Federal Work-Study - Library Student Assistant

Ivy Tech Community College of Indiana; Columbus (IN); On-site; USD 17,000 - 25,000; Part time

Job summary

Ivy Tech Community College of Indiana is seeking work-study library assistants to support patrons and staff on campus. You’ll help with basic questions, shelving, check-in/check-out, and directing patrons to the right desks and services.

The role emphasizes friendly service, basic troubleshooting, and contributing to library programming. Training is provided, and the position supports students while balancing coursework.

Qualifications

• Completed FAFSA on file demonstrating financial need.
• Maintain an aid-eligible SAP status.
• Ability to communicate with library patrons, staff, and faculty.

Responsibilities

• Open/close the library and manage the door; assist patrons at the desk.
• Check in/check out library materials.
• Answer directional questions and help triage to librarians, bookstore, or testing center.
• Greet patrons and support library programming and events.
• Shelve books and count patrons using the library.

Skills

Communication skills

MS Office

Patron assistance

Education

Completed FAFSA on file

Maintain SAP status

Tools

MS Office

Library management system

Job description

Work-study students as library assistants perform critical roles in assisting library patrons and freeing library professional staff for instruction, management, and outreach. Work study students can triage requests to answer simple questions (“where do I find this journal” or “is there a printer I can use?”) Work-study students present a friendly and welcoming face to patrons of the library. Work-study students benefit in learning how to use the library effectively, while sharing their knowledge with their peers and other patrons.

Duties and Responsibilities

• 1.Open/close the library. The pull-down door of the library is heavy and the lock at the bottom of the door. It is difficult for mobility impaired.
• 2.Check in/check out library materials.
• 3.Answer directional questions—where are the library stacks, where is the printer, where is the auditorium, where is the restroom, where is IUPUC, and where is my class?
• 4.Triage questions to know whether the student should be referred to a librarian, the bookstore, or the testing center.
• 5.Greet people entering library! A friendly face helps our library and encourages people to return. This is a very essential function.
• 6.Assist with library programming—this may mean moving tables together or helping set up for Comic Con.
• 7.Shelve books. Books are checked out or taken off the shelves and need to be returned to the correct location.
• 8.Count patrons. The library’s electronic counter is broken, so we take counts of people who are using the library every hour—every half hour might even be more useful data. This is another opportunity to interact in a friendly manner with patrons.
• 9.Other duties as assigned, such as checking the library management system for broken links or looking for misplaced books.
• 10.Troubleshoot printer and computer problems for patrons.

General Qualifications

• 1.Ability to communicate with library patrons, staff, and faculty.
• 2.Able to lift 10-20 lbs. for moving books or opening/closing the security door.
• 3.Some familiarity with MS office suite for assisting library patrons. Will train for use of software used by the library and basic troubleshooting for patrons.

Required qualifications

• 1.Completed FAFSA on file demonstrating financial need.
• 2.Maintain an aid-eligible Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) status.

Pay Rate: $15/hr.

Ivy Tech Community College is an accredited, equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, national origin, marital status, religion, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, age or veteran status. As required by Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Ivy Tech Community College does not discriminate on the basis of sex, including sexual harassment in its educational programs and activities, including employment and admissions. Questions specific to Title IX may be referred to the College’s Title IX Coordinator or to the US Department of Education Office of Civil Rights.

At Ivy Tech, you’ll be part of something bigger, where collaboration fuels innovation, learning is a shared journey, and meaningful goals become life-changing achievements. As Indiana’s only full-fledged community college, we’re deeply rooted in our mission to empower students, strengthen communities, and support one another every step of the way. No matter your role, you’ll be valued, supported, and inspired because here, people come first. Our faculty and staff are united by purpose, driven by passion, and proud of the difference we make together. Join a team where your work matters. Discover your potential. Make your impact. Ivy Tech is the largest singly accredited community college system in the nation. Providing education across Indiana, we motivate and inspire students as they pursue their futures. To achieve this, it takes a community of over 6,500 employees in 75 locations.

Competitive benefits and professional development programs The most advanced technologies in our classrooms and training facilities Collaborative and innovative culture with a focus on creativity and employee belonging Commitment to adapting to meet Indiana's workforce needs and fostering a sustainable, inclusive workplace