Untapped Potential Utilizing the Gifts and Talents of Student Workers through a Student Supervisor Program Alison Johnson, MLS Public Services Librarian Jackson Library, Indiana Wesleyan University
Untapped Potential: Utilizing the Gifts and Talents of Student Workers through a Student Supervisor Program
Dec 25, 2014
In the face of shrinking budgets and hiring freezes, your library may be looking for creative ways to get more work done with less money and less staffing. This workshop will share the experiences of the Student Supervisor program at Indiana Wesleyan University’s Jackson Library and explain how Student Supervisors can increase productivity and save money in your library. At Jackson Library, these student workers provide supervision of the library in the absence of professional library staff during late night hours, perform important, but time-consuming maintenance of the collections, and work on special projects according to their areas of study and skills (marketing, graphic design, education, etc). Learn how your library can turn your “part-time help” into vital pre-professional staff.
Welcome message from author
This document is posted to help you gain knowledge. Please leave a comment to let me know what you think about it! Share it to your friends and learn new things together.
Transcript
Untapped PotentialUtilizing the Gifts and Talents of Student Workers
through a Student Supervisor Program
Alison Johnson, MLSPublic Services LibrarianJackson Library, Indiana Wesleyan University
Our Needs…
Supervision from 10pm-12am
Ease workload of professional librarians
Make the best use of student worker hours Jackson Library,
Indiana Wesleyan University
…without increasing budget
Our Solution…
Student Supervisors
What are Student Supervisors?
Experienced Circulation Workers
Supervise during closing shifts
Assigned specific areas to supervise
Perform specialized tasks requiring additional training
Utilize their unique talents and skills through special projects
Benefits…
Met all of our original needs and more…
Created more ownership for student workers
Helped develop the professional skills and talents of
our student workers
Maintained a fair distribution of work
Provided regular collection maintenance that was not
previously possible
Created an informal student advisory committee
Very little extra cost
Made Possible By…
Willingness and flexibility from administration
and
great student workers
The Process…
Get administrative
approval.
Identify tasks that can be
delegated to supervisors.
Group tasks to create
different positions.
Write detailed job
descriptions.
PLAN
The Process…
Promote and explain positions to student workers.
Identify students with strong, independent work ethics and special skills/talents.
HIRE
The Process…
Meet before the school year begins.
Go over Agreement of Conduct.
Familiarize supervisors with their areas of responsibility.
Brainstorm with all supervisors.
TRAIN
The Process…
Weekly meetings to discuss current issues.
Regularly review job descriptions to determine projects and tasks.
Work on special tasks/projects as they arise.
WORK
The Process…
Conduct self-evaluation and formal evaluation.
Set goals for next semester.
Update and revise job descriptions annually.
EVALUATE
The Positions…
Maintain periodicals collection.
Update missing periodicals and duplicate exchange.
Coordinate used book sales.
Assist with bindery procedures.
Periodicals Supervisor
Working on “Lift” signs for shelving
Updated Duplicate Exchange List
The Positions…
Search for lost/missing items.
Oversee shelving schedule and accuracy.
Maintain neatness and cleanliness throughout library.
Stacks Supervisor
“Shelving checks” for accuracy
Archives Display Case
Missing Book List
The Positions…
Promote a positive and fun work environment.
Implement various forms of ongoing training.
Manage Blackboard communication.
Maintain employee and payroll information.
Training Supervisor
Track student worker hours
Missing Book List
Training Manual
Blackboard Survey
The Positions…
Maintain supplies and forms.
Manage hold shelf, room reservations, lost and found.
Design signs and promotional materials.
Desk Supervisor
Bookmarks
Staff Photos
Challenges…
Supervisors only work 10 hr/week and do not stay for breaks
Too much flexibility can be a problem
Educating other student workers about the role of supervisors
Jackson Library,Indiana Wesleyan University
Benefits for Students…
Higher pay
More flexibility
Job-related experience and supervisory skills
For more information:PowerPoint Presentation, Code of Conduct, and
Sample Job Descriptions available online at:
http://alisonlibraryportfolio.wordpress.com/student-supervisor-program/
Alison Johnson [email protected] 765.677.2383
Related Documents
