervisor.
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Refrain from socializing while on duty

As Library Student Assistants, you are expected to focus on the duties that have been assigned to you. Socializing with friends while you are at work cannot be permitted. Certainly you may acknowledge your friends if you see them here in the library, but be sure to let them know by your words and by your actions that you are on duty and not available to talk with them.

Telephone usage

When answering the telephone, you are speaking on behalf of your department and the entire library. Prompt and courteous handling of telephone calls is important since first impressions are very often lasting ones. Your supervisor will provide the necessary information so that you will know how to transfer calls and how to place a caller on hold.

When answering the phone, be prepared to take a message -- be sure to write down complete information (name of caller, phone number or extension, date and time called, as well as the message).

Personal calls on library phones require permission from your supervisor and are limited to a few minutes. Disregard for this policy cannot be tolerated and such incidents will be treated with same consequences as outlined for unexcused absences.
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Cell Phones

Please do not use your cell phone while you are in the Library.

Studying while on duty

Keeping in mind the importance of remaining approachable, students generally will not be allowed to study while on duty. Any exceptions need to be arranged with your supervisor.

Head Phones

In most departments of the Library the use of headphoned is prohibited.  Check with your supervisor to determine the policy in your department.  Remaining approachable is key.

Library computers

Your employment in the library as a student assistant affords you many opportunities to increase your knowledge and skills with regard to electronic resources. You may discuss with your supervisor the possibility of using library staff computers to work on homework assignments when you are off duty and when they are not being used by patrons or staff members.
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