Circulation Student Worker Handbook

Obviously there are varying levels of unacceptable behavior. Some behaviors will warrant being spoken to and some will warrant dismissal. As long as you do your best to avoid unwanted behaviors, your time as a student worker will go smoothly.

Library Telephones

• Library Telephones are business telephones for official use only.

• Employees are expected to answer incoming calls in a professional manner.

Computers and Headphones

• Library computers are for business purposes and should be used in such a manner.

• Lap tops are permitted at the Circulation Desk, but should not be used unless all other library duties are completed.

• Headphones are NOT ALLOWED at the circulation desk. Public service is your first priority and it is not good practice to be listening to something and unaware of your surroundings or potential patrons.

Cell Phones

• Cell phones are to be used in emergency situations only

• Please keep cell phones below the desk or in your pocket

• Texting is allowed SPARINGLY while working in the library. The patrons are you first priority and it is rude to be talking or texting on the phone when you are being paid to help customers.

Sleeping

• Students may NEVER sleep on the job.

• Any student caught sleeping during working hours will receive a warning for poor performance.

• Repeated warnings will lead to termination.

Substance Abuse

• Reporting to work under the influence of any controlled substance (drugs or alcohol) will not be tolerated.

• It will result in immediate termination.

Absenteeism

• It is imperative that the public service areas of the library are adequately staffed at all times.
• If a student is unable to work his or her assigned shift, it is the student’s responsibility to find a replacement.
• The replacement must be another student who has been hired and trained by the library staff.
• Students must notify the department supervisor of any changes in the schedule.
• Students must inform their supervisor about any special situations that may require temporary or permanent changes in the schedule.
• Unanticipated absences due to illness or other emergencies must be reported to the department supervisor as soon as possible in order to ensure staff coverage. At lease one hour’s notice would be preferred.
• The appropriate phone numbers are listed in this handbook and on the Blackboard site.
• Absences without prior notification may lead to dismissal.

Tardiness

• Students are required to report to work on time. This is to ensure that the library is adequately staffed as well as to allow other Student Assistants to leave at their appointed time.
• If a student is late by fifteen or more minutes three times, it will be considered one unexcused absence.
• If this pattern of behavior continues it may result in termination.
• Common courtesy would be appreciated

Please be aware that the times you enter in MassHR are regularly checked against Shift Planning and hours are calculated carefully. Trying to add time for hours you are not working is immediate grounds for dismissal. Do not have anyone else "punch in" or "punch out" for you. Please do not try to "steal" time. It is rude to your fellow co-workers and disrespectful to the library and its staff. Please be honest when entering your time.

• Please be aware that conversations had at the circulation desk must be appropriate and professional. Anyone can hear your conversation and it is important to keep it light and comfortable for all.
• If a co-worker or patron is uncomfortable with the topic being discussed and tells you so, please cease the conversation immediately. We want everyone to feel safe and comfortable both at work and as users of the library.
• When your shift is over, it is important for you to sign out and leave the immediate area. It's too crowded to be hanging around behind or in front of the desk. 
• Also, we don't want friends talking to those who are working at the circulation desk because they need to be paying attention to library patrons/duties. Friends are never allowed behind the desk.