Work at Penfield Library

What does an Access Services Student Assistant do?

• Checks out, checks in, and renews items for library users
• Assists users with searching for items in the library catalog and / or on the shelves
• Refers questions to the Research Help Desk or Computer Lab Assistant as needed
• Sorts and shelves library materials
• Moves library materials and book carts as needed
• Other duties or projects as assigned

Does this unit involve interaction with library users? Yes

Are evening / weekend hours available? Yes; however, most available hours are between 8am - 5pm.

What does an Access Services Lead Student Assistant do?

This position is for students who have worked as Access Services Student Assistants. This person is often the only student assistant on duty at the Check-Out & Reserves Desk, so they should have a thorough understanding of library services and procedures. This person will also be involved in opening and closing the building, so they need to have demonstrated exceptional dependability while working as an Access Services Student Assistant.

Does this unit involve interaction with library users? Yes

Are evening / weekend hours available? Yes; people in this position primarily work evening / weekend hours. Available hours are:

• 5pm - 11pm, Monday through Thursday
• 5pm - 9pm, Friday
• 11am - 7pm, Saturday
• 11am - 11pm, Sunday

What does a Technical Services Student Assistant do?

• Opens packages and other mail
• Processes library materials (this includes stamping, taping, labeling, etc.)
• Repairs and reinforces materials
• Searches for items in the library catalog and / or on the shelves
• Moves library materials and book carts as needed
• Other duties or projects as assigned

Does this unit involve interaction with library users? No

Are evening / weekend hours available? No; available hours are:

• 8am - 4pm, Monday through Friday.

What does a Peer Reference Assistant do?

• Assists users with searching for items in the library catalog and / or on the shelves
• Helps users identify and search the best database(s) for their research question
• Answers basic questions about citations
• Helps users request items from other libraries
• Directs and / or refers people to other offices or services, both within the library and elsewhere on campus
• Refers users to librarians for complex research questions
• Assists with outreach activities (e.g. Research Parties, tabling at events, etc.)
• Other duties or projects as assigned

Does this unit involve interaction with library users? Yes

Are evening / weekend hours available? Yes; people in this position primarily work evening / weekend hours. Available hours are:

• 5pm - 9pm, Sunday through Thursday
• 3pm - 7pm, Friday

What does a Resource Sharing Student Assistant do?

• Packages and processes incoming and outgoing mail
• Retrieves materials from all floors of Penfield Library
• Scans materials
• Processes requests in our Resource Sharing software
• Other duties or projects as assigned

Does this unit involve interaction with library users? No

Are evening / weekend hours available? No; available hours are:

• 8am - 4pm, Monday through Friday.

What does an Archives & Special Collections Student Assistant do?

• Scans or digitizes original historical documents (or other media)
• Completes inventory of collections
• Shifts and organizes materials
• Assists with research

Does this unit involve interaction with library users? Yes, but minimal

Are evening / weekend hours available? No; available hours are:

• 8am - 4pm, Monday through Friday.