Circulation & Course Reserves Assistant (Student) (FWS)

American University•Washington, DC

1d•$18•Onsite

About The Position

Circulation and Course Reserves Student Assistants support the daily operations of the Circulation and Course Reserves team both at the service desk and within the library. They help ensure the organization and maintenance of the University Library’s physical collections, which include books, periodicals (such as journals, magazines, and newspapers), media (e.g., DVDs), technology (e.g., calculators, adapters), and lockers.

Requirements

This position requires a Federal Work Study (FWS) award.
Demonstrates a high level of honesty, integrity, and confidentiality, particularly when handling sensitive user information and monetary transactions.
Exhibits excellent customer service, collaboration, organization, communication, and problem-solving skills.
Maintains 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.
Must be able to lift books and push carts.
This is an onsite position offered on a semester-by-semester basis.
Ability to work Summer 2026 may be contingent upon receiving a summer FWS award.
Must commit to working Fall 2026, to be considered for summer employment.
Minimum commitment of 12 hours per week, with at least 16 hours of availability.
Requires one weekend shift and willingness to work at least one opening shift (starting as early as 9 AM) and/or one closing shift (ending as late as 10 PM).
Availability through finals week is expected.
Following federal law, employers will provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities.

Responsibilities

Helping users with checking out, returning, and requesting library materials.
Supporting the maintenance of user records and providing updates on request statuses.
Guiding users in navigating library resources, including the catalog and their library accounts.
Offering initial research support using AU Library Search and library databases.
Fulfilling item requests for users and other departments, including Course Reserves.
Helping users access individual viewing stations for physical media viewing.
Organizing, shelving, retrieving, and transporting books and other library materials
Maintaining the organization of collections and finding misplaced or missing items.
Aiding with inventory and other collection-related tasks, such as shifting, straightening, and relocating items.
Maintaining clear and proactive communication with supervisors in person and through online platforms such as Microsoft Teams and email.
Contributing to various other projects assigned by supervisors.
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.