O'Neil, Frances and Comley, Jenny (2010) Models and Management of Student Employees in an Australian University Library. Australian Academic and Research Libraries, 41 (2). pp. 100-112. ISSN 0004-8623

Abstract

Since 2008, Victoria University (VU) Library has employed 20 or more Student Assistants annually who work on a casual basis for up to 12 hours per week during terms/semesters to staff the Library in Study Hall mode (where there is self-service access to PCs and collections and limited staff assistance). This initiative appears to have been highly successful in both meeting student demand for greater access to the Library and provision of benefits to the students employed. Within VU Library and Learning Commons spaces, student employees, working in a variety of programs, now account for up to 25% of personnel. Drawing from data and feedback from student employees and their supervisors, the authors reflect on the impact on the organisation of this initiative. In particular, implementation issues have included the cycle of recruitment, induction and turnover; and integration of student employees into the main business and culture of the organisation. The authors also discuss the student employment programs as part of a broader reorganisation of the library spaces.

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