The library hires Federal Work Study eligible VLGS students to help at the Information Desk and as needed for library projects. Are you a returning 2L or 3L JD student or a Masters student who’s interested in earning some money through Work Study? The application period opens a few weeks before each new semester begins and closes three weeks into the semester.
General Information
Library Services Assistants provide customer service support to the VLGS community, non-VLGS library users, and visitors. This includes providing circulation and other library services, responding to non-library questions and/or referring questions to other VLGS departments as necessary, and representing the Library and VLGS, especially during evenings and weekends.
The Acquisitions and Access Services Supervisor hires and oversees the Library Services Assistants. Additionally, Access Services department staff assist with training and supervising of students during their respective shifts.
Examples of Work Performed
- Staff the Information Desk, including weekends and evenings.
- Record important information in “Library Log” and review at start of shift for follow-up and information sharing.
- Handle circulation transactions (checking books in and out).
- Perform headcounts and opening and closing activities for the library.
- Receive, record, and identify “lost and found” items.
- Perform basic troubleshooting and refill supplies for printers, scanners and staplers, and perform general cleanup of printing areas.
- As needed and directed by Access Services department staff, search for missing library materials, perform stack shifts, participate in shelf reading, or other library-related tasks.
Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
- Interact with and assist a diverse group of library users in a professional, customer service environment.
- Identify issues and exercise good judgment, i.e., knowing when to contact supervisor(s) and /or record in Library Log for follow up and information sharing.
- Work closely with others in resolving issues, completing tasks, and filling shifts.
- Function well in ambiguous situations, emotionally charged circumstances and in times of emergency.
- Understand the basics of the circulation system, call number classification and library collection.
- Reliably report for shifts or arrange for substitute ahead of time.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How do I know if I’m work-study eligible, and what my fund balance is?
Contact the Financial Aid Office at FINAID@vermontlaw.edu. They will be happy to help you. - What is the current pay rate?
The current hourly rate is $15.00 per hour, as determined by Financial Aid Department. - How many hours can I work per week?
The amount of hours you can work per week depends on the following: VLGS allows students to work up to 20 hours per week during classes. Your funds need to be stretched over the amount of weeks you plan to work. Example, you have $1,000 in funds for the semester (determined by Financial Aid). You need to work at least one shift at the library through study and exam period. This would equal approximately 17 weeks. The equation would be: ($1,000 funds ÷ 15.00 pay rate = 66.66 total hours) then (66.66 ÷ 17 weeks = 3.92 hours per week). Generally, you may be able to work 4 to 8 hours per week, given holidays, the inevitable missed shifts, etc. - Can I work in two departments during the same semester?
Yes, provided your funds can cover both positions and you are able to work the minimum number of hours per week as required by each position. (See FAQ #1) You can work a maximum of 20 hours per week, combined. - Are the hours flexible?
To some degree, within these parameters: You will be assigned a specific shift(s) for the semester with the exception of school breaks and holidays. There are “replacement” procedures if you are unable to work your shift. You can volunteer to pick-up a shift keeping in mind the status of your work study funds. Your availability versus open shifts will be the major determinant. - Is there an orientation or training scheduled?
Yes, training will be provided by library staff prior to, or soon after, your starting date as availability allows. - When will I know that I have been hired to work?
• New Hires: A review of your application, work-study eligibility and availability will be conducted. You will receive email updates regarding your status as we complete the reviews.
• Re-Hires: A review of your previous job performance, work study eligibility and availability will be conducted. You will receive an email when these steps have been completed.
Eligibility
Federal Work Study eligibility is determined by the VLGS Financial Aid Office. Contact finaid@vermontlaw.edu to confirm your status, or see more information about applying for financial aid.
Application
Submit an application for a Work Study position in the library for the Spring 2025 semester.
Contact Rhonda Murphy with any questions.