James White Library
Music Materials Center
Employee Handbook
1998-99
Contents

Welcome
I'm glad to have you on the staff of the James White Library Music Materials Center.  You are an asset to the library; we could not operate this facility without your help.  You may be surprised to learn that your job here can be an asset to you, too.  You will not only gain work experience, but learn more about music, and about how to use the library effectively in other areas of your life.  This manual provides you with general information about your job and about library policies.  Please let me know if you have any questions after you have read this manual.  I look forward to working with you here in the MMC.

     Linda Mack,
     Music Librarian
 

Mission Statement
The mission of the Music Materials Center (MMC) is to provide specialized music reference service, listening facilities, study space, reference materials, sound recordings, and printed music to support the study of music.  Primary areas of study supported include: performance, music history and literature, music theory and composition, church music, music education, and music studied as part of the general education curriculum.
 
You make a difference!
Over the past several years, the James White Library has been consistently rated as the #1 department in Andrews University customer satisfaction surveys.  You are an important part of continuing this tradition of excellence.  Your attitude when you interact with patrons WILL make an impression.  Be sure it's a positive one!

Benefits of Working in the MMC
 
Basic Job Expectations
 Reliable Attendance   Initiative Positive & Respectful Attitude Adherence to Library Policies and Procedures Good service
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General Information

Purpose of the MMC
The MMC is a branch library of the James White Library.  We coordinate the ordering, processing, and storage of sound recordings, scores, and music reference books.  We also provide patron assistance in locating and using music materials and equipment as well as general library location assistance.

Our department exists to assist patrons in finding information.  Our technical service aspects are essential for effective helping of the patron, but immediate assistance to patrons always takes precedence over the technical jobs.
 

Hiring
Student assistants are hired for their interest in library work, music, and the research process; their ability and interest in helping people; attention to detailed work; as well as their reliability and willingness to take responsibility and assist in the smooth running of the department.

New students are hired for one quarter period, during which the student evaluates the job, and the Music Librarian evaluates the interest and performance of the employee.  At the end of this probationary period, either party may decide to terminate the arrangement.  Following the initial period, workers are hired one quarter at a time.
 

Scheduling
Students must have completed registration no later than the first day of classes in order to work.  Students must provide a copy of their schedules, including music lessons and other appointments, to the Music Librarian. It is essential that all workers get this in as soon as possible so that a work schedule for the department can be made.  Schedules for winter and spring quarters should be turned in before the previous quarter ends.   Once arranged, changes to the work schedule must be approved by the supervisor.

The Music Librarian will attempt to make the work schedule fit the convenience of the student as far as possible, but students must be available to work their fair share of the other times needed by the department schedule (such as supper hours, Sundays, evenings and during test week).

Student assistants are expected to commit a minimum of 10 hours per week to the MMC.  A lower number of hours will be allowed on a temporary basis only.
 

Work During Breaks
Students are not expected to work during school breaks; however, some hours may be available.  Please inform the Music Librarian if you wish to work during these times.
 

Time Cards
It is essential for each student to keep regular and accurate records of hours worked.  Employees must sign in when they arrive and sign out when they leave on the time cards provided.
 

Attendance
Dependability is crucial.  Student assistants are expected to be on time and work scheduled hours.  The MMC cannot be left unattended.

Tardies are acceptable only if prearranged or due to an emergency.  If you are unavoidably detained, you must call another worker so there is someone to cover for you. Please keep a departmental phone list with you or at home for emergencies.  Excessive tardiness and absences will result in dismissal.
 

Substitutes
Occasionally you may find you need to be absent from work for one of your shifts. It is your responsibility to find a substitute in advance, and to document this agreement by using the blue forms.  These forms must be posted by the time cards for all substitutions.  In case of illness or other emergencies you must notify the Music Librarian personally as soon as possible.

Termination of Employment
Your supervisor must have at least two weeks notice before you terminate.  If you would like to return to work in the MMC at a later date, make the department head aware of your intentions.
 

Check-out Policy
Because all students face the same time crunch and need for music materials, student assistants will not have special check-out privileges.  Items are due, and fines charged, as with any student.
 

Shelving and Shelf-reading
Unless there are new employees who are being trained on shelving, all employees should complete as much shelving as possible (at least 90%) before their shift is over.  From time to time all employees will participate in a general shelf-read of the department.
 

