Student Worker Training: Presentation and Representation

You should come to work clean, neat, and properly groomed. You may wear sport or casual clothes. Undershirts (beaters), tube or halter tops, sheer blouses or dresses, short shorts, or revealing garments are not considered appropriate attire. Guys’ pants must be pulled up and belted; ladies’ midriffs and cleavage should be covered. Shoes or sandals must be worn.

Your conduct should be pleasant and dignified. Please remember that you portray an image of the library – good, bad, or indifferent – to our patrons. Your job here is not to make social connections. Please save that for times when you are off the clock.

The library atmosphere should be conducive to study and work. Please do your part by avoiding extended or loud conversations with your friends or co-workers.

Headphones and earbuds are not allowed at service desks as they make student workers appear unapproachable and inattentive. 

Student workers are not allowed to use their cell phones while on duty or make or take personal calls on service desk telephones.

1. Having a student worker position is real work. It's not a paid study hall or subsidized Netflix binges. 

2. People are less likely to approach a person using a cell phone, watching a video, or wearing headphones for assistance. If your student worker position focuses on customer service, it would be better to avoid the above behaviors while at work, and some supervisors may ban any or all of these during your work times.

3. When in doubt, ask your work study supervisor about technology guidelines for your position. Don't just assume something is or isn't okay.

We depend on you for supportive help in getting our work done. Your immediate supervisor will train you in the skills needed to carry out this work. Our success and yours depend on your willingness to learn and perform a variety of tasks. Because of your schedule, it may not be possible to finish a task before you must clock out. Mark your work where you leave off so you or another worker may pick up the work at that point.

Do not leave an unfinished task scattered over a desk or in disorder. Put everything away and leave your work area as neat and clean as possible.

Your work schedule is arranged according to the hours the library is open, as well as to your class schedule. You are expected to report to work at the agreed-upon hours.

Your schedule is important to the smooth running of this organization and should not be changed without cause. Any work schedule change request must be put in writing and be approved by your supervisor. Schedule your work and work your schedule. If you are unable to come to work because of illness or emergency, please call your supervisor as soon as possible. If he or she does not answer, call your desk’s extension and speak with someone. Do not leave a voicemail only.