South’s library serves as both a bustling center of collaboration, and a serene space for concentration, managed by a team of dedicated librarians and students. The student librarian lab aids are manage book upkeep, the appearance of the library, and other valuable organizational needs of the library, Head Librarian Christi Shaner, said.
The lab aid program has been running at South for over 15 years, with 15 lab aids currently volunteering in the library, Shaner said. All students can apply to volunteer at the front desk of the library, starting at the beginning of the school year, she added.
“It’s a way to get out of the SRT room and have a little more freedom,” Shaner said. “But, at the same time, we have expectations of what they have to do while they’re in [the library].”
Sophomore Teddy Dalaisaikhan learned about the lab aid program last semester and started the same day he applied. This role has provided him with numerous benefits, including social and workplace skills, Dalaisaikhan said.
In addition to volunteer shifts during SRT blocks, the library offers paid, before and after-school shifts, which provide opportun ities to learn meaningful job skills, Shaner said.
“We treat [the after and before school shifts] like a job,” Shaner explained. “The biggest difference is responsibility.”
Managing book rentals is not the only task for student workers, Shaner said. For example, they carefully construct the detailed displays around and outside the library. Students working in the morning manage deliveries and practically work with complete independence, Shaner added. Working in the library, workers became familiar with the library resources, including chargers, headphones, craft supplies, and even technology such as Kindle Fire and computers that can be rented.
Student workers also obtain valuable experience for future job opportunities, Shaner said. They can take the resourceful skills they have learned to college and beyond, and can use their experience in their resumes, Shaner explained.
“We have had several students apply for jobs in college at their school or university library,” Sh- aner said. “They use [their in South’s library] as a reference, which is a huge advantage. We base a lot of what we have [workers] do on skill building for what they might be doing next.”
Senior Shiza Dawood learned about the position through a friend her sophomore year and has been assisting in the library ever since. This year, Dawood is working before and after school in paid shifts. The community and staff pr- ovide for a wonderful experience, Dawood said.
“It’s a really nice community,” Dawood said. “It is so fun working with [the staff].”
