Senior Information and Borrowing: The Positive Impact of Recognition and Promotion

Abstract

In January 2023, the Brandeis Library Public Services Department launched a new student staff position; Senior Information and Borrowing Assistant. Prior to this position, Public Services offered one sole position resulting in a stagnant experience for those who worked over several years. The vision was born from the Department’s commitment to an “ethic of care” approach towards student supervision. Library staff sought to o er student staff the opportunity to develop professional skills, while acknowledging their exceptional. The position allowed for Library staff to recognize those students who demonstrated skills like leadership, knowledge, empathy, and critical thinking through a promotional opportunity. This presentation by the Manager of Public Services, Mary Calo, and former Senior Information and Borrowing Assistant, Joshua Aldwinckle-Povey, will explore the motivation for and development of this role, success of the program, impact to student staff, and o er testimonials from current Senior Information and Borrowing Assistants.