The document discusses a student supervisor program implemented at Jackson Library, Indiana Wesleyan University to address needs of supervision during evening hours and workload of professional librarians without increasing budget. Through the program, experienced student workers are trained to supervise other students during closing shifts and perform specialized tasks. The student supervisors are assigned positions like Periodicals, Stacks, Training, and Desk supervisors with detailed responsibilities. The program benefits the library by meeting original needs, developing student skills, and involving little extra cost while benefiting students with higher pay, experience, and flexibility.

1. Untapped Potential
Utilizing the Gifts and Talents of Student Workers
through a Student Supervisor Program
Alison Johnson, MLS
Public Services Librarian
Jackson Library, Indiana Wesleyan University

2. Our Needs…
 Supervision
from 10pm-
12am
 Ease
workload of
professional librarians
 Make the
best use of
student worker hours
Jackson Library,
Indiana Wesleyan University
…without increasing budget

3. Our Solution…
Student Supervisors

4. What are Student Supervisors?





Experienced Circulation Workers
Supervise during closing shifts
Assigned specific areas to supervise
Perform specialized tasks requiring additional
training
Utilize their unique talents and skills through
special projects

5. Benefits…







Met all of our original needs and more…
Created more ownership for student workers
Helped develop the professional skills and talents of
our student workers
Maintained a fair distribution of work
Provided regular collection maintenance that was not
previously possible
Created an informal student advisory committee
Very little extra cost

6. Made Possible By…
Willingness and flexibility from administration
and
great student workers

7. The Process…
PLAN

Get administrative
approval.

Identify tasks that can be
delegated to supervisors.

Group tasks to create
different positions.

Write detailed job
descriptions.

8. The Process…
HIRE

Promote and explain
positions to student
workers.

Identify students with
strong, independent
work ethics and special
skills/talents.

9. The Process…
TRAIN




Meet before the school
year begins.
Go over Agreement of
Conduct.
Familiarize supervisors
with their areas of
responsibility.
Brainstorm with all
supervisors.

10. The Process…
WORK
Weekly meetings to
discuss current issues.
 Regularly review job
descriptions to
determine projects and
tasks.
 Work on special
tasks/projects as they
arise.


11. The Process…
EVALUATE
Conduct self-evaluation
and formal evaluation.
 Set goals for next
semester.
 Update and revise job
descriptions annually.


12. The Positions…
Periodicals Supervisor
Maintain periodicals
collection.
 Update missing periodicals
and duplicate exchange.
 Coordinate used book sales.
 Assist with bindery
procedures.


13. Updated Duplicate Exchange List
Working on “Lift” signs for shelving

14. The Positions…
Stacks Supervisor
Search for lost/missing
items.
 Oversee shelving schedule
and accuracy.
 Maintain neatness and
cleanliness throughout
library.


15. Archives Display Case
Missing Book List
“Shelving checks” for accuracy

16. The Positions…
Training Supervisor
Promote a positive and fun
work environment.
 Implement various forms of
ongoing training.
 Manage Blackboard
communication.
 Maintain employee and
payroll information.


17. Training Manual
Missing Book List
Blackboard Survey
Track student worker hours

18. The Positions…
Desk Supervisor



Maintain supplies and
forms.
Manage hold shelf, room
reservations, lost and
found.
Design signs and
promotional materials.

19. Bookmarks
Staff Photos

20. Challenges…

Supervisors only work 10
hr/week and do not stay
for breaks

Too much flexibility can be a
problem

Educating other student
workers about the role of
supervisors
Jackson Library,
Indiana Wesleyan University

21. Benefits for Students…
 Higher
pay
 More flexibility
 Job-related
experience and
supervisory skills

22. For more information:
PowerPoint Presentation, Code of Conduct, and
Sample Job Descriptions available online at:
http://alisonlibraryportfolio.wordpress.com/studentsupervisor-program/
Alison Johnson
alison.johnson@indwes.edu
765.677.2383