The purpose of the Employment agreement is to inform you of policies and procedures, as well as to give you guidelines for use of time and resources while at work. The goal is to allow you some privileges and flexibility as Library employees, while balancing the need to present a uniform level of service to library patrons.
Procedures for Working at the Circulation Desk
When you are the only desk staff, do not leave the desk unattended. If a patron needs something away from the desk, send them to another staff member, or call someone to come assist you. This is both a security and a service issue. If you need to get away from the desk, call one of the full-time staff and ask them to cover for you while you are gone.
When you are scheduled to work, be on time as much as you possibly can.
Getting time off from work:
Each student is responsible for finding her or his own staff replacement if they cannot work their assigned desk hours. When you have found a replacement, note it on the calendar on the information desk, and tell your supervisor so that the replacement can be expected.
If you cannot find a replacement, you should talk to the Public Services Librarian about why you need the time off. She will decide if your time can be approved or not.
There are two exceptions to this policy, when the staff assume full responsibility for filling your work spot at the onset.
- Emergency illness - Call as soon as possible after 8 a.m.
- Personal emergencies (ex: car broke down or must take car to repair shop) - Call as soon as possible after 8 a.m.
(Circulation Desk 322-6992)
When at work, Library assignments come first. If given an assignment or a project, please stop any e-mail or personal activities and complete your assignment. Do not save work for later even if you have a long shift. Sometimes unexpected "rushes" will come up that will prevent you from finishing.
Sign and date all the paper and e-mail notes you write, as well as all phone messages that you take.
If patrons ask for something that they think has been left for them, check the hold shelf first.
Lost and Found items of modest value (books, glasses, sweaters) should be held on the bottom shelf behind the reserve shelves in a mail tub. Items of considerable value (wallets, fine jewelry) should be given to Campus Security -- call them at 2-2745.
If a book is left unattended on the circulation desk without explanation for an hour, discharge it and place it on the appropriate holding shelf. Keep the Circulation Desk free of clutter and do not leave books to discharge "later". Do not keep several of your own books out on the counter. Limit yourself to one or two items.
Telephone Use: During your time on the desk, you will have to apply and inform patrons of library policies regarding phone use.
Patrons may NOT use the Circulation phone for personal calls. There is a campus phone and a regular phone in the hallway outside the library. With supervisor permission a patron may use the reference desk phone very briefly.
If a patron receives a call on the Circulation phone and they are in the general area, you may transfer it to the reference desk phone and let them take the call there. Ask them to be very brief. If the patron is not in the general area, please take a message and post it on the Message Board just as you enter the library.
FEDERAL RULES REGARDING BREAKS
GUIDELINES FOR USE OF TIME AND RESOURCES
We realize that these policies require a good bit of sharing and communication.
Many thanks. We need your help to run this library, and we are grateful for your efforts.
I have read and agree to uphold the policies and directives in the preceding statements.
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