UMBC
Albin O. Kuhn Library & Gallery

Student Worker Job Descriptions

Student workers have different roles depending on which department they work for.

Accounting & Receiving

Accounting & Receiving Student Assistant

Reports to: Accounting Associate or designee

Duties include:

  1. Sort and file. Sort and file open and closed purchase orders. File paid invoices.
  2. Ship. Process books and packages to be picked up by delivery service.
  3. Mail Delivery. Sort mail into mailboxes by individual and department. Deliver and pick up mail throughout library.
  4. Supplies. Help deliver supplies for library. Help with inventory and supply reorganization.
  5. Answer Phone. Responsible to answer telephone when staff members of Accounting and Receiving are not in the vicinity.
  6. Answer Delivery Bell. Responsible to answer loading dock delivery door and to help direct them through the building.
  7. Miscellaneous. Other duties as assigned.

All students hired are trained in all tasks, but may not actually perform all tasks, depending on the time of day that they work and the work flow in the department.

Skills: General office skills including keyboarding, filing and telephone skills useful. Should be able to lift items weighing up to 25 pounds.

Schedule: Students in this position generally work between 10 and 15 hours per week. Hours are flexible between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday - Friday.

Rev.: 4/30/97

Administrative Offices

Student Office/Inventory Assistant

Duties include: This position requires active physical work; lifting, pushing, or pulling required of objects up to 40 pounds sometimes. Duties include helping with maintaining Library inventory and routinely interacts with all constituents in the campus community. Transports furniture, office equipment, and related items within the AOK Library as needed. Also, answer telephones and direct callers to the appropriate staff person or unit or take messages. File into both general and student personnel files, and hand-carry items to other UMBC offices. Maintain bulletin boards throughout Library. Photocopy, collate documents and correspondence. Performs miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.

Skills: Quick learner. Ability to work with the public in a professional manner and to maintain confidentiality. Some familiarity with computers and word processing desirable. Some experience working with basic tools preferred but not required. Ability to understand basic oral and written instructions. Ability to work well with a diverse community of students, educators, administrative and other support staff. Ability to safely, and efficiently operate a pallet jack, lift gates, and platforms, as appropriate to the position. Ability to understand and follow specific instructions and procedures. Experience not necessary will train.

Schedule: 13:00 hours /week - Flexible schedule

Pay Scale: $8.75

Bibliographic & Metadata Services

Database Maintenance Assistant

Purpose: To perform routine database maintenance tasks

Reports to: Database Maintenance Coordinator

Duties include:

  1. Performing routine database maintenance tasks;
  2. Performing gift searching;
  3. Processing gift added copies;
  4. Participating in special database maintenance projects, working according to specific instructions;
  5. Using Aleph catalog system to set book item status from "In Process" to "On Shelf";
  6. Physically processing books
  7. Assisting with other clerical tasks as necessary.

Skills: Computer skills required; prior library experience desired; ability to follow procedures and perform routine database maintenance tasks in the Aleph catalog system; careful attention to detail.

Schedule: 10-15 hours per week (in shifts of not less than two hours) between the hours of 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday - Friday. Scheduling is flexible between these hours and a specific schedule will be arranged after hire.

Rev. 8/9/06

Cataloging Student Assistant

Purpose: To assist with various responsibilities of the Cataloging unit

Reports to: Library Technician II (Bibliographic Coordinator)

Duties include:

  1. Searching the online catalog to determine whether gift materials are already owned by A.O.K. and other USMAI libraries.
  2. Basic copy-cataloging of purchased books and gift books.
  3. Some physical activity, such as moving book-trucks through the library and shelving materials in the office.
  4. Answering the office telephone and taking messages when necessary.
  5. Other duties as assigned.

Skills: Student workers in this position will need to have excellent organizational skills. They need to be detail-oriented. Familiarity with the library's online system is a plus.

Schedule: Students in this position generally work between 10 and 15 hours a week (in shifts of not less than two hours) between the hours of 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday - Friday. The scheduling is flexible between those hours.

Rev. 4/22/08

Mending/Special Processing Student Assistant

Purpose: To mend books and process special items

Reports to: Library Technician II (Special Formats Copy Cataloger)

Duties include:

  1. To mend items not acceptable to be circulated.
  2. Return completed items to circulation weekly.
  3. Bring new items requiring mending to BMS.
  4. Transcribe credits of videos and dvds.
  5. Physical processing of dvds and videos.
  6. Physical processing of books with accompanying material.
  7. Attach bookplates.
  8. Other duties as assigned.

