Library Operations Assistant (Student)

American University; United States; On-site; USD 24,796 - 30,307; Part time

Job summary

American University is seeking a Library Operations Student Assistant to support front-facing services within AU Library. The role focuses on daily operations across service desks, patron assistance, and related duties to keep spaces welcoming and functional.

The position is part-time (10–15 hours per week), paying $18.40 per hour, and requires active enrollment as a student at American University. Candidates should demonstrate strong customer service and teamwork, with flexibility across

Qualifications

• Active full-time student at American University.
• Excellent customer service, interpersonal, organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Honesty, integrity, and confidentiality handling sensitive user information.
• Strong attention to detail, learning mindset, and staying actively engaged while multitasking in a fast-paced environment.
• Adapts to evolving workflows and procedures with flexibility.
• Ability to lift 40 pounds and push carts.

Responsibilities

• Staffing various service desks and assisting patrons.
• Provide directions and referrals to library departments and campus offices.
• Address patron concerns to appropriate leadership.
• Operate multi-line phone systems.
• Basic troubleshooting for minor tech issues; basic PC/Mac operations.
• Maintain Library space presentability and cleanliness.
• Record patron data and statistics.
• Communicate patron concerns to supervisors via in-person and online platforms (Teams, email)
• Utilize Microsoft Office, Springshare tools (LibStaffer, LibCal, LibGuides), Alma and ILLiad.
• Contribute to projects to support Library Operations and other Library Departments.

Skills

Customer service

Interpersonal skills

Communication

Problem solving

Organizational skills

Multitasking

Attention to detail

Flexibility

Teamwork

Mac/PC basic ops

Education

Active full-time student at American University

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

LibStaffer

LibCal

LibGuides

Alma

ILLiad

Job description

Work Where You Learn: Build Experience, Grow Skills, and Contribute to Your University Community. This position is available only to enrolled American University students.

Job Summary

The Library Operations Student Assistant will primarily support the front‑facing operations of AU Library, with specific emphasis on the daily operations of the Library Operations Department. Responsibilities include staffing various service desks, assisting patrons, and other duties as necessary.

Essential Functions

• Providing excellent customer service.
• Providing directions and making referrals to other library departments and campus offices.
• Addressing and referring patron concerns to appropriate leadership.
• Operating multi‑line phone systems.
• Basic troubleshooting for minor technological issues, including familiarity with basic PC and Mac computer operations.
• Managing the lost and found bin and stocking supplies for patron use.
• Maintaining the presentability of Library spaces.
• Recording patron data and other statistics.
• Communicating patron concerns, housekeeping, and building issues to appropriate personnel.
• Maintaining clear and proactive communication with supervisors in person and through online platforms such as Microsoft Teams and email.
• Utilizing a range of software tools, including Microsoft Office Suite (Teams, Excel, Word), Springshare products (LibStaffer, LibCal, LibGuides), and library systems such as Alma and ILLiad.
• Contributing to various other projects and duties assigned to support Library Operations and other Library Departments.

Position Type and Compensation

Part‑time, 10–15 hours per week. Salary: $18.40 per hour.

Required Education and Experience

• Must be an active full‑time student at American University.
• Excellent customer service, interpersonal, organizational, communication, and problem‑solving skills.
• Demonstrates a high level of honesty, integrity, and confidentiality, particularly when handling sensitive user information.
• Strong attention to detail, embraces a learning mindset, and stays actively engaged while prioritizing tasks and multitasking in a fast‑paced environment.
• Adapts to evolving workflows and procedures with flexibility.
• Ability to work collegially with members from across the library and university.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Must be able to lift 40 pounds and push carts.

Additional Eligibility Qualifications

• Highly recommended: cover letter and resume attachments.
• Onsite part‑time student position.
• Shifts may be scheduled between 8:00am–10:00pm; minimum commitment of 12 hours per week, with at least 16 hours of availability.
• Required: one weekend shift and willingness to work at least one opening shift (starting as early as 8am) and/or one closing shift (ending as late as 10pm).
• Availability through finals week is expected.
• Federal Work Study awards welcome. Include expected hours and days of availability in application.

Equity, Diversity & Inclusion

American University is an equal‑opportunity, affirmative action institution that operates in compliance with applicable laws and regulations. The university does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex (including pregnancy), age, sexual orientation, disability, marital status, personal appearance, gender identity and expression, family responsibilities, political affiliation, source of income, veteran status, an individual’s genetic information or any other bases under federal or local laws (collectively “Protected Bases”) in its programs and activities.