University Libraries

By Diane Osman and Elizabeth Jacobs

The University Libraries are known across campus as being welcoming and inclusive. Championing the Marianist values of community and respect, our team of approximately 50 student employees help create that friendly environment. Library student staff help provide many of the core services to those looking for research resources, a place to network and collaborate and a comfortable and safe space to study. 

Let the Games Begin

Each August before the semester begins, we host an orientation for both new and returning employees. It is a fun way for them to meet, connect, hear updates for the coming academic year and participate in team-building exercises.

As the International Summer Olympics just ended, we decided to hold our own Roesch Library Games. Students were divided into three groups to compete for the gold, silver and bronze medals in a relay that included book balancing, Library of Congress call number speed sorting and the discarded journal toss.

Student employees bring different skill sets to their positions. As an art education major, Ava Forrest, a student employee in access services and building operations, used her talents to design the logo for the games and the artwork for the individual events, and she designed and made the medals from library supplies — primarily paper clips and a button maker. All of her hard work paid off with the medal ceremony, after a lighthearted but competitive relay.

Team Libraries

Working in eight departments, these exceptional young adults contribute to all of the Libraries’ services — answering questions at the service desks, returning books to the shelves so they are accessible for patrons, setting up for events, processing new books for the collection, and digitizing materials for ease of access, among other tasks. 

You will find our student employees helping with computer and printing questions at Information Point; scanning articles for interlibrary loan; and managing the inventory of 640,000 print materials available in the University Libraries. Students also lend their talents to the Marian Library, the University Archives and the U.S. Catholic Special Collection. 

The University Libraries would like to recognize all of our student employees for their part in keeping the Libraries running smoothly for our patrons. We couldn’t do it without them; they are truly champions! Come say hello to them at the Libraries this semester.

— Elizabeth Jacobs is the student services and senior circulation specialist in access services and building operations; Diane Osman is the administrative assistant in the dean’s office. They co-chair the Libraries student employment development steering committee. Photography by Joey Shaffer, library services building specialist for access services and building operations.