Office: Library
Position: Loan Services Desk Assistant
Major: Classical Studies (Concentrations in Archaeology and Medieval and Renaissance Studies)
In addition to working at the Library, Alex also works as a Greek Tutor and an Archaeology Program Student Assistant!
What do you do in this position?
As a Loan Services Desk Assistant, I work at one of the two desks at the front of library, helping students, professors, and other patrons find and borrow books and films from the general collection and reserves.
How did you get your position?
During my freshman spring, I realized that I would have to find a new work-study job for the next year. One of the other freshman living on my floor had been assigned a shelving job at the library and offered to introduce me to her supervisor. I went in for my interview later that same week, and got hired!
What new skills have you acquired?
I’ve gradually learned a little bit about the Library of Congress classification system, figured out the ins and outs of the library catalog software, and have gotten better at figuring out how to help people on my own.
How will your student employment experience help you in your future?
Given that I’m a humanities major, knowing my way around libraries is pretty much a given. Knowing more about what goes on behind the scenes and having a better understanding of how libraries are organized continues to serve me well. I’m currently planning on (eventually) going to grad school, where library knowledge will be essential.
What type of person do you feel is best suited for this position?
I think that someone who is comfortable talking to people and answering questions helpfully, especially helping people to figure out what exactly they’re looking for, is well-suited to this job. Motivation is also important: sometimes shifts can be pleasantly low-key without very many patrons, and sometimes you’ll be on your feet grabbing books from reserves, checking out DVDs, and checking in other books for all two hours of shift. Liking to read is a plus!
What do you like best about your student employment position?
I love libraries! I have a lot of fun hanging out with my co-workers, and I also really enjoy helping people to find books.