Skills: Organizational skills and attention to detailed work. Training will be provided.

Schedule: Students in this position generally work between 10 and 15 hours a week (in shifts of not less than two hours) between the hours of 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday - Friday. The scheduling is flexible between those hours.

Rev. 4/22/08

Processing Student Assistant

Purpose: To physically prepare library materials for the collections

Reports to: Database Maintenance Coordinator

Duties include:

  1. Using Microsoft Word to create and print labels;
  2. Physically processing books; labeling, stamping; tattle taping.
  3. Physically processing weeded library material;.
  4. Using Aleph catalog system to set book item status from "In Process" to "On Shelf";.
  5. Delivering materials to other departments in the library.
  6. Assisting with other clerical tasks as necessary.

Skills: Typing skills are required for this position. Student needs to be detail-oriented. Must be able to work efficiently and be willing to learn new tasks.

Schedule: Students in this position generally work between 10 and 15 hours per week between the hours of 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday - Friday. Scheduling is flexible between these hours and a specific schedule will be arranged after hire.

Rev. 8/9/06

Circulation

Circulation Services Student

Purpose: General Circulation tasks

Reports to: Student Employees Coordinator

Duties include:

  1. Use automated system to assist patrons at the Check Out Desk.
  2. Charge out books, retrieve holds, return books, and accept payment for fines.
  3. Check user's library circulation records.
  4. Answer questions regarding library holdings and library policy.
  5. Troubleshoot copiers and printers in the 1st floor copy room.
  6. Shelve and sort books in strict Library of Congress order.
  7. Shifting books in the stacks to adjust for the growth of the collection.
  8. Shelfreading (verifying that the books are shelved in strict call number order) assigned sections of the collection.
  9. Search and retrieve items from the collection.
  10. Monitor the entrance and exit of the library and responds to gate alarms.
  11. May be requested to assist at the security desk.
  12. Other duties as assigned.

Skills: Students should have the ability to work without close supervision and do repetitive work without losing concentration. Should be able to work at a reasonable pace while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail. Must be dependable and have the ability to remain calm and courteous yet firm when dealing with a problem. Students will need to shelve heavy books, push booktrucks, and shelve materials at various heights. Customer service experience is a plus.

Schedule: Generally 8-12 hours per week, Scheduling can be flexible: day, night, and weekend hours available.

Collection Management/ILL

Collection Management & Interlibrary Loan Student Assistant

Purpose: General assistance to the unit. All students are trained to work in the four areas of CM/ILL.

Reports to: Unit Staff

Duties include:

CM/ILL:

  1. Answer telephones and take messages.
  2. Search catalogUSMAI.
  3. Use photocopier.
  4. Other duties as assigned.

Interlibrary Loan Lending and Document Delivery:

  1. Retrieve journals & books from stacks.
  2. Scan journal articles and book chapters and send electronically to customers.
  3. Process microfilm/microfiche articles using Microfilm readers.
  4. Other duties as assigned.

Collection Management:

  1. Assist with donations to library.
  2. Assist with picking up donations on campus.
  3. Assist with packing and unpacking library material.
  4. Assist with replacing library books with newer gift books.
  5. Other duties as assigned.

Skills: Students must be detail oriented and self motivated; must be able to shelve books at heights of 0"-90", push loaded booktrucks, and lift boxes weighing up to 40 lbs.

Schedule: Should be able to work a set schedule of at least 10 hours per week. A shift should consist of at least 2 hours between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. on Monday through Friday.

Pay Scale: Entry Level

Rev. 12/20/16

Library IT Services

Library Computing Assistant

Purpose: Provide computer assistance as requested throughout the Library

Reports to: Library Information Technology Services Staff

Duties include:

  1. Keep Library stacks computers in service.
  2. Respond to staff requests for computer assistance (e.g., hardware/software problems, moving computers).
  3. Configure PC and Macintosh computers before being placed in service or when users change.
  4. Assist with departmental administrative projects (e.g., hardware/software inventory).
  5. Other duties as assigned.

Skills: Computing Services student assistants must be thoroughly familiar with personal computer hardware and software issues, comfortable in taking apart and putting back together such equipment. Computing Services student assistants must also be mature and able to function effectively in occasionally difficult interpersonal situations. Finally, they must also be able to function with little supervision.

Schedule: Minimum 10 hours per week between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., weekdays.

