Each semester, the Lafayette College Libraries employ approximately 50 students. We also hire students for Interim and Summer Sessions. Student assistants perform a variety of essential tasks helping staff in daily library operations.
The Libraries offer friendly, supportive working environments; opportunities to interact with both members of the public and library staff; varied duties, and valuable work experience. We encourage and support our student workers in the acquisition of new skills and proficiency with new technologies and offer opportunities for advancement. Our student assistants also report that, through their work in the library, they learn about resources and services that help them in their studies.
A monetary prize, the David Bishop Skillman 1913 Library Prize, is awarded at Honors Convocation each year to “a graduating senior library assistant whose exemplary performance, skill, and dedication has enhanced the library’s educational role.”
Positions vary depending on departmental need. Assignments include assisting library patrons at the Circulation Desk, maintaining the libraries’ vast and varied collection, processing newly-acquired materials, performing data entry, and assisting librarians with special projects. Departments that regularly hire student workers are Circulation (at both Skillman & Kirby Libraries), Digital Scholarship Services, Interlibrary Loan, Resource Management & Systems, and Special Collections.
Work schedules are set by departmental supervisors. Student assistants generally work 4-6 hours per week while classes are in session. Most positions offer only weekday hours; some evening and weekend hours are available in the Circulation Department.
Pay rates start at $8.25/hour and are based on both position classifications and students’ years of service in the library. Positions that require greater skill and responsibility have higher pay rates. For each consecutive year that a student works in the libraries, he/she receives an additional .25/hr pay.
We welcome applications from both new and continuing students. Preference is given to work study students and students who have already been trained, but students are also hired based on their hours of availability.
To apply, please visit Handshake. Search for: “Library Student Assistant” (Access Handshake from the “Get Career Support” section of your my.lafayette.edu portal.)
The deadline to submit applications is the first Friday of each semester. Students should verify their work study status with the Financial Aid Office before submitting an application in order to maximize eligibility. All new applicants are subject to an interview process and probationary period.
Contact Ester Barias-Wolf at 610-330-5659 or bariase@lafayette.edu.
Non-students interested in employment with the Lafayette College Libraries should contact Human Resources.