Student Worker ExpectationsGUIDELINES FOR SUCCESS

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Welcome! » We are glad you’re here!» You represent the library. Set a positive tone for the

patron’s library experience.

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Customer Service » Interact in a respectful and friendly manner with

everyone.» Your first priority is always to assist patrons. This

expectation applies when in the stacks or at a desk. » In-person patrons have priority over those on the

phone. When answering, please use good phone etiquette and take clear messages.

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Customer Service » Look up frequently, and greet patrons as they

approach. » Reach out to ask if patrons need assistance if they

appear unsure about something.» Advocate for the patron: A-R-O

» Answer directional questions and help patrons locate items.» Refer all reference questions to a staff member or librarian.» Offer contact information if staff/librarian not available.

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Patron Privacy» You will have access to some patron information

Personal information is not shared. Personal information includes but is not limited to

telephone number, address, materials checked out, etc.» Never tell anyone, including faculty, who has an item checked

out. You can only say when an item is due.» Fine information can only be shared with that patron.» Do not discuss library records over the telephone.» Do not access patron records unless necessary as part of your

work duties

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Desk Conduct» Be friendly, but don’t socialize excessively.

If friends stop by the desk or stop you while you are working in the stacks, let them know you are working and will catch up with them when your shift is over.

» Focus on the task at hand Your job when at the desk is to assist patrons. Having books, papers, cell phones, and tablets out while

working is a distraction and not allowed. You may listen to music while working in the stacks, but

should not be using your phone for texting/social media.

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Safety and Security

» Be alert to your surroundings. Let your supervisor know of any problems you notice.

» If a situation causes concern, contact your supervisor immediately. You can also contact campus security at 711. You are NOT expected to handle potentially dangerous situations. Your job is to get yourself and others to safety.

» In the event of a fire alarm, please leave the building immediately, and ask others to do the same.

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Attendance» We depend on our students!» Absences

Three unexcused absences during a semester will result in termination.

Failure to call in and/or report to work for two (2) consecutive workdays is considered voluntary termination of employment.

» Tardiness If you are more than 15 minutes late for your shift, your

supervisor may ask you to leave and count the shift as an unexcused absence.

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Attendance» Illness

Please do not come in sick! If you cannot make it for your shift, you are expected to

find a substitute. No coverage is not acceptable. Contact your supervisor promptly if you will be late, must

miss a shift due to an emergency, or cannot find a sub.

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Timesheets» Pay period: Thursday - Wednesday» ***Due by close of business Tuesday***» Make sure Wednesday hours are on them; if you end

up changing hours Wednesday, let your supervisor know ASAP!

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Breaks» If you work between 4 and 6 hours, you are entitled to

a 15 minute break.» When you work a shift that is 6 or more hours, you are

required to take a 30 minute unpaid break.» Thirty minute breaks must be recorded on your

timesheet.» Check with your supervisor to make sure it is a good

time for you to go on break.

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Getting a Sub» If you are unable to work, you must find a sub to

cover your shift» Post sub requests to the BlackBoard discussion

board» Let your supervisor know who will be covering your

shift

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Semester Breaks» We expect our student employees to be available to

work until the last day of exams.» If you need to stop working before the end of the last

day of exams, you must speak with your supervisor at least 10 days in advance of your last day.

» The library is open during school breaks. Communicate with your supervisor as soon as possible if you’d like to work over a break.

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Communication» We will email your syr.edu account with important

changes and announcements. Please check this regularly.

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Performance and evaluation» You will be provided with constructive feedback.

You will receive periodic evaluation, including after the first weeks on the job and at the end of the year.

Reasons for potential dismissal include:» Falsification of a timesheet» Repeated lateness or unexcused absences» Failure to follow Library policies or lack of cooperation» Use of or being under the influence of drugs or alcohol at work

If you don’t know, ask! We don’t expect you to know everything right away; the library can be complicated.