Student Work in the Evolving Library Landscape

This presentation shares a work-in-progress from the Technical Services department at the University of San Diego Copley Library as we work to retool our student worker program to center student skills and interests, provide a job experience that is fulfilling and transferable, and act as a gateway for future potential librarians. Student workers are integral to library operations, and student positions are valued both by the library and by the students themselves. For many students, working at the library may be one of their first jobs. However, resources related to supervising and mentoring student workers are typically centered around student workers in Access or Public Services, and more guidance is required around fostering a welcoming, rewarding, and transparent experience for students employed in other areas of the library. As a job provider, the library has a responsibility to create a job experience that yields career literacy, leverages library operations as opportunities for professional learning, and empowers students to own their work at the library.