A Survey of the Value of Library Employment to the Undergraduate Experience

“I want my PRC”: engagement of undergraduates with and assessment of the peer research consultant program

“…HIPs such as those listed above are soft skills current employers are seeking in college graduates (Mitola et al ., 2018; NACE, 2021). However, “students do not seem to recognize the benefits of working in the libraries as they pertain to skill development that can be transferred to future careers” beyond a mention on resumes (Charles et al ., 2017, p. 13). Clark has made certain to include debriefings to address this in her own library and to each student working there, regularly bringing up learning outcomes and how they tie together with their work.…”

“…Skills such as those mentioned above are beneficial to student employees and later employers. Campus employment has also been noted to increase college retention beyond the first year as well as providing higher grades (Charles et al ., 2017; Chase et al ., 2020: Mitola et al ., 2018). Because of these factors, it behooves supervisors to invest in their student employees and ensure that the mission of the library is entrenched in what is taught as well as being transparent to the students (Mitola et al ., 2018; Charles et al ., 2017).…”

Training, Support, and Connection for Student Library Employees in a Tiered Reference Service Model

“…However, Charles, Lotts, and Todorinova's survey of 350 student library employees found that while students report a generally positive experience working in the library, they may have a limited understanding of the rewards of their positions, and at the same time the library may not be tapping into the full potential of their contributions. 22 Communicating the value of library employment to students beyond their immediate roles has strong implications for training.…”

Training Student Workers for Cross-Departmental Success in an Academic Library: A New Model

“…It is the role of supervisors to "model motivation" and, through displaying an active interest in and appreciation of the students, to help them understand the extent of their contributions to the library (Reales, 2013). Charles, Lotts, and Todorinova (2017), assessed the impact of library employment on undergraduate students with the goal of further integrating them into the institution. Their results noted disconnect between the lack of perceived benefits to their employment and their value to the organization; therefore, as libraries strive to demonstrate value to their communities, supervisors must make sure to communicate this value to student employees (Charles, Lotts, & Todorinova 2017).…”

“…Charles, Lotts, and Todorinova (2017), assessed the impact of library employment on undergraduate students with the goal of further integrating them into the institution. Their results noted disconnect between the lack of perceived benefits to their employment and their value to the organization; therefore, as libraries strive to demonstrate value to their communities, supervisors must make sure to communicate this value to student employees (Charles, Lotts, & Todorinova 2017). In addition, as with any encouragement protocol of student workers, flexibility of work schedules and instant recognition of a job well done has proven to be successful (Smith & Galbraith, 2012).…”