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Student Employment

Learn how you can work as a student at the Drake Law Library.

Eligibility and Availability

Only law students are eligible to apply for desk supervisor positions, and should apply using the form under the desk supervisor heading on this page.

Students can view postings and apply for on-campus jobs through a program called Handshake. To access it, log into myDrake, then click the Handshake icon.

Employment Opportunities

Desk Supervisor

Responsibilities

  • Responsible for circulation and reserve room operations, photocopier maintenance, and computer troubleshooting.
  • During times when the desk supervisor is the only library staff person on duty, he/she is responsible for handling facility maintenance and security problems.
  • Expected to handle basic reference requests, referring more complex requests to appropriate full-time library staff.
  • Desk supervisors who open and close the library have additional responsibilities.
  • Desk supervisors work under the direct supervision of Public Services Manager Rachel Bieker. Other law library staff members also provide indirect supervision.

Requirements
A Law Library student desk supervisor must be a Drake Law student who has completed at least one full semester of law school, including successfully completing the first semester of Legal Research and Writing.

The desk supervisor should also have received training in Westlaw and LexisNexis. The library will only hire students in good academic standing (not less than a 2.25 GPA).

Because the desk supervisor represents the library and the law school, the student should have a friendly, professional demeanor. Excellent oral communication skills are essential.

Hiring Process
Desk supervisors are hired periodically as positions become available. Applications are accepted at any time by completing the online application; however, candidates will not be contacted for an interview until an open position is available. Students may direct resumes and questions to Rachel Bieker (rachel.bieker@drake.edu).

After you submit your application and a position becomes available, you may be contacted to arrange a time for an interview. The interview will last approximately 30 minutes and is informal. It is not necessary to dress up.

Archives Assistant

Available during the summer and academic year. 

Responsibilities

  • Scanning documents for digital projects.
  • Using image processing software to edit digital files.
  • Creating detailed collection descriptions and inventories using Excel.
  • Inputting, verifying, and formatting digital collection metadata.
  • Organizing archival materials.

Requirements

  • Excellent writing skills, including a strong grasp of English grammar, spelling, and punctuation rules.
  • Aptitude for comprehending and implementing detailed instructions and technical standards, as well as dedication to accuracy.
  • Exemplary attendance and punctuality with good work ethic, including a commitment to confidentiality and ability to work under minimum supervision.
  • Proficient in working with computers and associated software and Microsoft Office products, especially Excel.

Previous library or archival work experience is helpful but not necessary. Knowledge of Adobe Acrobat or other PDF editors, and ScanSnap or other scanning software is preferred, but not required.

Shelver Assistant

Available during the summer and academic year.

Responsibilities

  • Gather, organize, and re-shelve materials library users have left out in the library and on the reshelving cart.
  • Shelve new hardcover volumes, supplements, and pocket parts, pulling replacements as appropriate.
  • Recycle select outdated library materials and prepare select superseded materials for historic collection.
  • Check materials against shelf lists or copyright date information to determine volumes to be discarded.
  • Search shelves for missing items and also shift collections to fit space available.
  • Perform shelf reading and other collection maintenance tasks as needed, special projects, and miscellaneous other duties as assigned.
  • Complete shifting (moving books) projects.

Requirements
Library experience is helpful but not necessary. Must be attentive to detail, able to work independently and/or in teams, and able to work a set schedule.

Technical Services Assistant

Available during the summer and academic year.

Responsibilities

  • Check in of periodical materials and/or government documents.
  • Apply property identification, pockets, barcodes, etc.
  • Create and apply call number labels.
  • Light word processing.
  • Work on special projects.

Requirements
Library experience is helpful but not necessary. Must be attentive to detail, able to work independently and/or in teams, and able to work a set schedule.

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