The circulation desk is always staffed. If you notice that it is unattended, speak to the Circulation Supervisor.
The most important responsibility is checking in and checking out books, anatomical models, medical equipment, computers and other accessories. Through a careful process of asking questions and processing responses from library borrowers, Student Circulation Assistants are able to rapidly and efficiently help Learning Commons borrowers find them. They check materials in and out of the collection using an automated library card catalog system called Horizon, which you will be trained to use by the Circulation Supervisor.
New Library borrowers who have never taken out library materials before have to be entered into the computer card catalog system; you will be trained in how to do so along with other functions of Horizon.
You will be expected to become familiarized with the various storage, social and study spaces in the Learning Commons so that you will be able to direct library borrowers to exactly where they will be able to do what they want or locate what they are looking for. For instance, the Library has procedures for tracking and returning lost items to their owners which involve a detailed log book and locked storage area.
You may notice in the course of working as a Circulation Assistant that sometimes students claim that library materials have been returned when it actually is unclear if they have been or not. You will learn how to play a role in resolving these types of conflicts.
Sometimes, due to neglect or accident, library materials become lost. In the event that a borrower tells you that this is the case, please speak to either the Library Director or Circulation Supervisor.
Usage of the library is monitored through marking down the number of borrowers in the library at particular times of the day on a clipboard kept on the circulation desk.
Another task that student-worker Circulation Assistants are responsible for is helping others to make photocopies, scans, and print documents and other material on the Library's collection of dedicated copier/scanner/printers and high-speed printers.
Water bottles are Ok at circulation desk. Food is not due to an ant problem. If you want to eat, there is a break area in the Circulation Room.
Service and Therapy dogs and other animals are welcome in the Learning Commons. If they become a problem for you or other patrons, please let staff know ASAP.