Pay Scale: Entry level

Rev. 4/30/97

Media

Library Media Student Assistant

Reports to: Media Staff

Duties include: Assist patrons at Digital Media Lab, accurately loan and return circulating equipment, implement opening and closing procedures, file and shelve media materials and circulating equipment, shelf read collections, complete daily checklists, work on various projects and other duties as assigned.

Skills: Punctuality, attention to detail, ability to work without constant supervision, ability to work well with the public, and a general knowledge of video/recording process is helpful (but not required).

Schedule: At least 8 hours per week. Although scheduling is flexible, the student must be able to work some day, night and weekend hours.

Pay Scale: Entry level

Reference

Reference Student Assistant

Purpose: Provide support to the Reference Department

Reports to: Reference Technician

Duties include:

  1. Providing patrons with directional, reference, and technical support at the reference desk, as well as provide point of need support on the first floor during peak periods of activity.
  2. Routine pickup, straightening, and maintenance of the reference room, reference collection, and leisure reading areas. Sorting materials and returning non-reference materials to the appropriate areas.
  3. Shelving books and other reference media by relevant classification system (e.g. Library of Congress call number system for reference books, Super Intendant of Documents system for federal publications, etc.).
  4. Processing Federal and State documents as well as performing maintenance related projects with Federal and State document collections.
  5. Supporting reference department faculty and staff with special assignments as needed.
  6. Other duties as assigned.

Skills: The student assistant must have strong communication skills and a disposition suited to public service. Additionally, the student assistant must be familiar with Microsoft Windows 7, MS Office 2007 (or later), and web based applications. The student assistant must be capable of performing tasks with minimal supervision, as well as work well in a team environment. Training will be provided for reference desk procedures and operations, layout of the library, and the classification systems by which library materials are organized. The ability to lift heavy books, push book trucks, and shelve materials at various heights is required.

Schedule: The student assistant will work between 4 to 10 hours per week. Work hours are flexible though student assistants must be available for some or all of the following critical times: Monday through Thursday 11 am to 2 pm, Monday through Thursday 6 pm to 8 pm, and Sunday between noon and 6 pm.

Pay Scale: Entry level

Rev. 11/30/2016

Student Web Assistant

Purpose: Provide support for Reference Department by assisting with web development activities, compiling data, and producing reports.

Reports to: Web Services Librarian

Duties include:

  1. Assisting with editing/creating web pages and web-based services
  2. Assisting with usability studies and focus groups to assess the library's website and services, including conducting surveys and interviews with library patrons and UMBC students
  3. Compiling results of assessment activities and assisting with other special reports
  4. Assisting with creation and editing of online tutorials
  5. May also have the opportunity to participate in and provide support for various other reference-related projects.

Skills: The assistant should have a basic understanding of how information is organized, technical competence with computers and databases, word processing and common office software, experience with HTML, Javascript, and ability and aptitude to learn basic PHP. Preference will be given to applicants who are experienced with tutorial creation software, such as Adobe Illustrator, TechSmith Camtasia, or Adobe Captivate; or who have graphic design experience; or who are taking (or have taken) IS 303 or IS 387. The assistant should be motivated, able to work in a team-based collaborative environment or independently, and possess excellent oral and written communication skills. The assistant must also display demonstrated professionalism, good judgment skills, excellent public service orientation, and exceptional interpersonal skills.

Schedule: Up to 10 hours per week during the Fall, Spring, and Summer semesters; work hours are somewhat flexible.

Pay Scale: Special Skills level

Rev. 6/11/2015

Serials

Serials Student Assistant

Purpose: Assist in Serials Department

Reports to: Serials Technician

Duties include:

  1. Shelve serials issues and bound serials volumes.
  2. Assist patrons in the use of photocopy and microform equipment.
  3. Check in and shelves newspaper issues.
  4. Assist in shifting serials bound volumes.
  5. Other duties as assigned.

Skills: Requires the ability to work independently on assigned tasks, a willingness to learn new tasks, and an interest in working with the public. Technical training will be provided after hire.

Schedule: Be able to work at least 10 hours per week on a set schedule.

Pay Scale: Entry level

Rev. 12/20/16

Special Collections

Special Collections Assistant

Purpose: To assist visitors in Special Collections

Reports to: Chief Curator

Duties include:
A. Work at the Special Collections Desk.

  1. Greet patrons and provide instruction on how to use Special Collections.
  2. Page materials and instruct patrons on how to handle and use materials.
  3. Answer the telephone, direct patron inquiries to the proper person, and take messages carefully and accurately.
  4. Maintain security of the materials and Special Collections.
  5. Instruct patrons on how to use the on-line catalog.
  6. Instruct patrons in the use of computer equipment for scanning images.
B. Assistance to the Special Collections Staff
  1. Assist with photocopying.
  2. Assist with archival processing.
  3. Shelve books, portfolios and other materials.
  4. Other duties as assigned.

