Cell phone usage is not allowed on the job. Put your cell phone on vibrate or turn it off and keep it in your backpack. Never, under any circumstances, should you take private phone calls while on the job, particularly while working on a service desk.
There is absolutely no eating at the service desk. Drinks are allowed in cover containers only.
Be punctual and regular in attendance. It is always your responsibility to work your scheduled time. That time was negotiated with you at the time you were hired based on your class schedule and your choices of times you could work. If you know in advance that you will be absent, it is your responsibility to arrange for a substitute. You need to let your supervisor know who that substitute will be. If an emergency arises and you are going to be late or absent, notify your supervisor immediately. Please follow the substitute protocol that is in your training manual.
In accepting a position at the library, you commit yourself to work until the end of the semester. Failure to come to work through the end of the final exam period, without making necessary substitutions or without approval from your supervisor, will jeopardize your employment for the following semester.
Your Biweekly Time Report must be completed by the end of each pay period. These are due on the 2nd Thursday of each pay period. Your supervisor will explain all of this to you at the time you are hired. Student employee wages are subject to federal withholding tax depending on the amount of gross earnings each pay period and how the W-4 form is filed.
Sign in on your time sheet when you arrive and sign out when you leave. Please remember to record any shelving statistics on your timesheet.
Dress appropriately for your job. Most students do not have the means to wear professional office attire; however, jeans or shorts in good condition and a nice shirt are appropriate. Do not wear short shorts or tank tops. If you are working at a public service desk, ball caps, hats, or hoodies at the service desk do not project the image desired so must be removed while on duty. You should probably not wear flip-flops or sandals due to risk of injury. While your supervisor should inform you about any dress codes, if you are unsure, ask!
Familiarize yourself with emergency procedures in this training libguide. It is important to know what to do in the event that an emergency does occur.
Always remember that while you are on the job, your responsibility is to the library. Personal commitments should not interfere with your job performance. The work you are expected to perform for the Library must come first ahead of any school assignments that you were hoping to get done while working. If you are doing schoolwork or studying while on the job, do not be so engrossed that patrons feel they are interrupting you. While some jobs do have some free time built in, you should not expect to be able to do your own work while on the job. Although your work site may be open for student use, refrain from inviting your friends to stop by for a chat while you are working. If they are using the services, help them, but keep your interaction professional.
Remember, this is a job. Quality performance is expected. Your supervisor and co-workers also may someday be a source of professional recommendation letters, and excellent performance will result in an excellent recommendation. Remember that poor performance will result in termination.
The Heard Library maintains the confidentiality of patron records. Working at the library you will have access to sensitive patron information (including patron records, registration records, fines/fees, fulfillment histories, etc....). Under no circumstances are you to share any patron information with any other patrons, including parents of students. Due to FERPA law, information can not be disclosed to anyone without the patron’s explicit written permission. Please contact a supervisor to handle these queries.
For some of you, this may be the first job you have ever held. Developing a professional attitude and self-discipline now will serve you well throughout your entire career. These guidelines are general behavior guidelines. They promote good work habits as well as providing the best service possible to library users.
