Student Worker

Handbook

Updated August 2017

 GENERAL LIBRARY INFORMATION
http://library.mhu.edu

Renfro Library Fall and Spring Semester:

Monday – Thursday 7:30 am – 11:00 pm

Friday 7:30 am – 5:00 pm
Saturday 11:00 am – 4:00 pm
Sunday 1:00 pm – 11:00 pm

Exceptions to this schedule are posted on the Library

website.

Renfro Library Address

100 Athletic St
PO Box 6704
Mars Hill, NC 28754

(828) 689-1518, Circulation Desk

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Welcome to Renfro Library! You represent the library to the
Mars Hill University community and are an important
member of the library team.

Remember, this is a job. Good performance is expected.

Your supervisor will recommend pay raises based on your
performance. Your supervisor and co-workers also may
someday be a source of professional recommendation
letters.

For some of you, this may be the first job you have ever
held. Developing a professional attitude and self-discipline
now will serve you well throughout your entire career.
Remember, our priority is providing the best service possible
to all library users.

 Learn your job and do it carefully and intentionally.

 Develop initiative and a sense of integrity about your

work.

 Build and maintain pleasant relations with fellow

workers and patrons.

 Please ask questions. The more you learn, the more

you grow as an employee.

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 STUDENT WORKERS IN RENFRO LIBRARY
MUST HAVE:

 Dependable work habits

 A friendly attitude, good communication skills &
be approachable
 Ability to work independently and responsibly
with minimal supervision
 Ability to perform detailed tasks while
maintaining a high level of accuracy
 Minimal mechanical skills for operating
photocopier, printers and circulation software as
needed

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

The Student Assistant in Public Services reports to the

Public Services Supervisors.

 Remember that good service to our patrons is

our PRIMARY GOAL
 Work as scheduled; come to work on time and be
ready to work
 Check materials in and out of the library
 Perform stack maintenance duties of assigned
section
 Provide patrons with basic directional
information

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 Assist with the opening and closing of the library
when working in the early morning and/or late
evening
 Assist patrons with the operation of the copiers
 Answer telephones and transfer calls to the
appropriate staff members
 Attend mandatory meetings as scheduled
 Alert supervisor of any problems that arise; feel
free to ask questions
 Perform other related duties as instructed by
supervisors and/or other library staff members
 Participate as a team member of the library staff
and take the initiative, when needed, in
performing duties
 Treat each patron with the same respect and
consideration
 Refer all reference questions to the librarian on
duty; reference phone ext. 1468

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 STUDENT WORKER POLICIES

Schedule

Work schedules are set at the beginning of each semester

by the Public Services Supervisors. The schedule is posted at
the circulation desk and on Time Tracker. During exam week
students will sign up for hours based on their exam schedule
and hours needed.

Every effort is made to schedule students so they can earn

their full financial award. It is each student’s responsibility
to work when scheduled. You may be able to make up
missed hours with a supervisor’s approval. You may not
work hours that have not been approved by a supervisor.
If possible, all schedule changes should be approved by a
supervisor in advance.

Students are not scheduled to work when they have classes

or other commitments. However, certain hours must be
covered and students may be asked to work hours that
they find undesirable.

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Absence/Late Policy

Work when you are scheduled to work. If you can’t make it,
it is your responsibility to find a substitute. It is
recommended that you trade shifts with another student
worker whenever possible, to keep up with your hours.

 If you miss a shift, you may be able to make up those

hours at a later time, with a supervisor’s approval.

 A student who is consistently absent, even if he/she

always informs a supervisor, may be subject to
dismissal.

If you are running late, call the front desk (828-689-1518)

and speak to your supervisor.

If you find it difficult to get to work on time, speak to your

supervisor about a schedule change. Being consistently late
will result in disciplinary action and eventual dismissal.

YOU MUST SPEAK TO A SUPERVISOR

IF YOU WILL BE ABSENT OR LATE.

DO NOT LEAVE A VOICEMAIL,

A MESSAGE WITH A STUDENT,
OR SEND A TEXT OR AN EMAIL.

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 Clocking in/out
Student workers record the hours they work on Time Tracker.
The main circulation computer is used to access Time Tracker.
You MAY NOT clock in/out on any other computer or device,
including your cell phone. Breaking this rule will result in
disciplinary action.
 Students may clock in 5 minutes before their shift
begins but no earlier unless approved by their
supervisor.
 If you need to leave early you MUST let your
supervisor know.

Inclement Weather
Every effort will be made to open the library during bad
weather.
If classes are delayed, there may be conflicts with your work
schedule.
 If you are scheduled at 8 am, call the library, check
Time Tracker and check your email for any messages
about delayed opening.
 If you are unable to work your normal hours, come
by the library during hours you are available to see if
you can work.
 All hours missed will have to be made up at another
time approved by a supervisor.
 If classes are cancelled due to weather; the library
will most likely be open.
 Call the library to make sure it is open and check
your email and Time Tracker for any updates.
 Use caution and good judgment when traveling to
the library.

