Have you ever wondered about the unsung heroes of our libraries? Those enthusiastic souls who eagerly help our users, organise shelves, and keep our spaces running smoothly? Yes, you guessed it right – the incredible student assistants! 📚🌟

In this blog post, I’m diving into the world of student assistants and their invaluable contributions to our libraries. Get ready to discover the magic they bring to our daily operations.

The Heartbeat of Our Libraries

Picture yourself in a bustling library, where books are constantly checked in, users are curious and seeking answers, and shelves are continually organised to maintain order. Our student assistants provide their invaluable expertise and enthusiasm, going above and beyond to assist patrons in preserving the liveliness of the library atmosphere and ensuring that our libraries continue to flourish.

Why Student Assistants Matter

It’s not just about shelving books or staffing the front desk. Student assistants infuse fresh perspectives, creativity, and a deep connection with the student body. They bridge the gap between staff and patrons, making our library a welcoming hub for learning and exploration. They are our eyes and ears – providing helpful feedback.  

Unveiling the Insights

Curious about what the research says? Here’s a curated list of articles that delve into the significance of student assistants in libraries:

1. Mestre, L. S., & LeCrone, J. M. (2015). Elevating the Student Assistant: An Integrated Development Program for Student Library Assistants. College & Undergraduate Libraries, 22(1), 1–20.
2. Benjamin, M., & McDevitt, T. (2018). The Benefits and Challenges of Working in an Academic Library: A Study of Student Library Assistant Experience. The Journal of Academic Librarianship, 44(2), 256–262.
3. Folk, A. L. (2014). How Well Are We Preparing Them?: An Assessment of First-Year Library Student Assistants’ Information Literacy Skills. College & Undergraduate Libraries, 21(2), 177–192.
4. STANFIELD, A. G., & PALMER, R. L. (2010). Peer-ing into the information commons: Making the most of student assistants in new library spaces (M. Bowler, Ed.; Vol. 38, pp. 634–646). Emerald.
5. Keyes, K., & Dworak, E. (2017). Staffing Chat Reference with Undergraduate Student Assistants at an Academic Library: A Standards-Based Assessment. The Journal of Academic Librarianship, 43(6), 469–478.
6. Rex, J. A., & Whelan, J. L. A. (2019). The undergraduate that could: Crafting a collaborative student training program. College & Undergraduate Libraries, 26(1), 19–34.
7. Becker-Redd, K., Lee, K., & Skelton, C. (2018). Training Student Workers for Cross-Departmental Success in an Academic Library: A New Model. Journal of Library Administration, 58(2), 153–165.
8. Vassady, L., Archer, A., & Ackermann, E. (2015). READ-ing Our Way to Success: Using the READ Scale to Successfully Train Reference Student Assistants in the Referral Model. Journal of Library Administration, 55(7), 535–548.
9. Brenza, A., Kowalsky, M., & Brush, D. (2015). Perceptions of students working as library reference assistants at a University Library. Reference Services Review, 43(4), 722–736.
10. Hupe, M., & Van Keuren, L. (2020). Tracking student assistants’ work at Dahlgren Memorial Library: The tools you’ll need. Journal of Access Services, 17(4), 165–175.
11. Chan, K. P., Colvin, J. B., Vinyard, M., Leach, C., Naumann, M. A., & Stenis, P. (2015). Libraries Across the Sea: Using a Virtual Presence and Skilled Student Assistants to Serve Students Abroad. Journal of Library Administration, 55(4), 278–301.
12. Goss, H., & Decker, E. N. (2022). Replacing staff with students to monitor LibChat service: transition process and lessons learned. Reference Services Review, 50(3/4), 419–431.
13. Altman, S. (2017). Truly Getting to Know the Students: Benefits of Being a Library Assistant While Studying for an MLIS Degree. Knowledge Quest, 45(5), 8.
14. DeZouche, E., & Santos, D. (2023). Shifting to a high impact practice-centered student worker staffed research desk: a Hispanic serving institution perspective. Reference Services Review, 51(2), 218–229.
15. Gonnerman, K., & Johnson, K. (2016). Peer reference assistants in a small liberal arts college: case study. Reference Services Review, 44(3), 292–308.

My Take

I’ve had the privilege to work with some fantastic student assistants who have left an indelible mark on our library. Their dedication, fresh ideas, and willingness to learn have enriched our team in ways I couldn’t have imagined.

• Nurturing Learning Beyond Books

Student assistants are more than just helping hands; they are catalysts for enhancing the overall library experience. Engaging with patrons, answering queries, and assisting in research endeavours, they bridge the gap between library resources and students’ needs. This engagement isn’t just transactional; it’s a genuine connection that fosters a sense of belonging within our library community.

• Empowerment through Responsibility

One of the remarkable aspects of having student assistants is the empowerment it brings them. As they take charge of various responsibilities, from organising collections to aiding in technology support, they acquire skills beyond the library’s walls. These experiences sow the seeds of leadership, commitment, and collaboration, setting them on a path of professional growth.

• Fresh Perspectives and Innovation

Student assistants infuse our libraries with a dose of fresh perspectives and innovation. Their proximity to the student body allows them to bring insights that might go unnoticed. By tapping into their ideas, we create a relevant and exciting space for our patrons. This collaboration between seasoned professionals and budding talents enriches our libraries in ways that traditional approaches might miss.

• Building a Community

A library isn’t just a repository of books; it’s a community of learners and seekers. Student assistants contribute significantly to this sense of community. Through their interactions, they create an environment where patrons feel comfortable seeking assistance, engaging in discussions, and exploring new horizons. This nurturing atmosphere would be the same with their genuine enthusiasm.

• A Call to Recognition

In this era of rapid technological advancement, it’s easy to overlook the profound impact of human interaction. Student assistants remind us that, at the core, our libraries are spaces for people – spaces where connections are forged and lives are transformed. Their dedication, diligence, and commitment deserve recognition and appreciation.

Let’s Celebrate Them

So, the next time you walk past a student assistant shelving books or assisting a user, remember the immense value they bring to our libraries. Let’s celebrate these budding library professionals who are our helpers and partners in creating a vibrant and dynamic library experience.

Keep rocking.