Federal Work Study - Library Student Assistant

Penn State University; Harrisburg (Dauphin County); On-site; USD 14,000 - 19,000; Full time

Job summary

The Madlyn L. Hanes Library at Penn State Harrisburg is seeking Federal Work-Study student employees for the Fall 2026 and Spring 2027 semesters.

Student workers play an essential role in maintaining service during the library’s hours of operation, developing skills in time management, problem-solving, teamwork, and customer service in a collaborative campus environment. Starting hourly rate is $12.00, with opportunities to assist with information delivery, reference questions, and shelving

Qualifications

• Must have a Federal Work-Study award.
• A completed application, resume, and cover letter are required.
• Your resume and cover letter should include the days and times you are available to work.
• Respectful, friendly customer service skills are required.
• Strong communication and active listening skills, as well as attention to detail, are preferred.
• Good attendance is required.

Responsibilities

• Assist students, faculty, staff, and Pennsylvania residents at the library service desk.
• Answer general information and basic reference questions.
• Process library materials for checkout and return.
• Shelve library materials and perform collection maintenance tasks, including shelf reading, relocating library materials, and inventorying collections.
• Assist staff in other library service areas.

Skills

Customer service

Communication

Active listening

Attention to detail

Time management

Teamwork

Problem-solving

Job description

JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS

This position requires you to have received a work-study award. To verify if you have received a work-study award, please consult the Financial Aid Award Summary area in your LionPATH account. A Federal Work Study award does not guarantee a job is available. This position requires you to have received a work-study award. To verify if you have received a work-study award, please consult the Financial Aid Award Summary area in your LionPATH account. A Federal Work Study award does not guarantee a job is available.

The Madlyn L. Hanes Library at Penn State Harrisburg is seeking Federal Work-Study student employees for the Fall 2026 and Spring 2027 semesters. Student workers play an essential role in maintaining service during the library’s hours of operation. This position offers student workers an excellent opportunity to develop practical skills such as time management, problem-solving, teamwork, and customer service in a collaborative and supportive college campus environment.

Requirements

• Must have a Federal Work-Study award.
• A completed application, resume, and cover letter are required.
• Your resume and cover letter should include the days and times you are available to work.
• Respectful, friendly customer service skills are required.
• Strong communication and active listening skills, as well as attention to detail, are preferred.
• Good attendance is required.

Duties

• Assist students, faculty, staff, and Pennsylvania residents at the library service desk.
• Answer general information and basic reference questions.
• Process library materials for checkout and return.
• Shelve library materials and perform collection maintenance tasks, including shelf reading, relocating library materials, and inventorying collections.
• Assist staff in other library service areas.

The starting hourly rate for this position is $12.00.

The starting hourly rate for this job is $12.00.

Federal Work Study job performance is evaluated either annually or through ongoing mentorship. Students who received a Federal Work Study award have the opportunity to obtain a job and perform related duties either on campus, or remotely, if possible and at the discretion of the employer. Students applying for Federal Work Study positions should clarify expectations with their potential employer regarding either on campus/in person or remote work arrangements.

BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.

CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS

Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.

EEO IS THE LAW

Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473. Penn State is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university’s teaching, research, and service mission.

Our values are as follows; Integrity, Respect, Responsibility, Discovery, Excellence, and Community. We Are Penn State. One Community. Impacting Many.