The Value of Student Employees in Academic Libraries

Academic libraries rely on student employees in a variety of ways from covering the desk to shelf reading to helping keep the library open more hours than staff would be able to cover. Students bring added value to the library; the library work experience should reciprocate and provide value to its student employees. In public services positions, customer service is a major priority. To ensure consistent service to all users, librarians and staff need to serve as role models and lead by example. Being clear about student roles and expectations during onboarding and training is management's responsibility. Processes and procedures for student roles should be evaluated on a regular basis and revisions should be made in response to feedback from the student employees. This column will explore best practices in student employment in academic libraries from a variety of perspectives. In addition, the author will share their experience managing changes to a student employment program by examining expectations, roles, onboarding and training, and receiving feedback from the students to help shape and benefit future student opportunities.