Jobs for Students
Want to work at the library? We offer flexible hours and a variety of roles for students.
Hiring takes place a couple of times a year, please keep an eye on library social media for announcements (@gvsulib) or search for us in Handshake to see if we’re currently accepting applications. Jobs in the Knowledge Market have separate applications available on the Knowledge Market website.
Note About Federal Work Study: University Library jobs are Work Study Award eligible positions, but Work Study Awards are not required to work at the Library. More information regarding Federal Work Study can be found on the Financial Aid Website.
User Experience Student Assistant
Join a team designed to create a better experience for library patrons in the Mary Idema Pew Library! Become a User Experience Student Assistant and help staff the fast-paced library Service Desk. Excellent customer service skills, enthusiasm for the library, and the ability to work collaboratively with other students and staff are required. Primary responsibilities include assisting users with research and circulation needs, providing building information and tours, and assisting with emergency and safety procedures. Many shifts are available, but all applicants are expected to be able to work flexible hours, including some evenings, weekends, and extra hours during Exam Jam and for training purposes.
Access Services Student Assistant
Access Services Student Assistants are highly motivated, detail-orientated students who assist our Access Services team with the overall maintenance of our library collections and basic library operations. The capability to learn complex processes and specialized technology, enthusiasm for the library, and the ability to work independently and collaboratively with other staff and students is required. Primary responsibilities include emptying book drops, checking in library materials, pulling and re-shelving items, working in the mailroom, and working with the Automated Storage and Retrieval System (our cranes) at the Mary Idema Pew Library on the Allendale campus. All applicants are expected to be able to work flexible hours, including some late evenings and weekends.
Pew Campus Library Assistant
Become part of an enthusiastic library team ready to help the campus community! We are looking for excellent customer service skills, enthusiasm for helping others, and the ability to work collaboratively and independently. Primary responsibilities include answering questions at the Library service desk, shelving and organizing library materials, supporting the Curriculum Materials Library, and providing building information.
Archives Assistant
Join a team designed to create a better experience for patrons in the Seidman House Special Collections and University Archives! Become a Research Services Assistant and help staff the Reading Room Service Desk. Excellent customer service skills, enthusiasm for the library and historical materials, and the ability to work carefully on focused tasks are required. Primary responsibilities include assisting patrons with reference needs, retrieving collection materials for research use, and instructing patrons on proper care and handling of rare and unique materials. Other duties include digitizing and transcribing historic materials and other clerical tasks, as well as assisting as needed with archival processing tasks.
Research Consultant
Research consultants work in the Knowledge Market and guide fellow students through the research process, from brainstorming ideas to finding information and evaluating resources. Research consultants
- work one-on-one and in groups with students in the library
- assist librarians in classroom settings
- gain valuable experience that employers are looking for
Consultants are trained to use library databases, government information, and even Google. They learn about interesting topics alongside students and develop their own skills in the process. Curious students are encouraged to apply on the Knowledge Market website.
Digital Literacy Consultant
Digital Literacy Consultants are highly-trained students ready to help you improve your digital skills. Digital Literacy Consultants help with:
- Developing an approach for completing digital projects
- Teaching basic computer skills for Windows and Mac
- Determining mediums for digital communication
- Navigating technologies for media production
- Editing and revising projects made with technology
- Understanding basic digital ethics and safety
- Visualizing basic data sets
Applications are available on the Digital Creator Lab website.
Video Development Assistant (SE+)
This student will support creation of instructional videos in the Curriculum, Research and User Services Department. The person in this position will work closely with the instructional design librarian, liaison librarians, and other library faculty and staff to plan, develop, and create videos for use in instruction, virtual services, and on the library website. See the GVSU Libraries Instruction YouTube Channel for examples of the types of videos currently in use. The library will provide equipment and software, but if the student has access to other equipment, that can be used as well, if preferred. Work will be done remotely.
This position requires video production skills, interest in library research, excellent communication and collaboration skills. Experience with video production for clients, in course work or client work and graphic and motion graphic skills are also helpful in this position.
Library Dean's Office Student Assistant
As members of the University Libraries Dean’s Office, student assistants ensure the work of the office is supported efficiently and effectively. The student assistants serve as a first point of contact for visitors to the Library Dean’s Office, including staff, faculty, students, community members, and potential donors. As such, student assistants provide excellent customer service and are knowledgeable about the ongoings of the office. Position responsibilities include a wide range of administrative and project management tasks that contribute to the efficiency and productivity of the office, all while supporting the overall mission and goals of University Libraries.
Technical Services Assistant
The Technical Services Assistant will work to:
- Receive and process books, maps, and microfiche
- Assist with periodical bindery and processing
- Check and maintain access to online journals and databases
- Troubleshoot and identify errors with electronic resources
- Processing invoices for payment
- Alphabetizing and filing.
The Tech Services Assistant is detail-oriented and able to follow explicit directions. Position primarily involves computer work with some physical handling of books. Must be comfortable with priorities that shift frequently to meet the needs of the team. Assistant must be knowledgeable of Microsoft Word, Excel and Access.
Web Content Assistant
The Web Content Assistant will:
- Write and update content on the University Libraries' website.
- Respect people by creating inclusive, accessible content.
- Use and maintain the UL Design System.
The Web Content Assistant is:
- Able to write with clarity.
- Comfortable with priorities that shift.
- Experienced with Content Management Systems like WordPress.