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@ The Circulation Desk
 NEVER leave the desk unattended. If you must step
away from the circulation desk let your co-worker,
supervisor or librarian know.
 Always remember that while you are on the job,
your responsibility is to the library. The work you are
expected to perform for the Library must come first
ahead of any school assignments that you were
hoping to get done while working.
 Greet each patron before they reach the desk; look
up periodically so that you do not give the
impression to patrons that you are busy.
 You must be able to put anything to the side
immediately, because LIBRARY PATRONS ARE
ALWAYS YOUR FIRST PRIORITY.
 The circulation desk should be kept clean and clear
of clutter.
 Backpacks and other bags should be left in the
workroom while you are working at the circulation
desk.
 With your supervisor’s permission, you may surf the
internet, read or study while at the circulation desk.
 You should not conduct your own library
transactions. Another staff member must conduct
checkouts, fine payments and updates to your
patron record.
 If the circulation desk is in need of supplies, ASK
your supervisor. It is unacceptable to look through
drawers or cabinets in the workroom or at the
supervisor’s desk.

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 Behavior in the Library
We expect all of our student workers to observe the rules of
the library and the University whether they are working or
in the library on their own time.
It is your responsibility to be familiar with the policies stated
in the MHU Student Handbook.

Dress Code
When working at the circulation desk you may provide the
first impression one has of the library. Therefore we expect
our student workers to be neat, well-groomed and dressed
appropriately. The library will follow a casual / business
casual dress code.

Food/Drinks:
As a general rule food and uncovered drinks are not allowed
in the library. We do realize that there may be occasions
where our student workers will bring food into the library
because of limited time between classes and work. If this
occurs, check with your supervisor to determine the
appropriate place to eat or store your food.

Socializing
While working, limit personal conversations with patrons
and friends to 2-3 minutes. All personal conversations
should stop when waiting on a patron. If you are having a
problem with a friend, acquaintance, coworker, etc.
stopping by to talk while you are at work, please alert your
supervisor.

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Electronic Devices
 You are allowed to have your cellphone or mobile
device with you while working if you can
demonstrate responsible use.
 You must remain aware of the needs of the
circulation desk at all times and ensure patrons are
quickly greeted.
 Your cellphone or other device must be on silent and
no vibration.
 You may not wear headphones at the circulation
desk.
 You may not have voice conversations on your
cellphones unless it is an emergency, and you have
notified your supervisor. You should go into the
workroom to take the call.
 You may not have any laptops at the circulation desk.

If cellphone or other mobile device use interferes or

distracts you from the ability to provide good patron service,
this policy will shift dramatically. If you are unable to
manage proper cellphone use while at work you will be
asked to turn your cellphone into your supervisor at the
beginning of each shift. The supervisor will return your
cellphone at the end of your shift.

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 Disciplinary Action
Violations of the library policies will result in disciplinary
action.

If a warning is issued the supervisor with have a private

conversation with the student, the violation will be
explained and the documentation will be added to their file.

The verbal warning should be looked at as a learning

experience and an opportunity for improvement.

The action may be any of the following:

 Verbal warning
 Written warning
 Dismissal

Causes for Immediate Dismissal:

 Checking items out to anyone without

his/her MHU ID.
 Theft and/or damage to library property.
 Mistreatment and/or harassment of ANY
individuals while in the library — this
includes your friends and fellow students.
 Intentionally mis-shelving library books.
 Incorrectly reporting hours worked on
TimeTracker.
 Sharing confidential patron information.

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Initial each statement, sign and date at the bottom.
Cut out page and turn in to your supervisor.

_______ I understand that I clock in/out on the main circulation

computer only. Using other computers, iPads, cellphones, etc. is a
violation of library policy.

_______ I understand that if I am going to be late I must call the

library and speak with a supervisor. I understand that I cannot
leave a message, e-mail or text this information.

_______ I understand that if I cannot come in to work I must call

the library and speak with a supervisor. I understand that I cannot
leave a message, e-mail or text this information.

_______ If I need supplies that are not at the circulation desk I

must ask a supervisor for them. I cannot look in drawers or
cabinets in the work room or at the supervisor’s desk.

_______ I will never give out any confidential information about

our patrons.

_______ I will not conduct my own library transactions .

Student workers at Renfro Library are required to adhere to all of

the guidelines set forth in this handbook.
I acknowledge that I have received, read and understood all of the
contents contained in this handbook. I am aware of my
responsibilities and the Library’s expectations of me while I am
employed as a student worker.

Date _____________________________________

Signature ________________________________________

Printed Name _____________________________________

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Notes

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