Library Operations Assistant (Student)

Work Where You Learn: Build Experience, Grow Skills, and Contribute to Your University Community.

This position is available only to enrolled American University students.

Most student positions at American University are eligible to use Federal Work Study (FWS) awards, with a few exceptions. FWS funds cannot be applied to janitorial, construction, partisan or sectarian positions. For information or questions regarding FWS funds, please contact American University's Office of Financial Aid.

Important guidance for current American University employees: American University current employees, including those employed in student positions, must apply through their employee Workday account. If you are a current employee at American University, please log into your employee Workday account and select the Find Jobs report which will take you to our internal career listings. Applying outside of your employee Workday account may cause delays in a hire process.

Department:

Library Operations Support

Time Type:

Part time

FLSA Status:

Non-Exempt

Job Description:

Summary:

The Library Operations Student Assistant will primarily support the front-facing operations of AU Library, with specific emphasis on the daily operations of the Library Operations Department. This includes staffing various service desks, assisting patrons, and other duties as necessary. Typical job duties may include but are not limited to answering phones, providing information to visitors about the library and the campus, and stocking supplies. The student assistant may also patrol the library building to ensure patrons’ compliance with library policies and/or assist other library departments. 

Essential Functions: 

• Providing excellent customer service. 

• Providing directions and making referrals to other library departments and campus offices. 

• Addressing and referring patron concerns to appropriate leadership. 

• Operating multi-line phone systems. 

• Basic troubleshooting for minor technological issues, including familiarity with basic PC and Mac computer operations.  

• Managing the lost and found bin and stocking supplies for patron use. 

• Maintaining the presentability of Library spaces. 

• Recording patron data and other statistics. 

• Communicating patron concerns, housekeeping, and building issues to appropriate personnel. 

• Maintaining clear and proactive communication with supervisors in person and through online platforms such as Microsoft Teams and email. 

• Utilizing a range of software tools, including Microsoft Office Suite (Teams, Excel, Word), Springshare products (LibStaffer, LibCal, LibGuides), and library systems such as Alma and ILLiad. 

• Contributing to various other projects and duties assigned to support Library Operations and other Library Departments.  

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work:

• Part-time.
• 10 - 15 hours per week.

Salary Range:

• $18.40 per hour. 

Required Education and Experience:

• Must be an active full-time student at American University.  
• Excellent customer service, interpersonal, organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills. 
• Demonstrates a high level of honesty, integrity, and confidentiality, particularly when handling sensitive user information.
• Strong attention to detail, embraces a learning mindset, and stays actively engaged while prioritizing tasks and multitasking in a fast-paced environment.
• Adapts to evolving workflows and procedures with flexibility.
• Ability to work collegially with members from across the library and university.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Must be able to lift 40 pounds and push carts. 

Additional Eligibility Qualifications:

• It is highly recommended that a cover letter and resume be submitted as attachments to the online application. 
• This position is an onsite part-time student position. Students should expect to work 10 - 15 hours/week, depending on library hours; shifts may be scheduled between 8:00am - 10:00pm.
• Federal Work Study (FWS) awards are welcome.
• Please include your expected hours and days of availability in your application.
• Minimum commitment of 12 hours per week, with at least 16 hours of availability. Requires one weekend shift and willingness to work at least one opening shift (starting as early as 8 AM) and/or one closing shift (ending as late as 10 PM). Availability through finals week is expected.
• Following federal law, employers will provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities. Within the application, please let us know if you require accommodation to apply for or perform the duties of this position. 

Other Details

• This position is available only to enrolled American University students.

• Please note this job announcement is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

• American University is an E-Verify employer.

• Visit https://www.american.edu/hr/ for additional information about American University employment and benefits.

Current American University Employees

American University current employees (including those employed in student positions) must apply through their employee Workday account. If you are a current employee at American University, please log into Workday and select the Find Jobs report which will take you to our internal career listings.

Contact Us

For more information or assistance with the American University careers site, email [email protected].

American University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action institution that operates in compliance with applicable laws and regulations. The university does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex (including pregnancy), age, sexual orientation, disability, marital status, personal appearance, gender identity and expression, family responsibilities, political affiliation, source of income, veteran status, an individual’s genetic information or any other bases under federal or local laws (collectively "Protected Bases") in its programs and activities.