Skills: Knowledge of computers and computer operation. Ability to learn quickly software that may be unfamiliar such as Word Perfect and dbase. Friendly positive manner. This position requires the ability to work with the public at the Special Collections Desk, as well as to provide instruction to patrons in the use of the on-line catalog and other computer equipment such as for image scanning.

In addition, the candidate must have better than average communications skills, and the ability to listen and verbalize carefully in interacting with others. The person must be able adhere to a schedule. They must also be able to learn Special Collections procedures, and must understand the Library of Congress filing procedures for arrangement of books on shelves.

Schedule: Minimum 10 hours per week

Pay Scale: Entry level

Special Collections/Archives Assistant

Purpose: To assist in Special Collections

Reports to: Chief Curator

Duties include:
A. Image Scanning

  1. Work with computer and scanner to digitize images.
  2. Assist with digitization project.
  3. Create databases to access digitized images.
B. Work at the Special Collections Desk
  1. Greet patrons and provide instruction on how to use Special Collections.
  2. Page materials and instruct patrons on how to handle and use materials.
  3. Answer the telephone, direct patron inquiries to the proper person, and take messages carefully and accurately.
  4. Maintain security of the materials and Special Collections.
  5. Instruct patrons on how to use the on-line catalog.
  6. Instruct patrons in the use of computer equipment for scanning images.
C. Assistance to the Special Collections Staff
  1. Assist with photocopying.
  2. Assist with archival processing.
  3. Shelve books, portfolios and other materials.
  4. Other duties as assigned.

Skills: Knowledge of computers and scanning. Ability to learn quickly software that may be unfamiliar such as Word Perfect and dbase. Friendly positive manner.

In addition, the candidate must have better than average communications skills, and the ability to listen and verbalize carefully in interacting with others. The person must be able adhere to a schedule. They must also be able to learn Special Collections procedures, and must understand the Library of Congress filing procedures for arrangement of books on shelves.

This position requires familiarity with computers and image scanning, and the ability to work with the public at the Special Collections Desk. In addition, the position requires the ability to provide instruction to patrons in the use of the on-line catalog, as well as the ability to learn archives processing.

Schedule: Minimum 10 hours per week

Pay Scale: Entry level

Rev. 4/30/97

Gallery Student Assistant

Purpose: To provide assistance with designated aspects of gallery exhibitions.

Reports to: Curator of Exhibitions

Duties include:

  1. Preparation of gallery for exhibitions, matting and framing, art handling, and exhibition installations.
  2. Assist with bulk mailings and organization of gallery programs.

Skills:

  1. Working knowledge of matting and/or framing or recognized ability to be trained in that skill.
  2. Ability and interest to be trained in the proper handling of museum quality art works.
  3. Strong organization skills and attention to detail.
  4. Ability to work well with limited supervision.
  5. Ability to learn new tasks and skills quickly and efficiently.
  6. Student should be an undergraduate with several other work experiences and must come with strong references.
  7. Other duties as assigned.

Schedule: Minimum of 10 hours per week.

Pay Scale: Entry level

Gallery Exhibitions Assistant

Purpose: To provide clerical support and manual assistance to all aspects of Gallery programs, including exhibitions, grants/fundraising, educational programs and receptions.

Reports to: Curator of Exhibitions

Duties include:

  1. To provide clerical support and manual assistance to all aspects of Gallery programs, including exhibitions, grants/fundraising, educational programs and receptions.
  2. Preparation of preliminary research for corporate and foundation support, registrarial duties for exhibitions on loan an traveling, installation details - (i.e. lights and assistance to curator(s) for exhibition arrangements).
  3. Assistance with paperwork, and correspondence and phone calls to artists and others for exhibition organization.
  4. Other duties as assigned.

Skills:

  1. Previous experience with museum or gallery a plus but not required.
  2. Some experience in working with archival materials and art handling.
  3. Strong writing and oral skills.
  4. Requires strong organizational skills with attention to detail.
  5. Ability to work well with limited supervision and to take initiative with projects.
  6. Ability to learn new tasks and skills quickly and efficiently.
  7. Must be a graduate student or an advanced undergraduate with strong references.

Schedule: Minimum 10 hours per week.

Pay Scale: Entry level