NECESSITY IS THE MOTHER OF INVENTION; USING NON CORE

STAFF TO PROVIDE CORE SERVICES

Debra McCann UCD Library

Student workers

Shelving

Facilities Collections Service Desks

Orientation

Interview and HiringTargeted communication to all postgraduate students: 47

interviewed and 22 recruited

Selection based on previous experience and availability

15 minute face to face interview We concentrated on:

Teamwork Dependability

Understanding of the role.

Training programme

“Tell me and I will forget, show me and I may remember, involve me and I will understand”

Training manual developed and tailored for the group

Training morning organised - included inputs from other units

Detailed training given to student workers assigned to designated areas

Peer to peer training

Context and Expectations

• Monotonous and repetitive but essential work

• Important to contextualise how their part is integral to the overall library service

• Placing them firmly in the organisational chart shows them the relevance of their role

From ‘Student’ to ‘Worker’Guidance about behaviour and attire required

Pay structures

Getting the cohort to work as a team

Administrative HeadachesRotas

Online payments Different pay rates

Work Cultures • Student workers from 5

different countries working together

• Different expectations

• Forthright in their requests as to what the library could/should do for them

• Some were relaxed about administration and deadlines

CommunicationClear communication to students is fundamental

to their effectiveness as library staff

Getting responses to your communication was challenging

Challenge - supervising staff working shifts while you’re not on site

Feedback from student workers

• Survey Monkey – our favourite tool• 2 surveys sent out• Students want longer shifts• Additional duties• Better rates of pay

On Balance • Advantages outweigh the challenges

• More awareness at recruitment of their potential to enhance service

• Expand training

• Develop mentorship

• Consider student workers as library ambassadors

Balance is everything

Debra McCann UCD Library