Student Job Descriptions

Open 9am-5pm, Mon-Fri

Digitization Lab

The Digitization Lab is a part of ZSR’s Special Collections and Archives.  Students working in this area of ZSR Library convert physical objects such as photographs and documents into digital formats using a variety of technologies including high resolution scanners and digital SLR cameras. These students should be comfortable using computers and digital imaging software applications, and they should have an interest in learning new technologies. They must exhibit the ability to work effectively with minimal supervision and as part of a team; to work accurately in a detail-oriented production environment; to communicate clearly and concisely in both writing and speaking; and to adhere to established quality control techniques.

Interlibrary Loan & Document Delivery

Student assistants in Interlibrary Loan and Document Delivery are responsible for helping staff process loan, borrowing and delivery requests with minimal supervision. Must be able to multi-task and follow instructions. Attention to detail, legible handwriting, dependability and punctuality are very important. Duties include: looking up call numbers; pulling items from stacks; packing items for delivery via mail, scanning articles; utilizing interlibrary loan tracking software; delivering requested items to faculty offices utilizing Library golf cart; answering phone and taking complete messages when unable to answer questions; routine clean up in work area; notifying supervisor when supplies are running low.

Resource Services

Resource Services is staffed Monday through Friday only, no evenings or weekends. We need student assistants during those hours who can give excellent attention to detail and accuracy. Work is related to ordering books and DVDs, documenting receipt and payment records in the computer, sorting mail, managing periodicals (magazines, newspapers, bound journals), and preparing books for the shelf. Specific activities may include:

  • Researching (titles and prices) and verifying information
  • Data entry into the computer and filing papers
  • Moving around heavy boxes and carts of books
  • Writing and typing call numbers, stamping, sticking labels and barcodes

Special Collections & Archives

Students working in Special Collections & Archives will assist with collections work and public services for researchers and users. Collections work includes the processing of archives, rare books, and records by rehousing materials, arranging folders in order, retrieving, shifting, and shelving collection material, photocopying, and writing descriptions. Students may also input data into ArchivesSpace, the collection management system for Special Collections & Archives. Public services work includes service at the reference desk in 625, answering the telephone, directing calls or visitors, responding to reference requests, and monitoring researchers in the Research Room.

Students working in Preservation will be taught to repair books from the ZSR’s general and rare book collections. This work has a learning curve and takes time to learn, but is rewarding. Students interested in working in the Preservation Lab should be willing to put in the time needed to learn how to repair our books. Students are also taught to: construct archival boxes, make folders, encapsulate photographs and assist with other duties. Students need excellent hand skills or a background in art or craft skills.

Admin Office

Assist the Associate Dean and Business Manager with a regular walkthrough and review of the facility to ensure that student spaces are well-maintained and ready to accommodate individual and group study needs. The position will require excellent attention to detail and the ability to learn, implement, and maintain organizational systems. The selected student will also assist in retooling existing rooms to create efficient and effective use of existing space. Some assistance in events and their planning may be required.

Open When the Library is Open*

Library Services Desk

Student assistants working at the Library Services Desk serve as the first point of contact for library patrons. In this capacity, they are expected to greet users in person and on the telephone. Additionally, Student Assistants are responsible for checking materials in and out, arranging and reshelving returned items, responding to patron requests, searching for missing items, taking inventory, and shelf reading physical collections. Student Assistants also staff the entrance desk, assist with placing materials on reserve, keep circulation statistics, straighten and clear study areas, and assist with closing the library on Friday and Saturday evenings.

In addition, Student Assistants help library patrons with basic research inquiries and directional questions. This may include conducting searches in the library catalog or databases, locating library materials in the stacks, helping with printing/photocopying/microfilm machines, and offering referrals to ZSR Librarians and staff members. Applicants must enjoy interacting with people! Excellent customer service and communication skills are required. An interest in learning new research skills, perseverance in answering questions, and the ability to multitask are important characteristics for this position.

Reference, Instruction and Outreach (RIO)

RIO student workers work on projects related to the core duties of the team. This includes maintaining the collections on Wilson 4 (shelving and reshelving), assisting with preparation for special outreach events and initiatives, keeping our Little Free Libraries stocked across campus and at Wake Downtown, and working on special projects with our Government Documents and Microtext collections. Hours can be flexible but at least half need to be during M-F 8am – 5pm window.

* includes nights and weekends