Keys
Keys to the MMC are issued to employees required to open the library for work.  Any other use must be cleared with the Music Librarian (see the JWL key policy).

Those without a key who must close the library will use the departmental key to lock the door.  That key must be returned to the drawer immediately after use.  Any emergency exceptions must be promptly reported to the Music Librarian.

The MMC keeps a music office key for our use (primarily mail and photocopies).  Any other use must be verified by your supervisor or put in writing by Dr. Cooper or Mrs. Willis.

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Office Etiquette

The MMC is a place of business.  As such, certain common-sense guidelines should be observed to maintain a work atmosphere.

Visitors
Friends and/or loved ones are not allowed in the work area for "hanging out."  Lengthy chats at the service desk, in the stacks, or elsewhere in the library while on duty are also not acceptable.
 

Computer Use
Computer use during work time is restricted to work-related activities.  At these times, e-mail may be used for job-related communication.  Other use of e-mail should be restricted to employees' personal time.

Student assistants may use office computers for personal needs only with permission from the Music Librarian (see James White Library's computer policy).  Personal use must occur on the employee's personal time and may not interfere with any work-related activity.  Workers may make printouts using the office laser printer; however, students must supply their own paper or replace any MMC paper used.
 

Telephone
The department telephone is primarily for office use.  Students who are off duty must notify their friends and relatives of this fact, and they should not expect to use this means to make regular contact with off-duty employees.  Workers should generally use the hall telephone for personal calls.
 

Dress
MMC employees are expected to adhere to the James White Library dress code.
 

Off-Duty Workers
When not clocked in for work, employees may use the office area for keeping coats, books, etc.  Visits for this purpose must be brief and made without disturbing the other workers in the department.   Please do not keep anything in the MMC that you will need when the MMC is closed.

Occasional eating in the office is allowed, particularly when work and class schedules do not allow a meal break.  In general, the office area is not to be used for studying, socializing, etc., except for special projects when approved by a supervisor.
 

Slack time
In the event that an employee completes all on-going projects, and the department is picked up and in order, he or she should inform the supervisor in charge.  If no further tasks are assigned the supervisor may allow the student worker to spend time improving research skills.  Please use a desk in the workroom if engaged in personal projects.

During the week of final exams each quarter, slack time may be used to study for tests, with the provision that patrons are promptly served at all times.
 

Shelves
MMC employees will be assigned shelves on which to keep work projects.  Personal items may be kept there only if they do not interfere with work projects and the shelves are kept neat.
 

After Hours
MMC employees must abide by the JWL policy.  If an employee has been authorized to be in the MMC when the library is not open, the Music Librarian will issue a permit.

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Communication

Team work and effective service depend upon good communication.  The following tips will help:

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Emergencies & Severe Weather

The following situations should be reported to Campus Safety immediately.  Their extension is 3321.  If you are unable to reach anyone at Campus Safety, dial 9-911.

Call Plant Services at extension 3380 for the following situations:

For other emergencies or additional details consult the emergency information found in the policies and procedures book.

Snow Days
The MMC normally tries to keep some afternoon hours if possible.  Call the Music Librarian for a schedule.

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Job Levels and Performance Evaluation

Levels
The James White Library supports three student employment levels, depending on background, experience, level of job difficulty, and needs of the department.
 

Evaluations
Student assistants will be evaluated twice a year to determine pay raises, continuation of employment, and opportunities for growth in the work environment.  Qualities to be evaluated include:  quality and quantity of work, job knowledge, initiative, attendance, quality of assistance given to patrons, contribution to department morale.

 
Personnel Files
A personnel file is created for you when you are hired and remains in the library even after you terminate.  These records are often used for references sought by future employers.  Information kept in these files includes dates of employment, pay raises, hours worked, termination, evaluations, etc.

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Grounds for Dismissal

Occasionally the behavior of a student employee will require the Music Librarian to refer to the following statement on "Grounds for Dismissal."  It is your responsibility to be aware of these conditions and procedures.  If you have any questions, please ask the Music Librarian immediately.

You may be dismissed for...

 
Warning Procedure
Should you fail to meet library standards in one or more of the outlined areas, expect the following:  Step one may be bypassed if necessary.  You will not receive additional warnings after step two before your employment is terminated. Serious violations of outlined expectations may be grounds for immediate dismissal.
 

Rehiring
If your overall job performance is marginal, and if after sufficient warning there is no significant improvement, you will not be rehired for another academic term.

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