This guide assists in training new library student worker employees and can remind current employees about general information about library services, collections and spaces. Training manuals used in some library departments, which include detailed instructions about specific duties, are still important resources in training library student workers.
It is not necessary to know everything! Your most important resources are your co-workers. Get to know what each department knows best and turn to them for help. Scroll through the images below for an overview of each department. Contact Angela Paul if you have questions or want more information about any of the content in this guide.
Library Administration handles inquiries about the use of the spaces inside Ablah Library, in Gardner Plaza (the patio outside the front doors) and the recessed patio area down the outside stairs. Some activities requiring special permission:
Administration offices are at the back (east) of Ablah Library through the first set of double doors.
C-Space includes the Media Design Zone, VR-Zone, 3-D Printing, and other high-tech equipment. The Advanced Development Zone is also in this area which has computers with prototype development software. Staff at the C-Space desk are trained to assist with equipment and software in this room as well as the One-Button Studio and Lightboard Studio on the 2nd floor. C-Space is located on the main floor of Ablah Library.
The Circulation Desk is the main point of contact for Ablah Library. They take care of book and equipment checkout and returns. Lost and found, maintenance issues, and health and safety security issues are reported here. These employees are always the first and last in the building to open and close. The Circulation Desk is in Ablah Library.
Library Help Desk students work under Library Technologies and assist people with technological help regarding papercut printing, Wi-Fi access for library and personal computers and devices, scanning, and other basic technical issues. Staff at the Help Desk will contact Systems staff upon request. The Help Desk is in Ablah Library next to the Reference Desk.
ILL is a service that circulates books and other library materials from other libraries for WSU persons, and does the same with our collections for people around the United States. This is an online service, although the staff has an office in Ablah Library.
The Reference Desk is staffed by librarians that specialize in various subjects and liaison to each college. While at the Reference Desk, they assist those interested in locating articles, books and other library materials, getting help using library databases and search engines, and teaching information seeking skills. They often teach these skills to classes in 217 Ablah. They also purchase materials in their subject area for the library collection.
Special Collections and University Archives is the unit within Wichita State University Libraries that acquires, arranges, preserves, and makes available to the public rare and unique books, manuscripts, university records, photographs and other images, and Kansas maps and atlases. They sometimes host events. Research using these materials is only available by appointment. It is located in the lower level.
Systems student employees install and maintain desktop and portable computer systems in private offices and in public areas at all locations, including the Music Library and the portable computers available for check out at the Circulation Desk. They are also on call to take care of technical issues that arise at the Help Desk and C-Space desk. Guests using the One-Button Studio, Lightboard Studio, and Seminar Room receive help from Systems staff when needed.
This department is responsible for organizing and providing access to the collection. Different staff have responsibilities for online access to journals and books, cataloging books, maintaining the Library Online Catalog, repairing books, and other duties related to the physical and online collections. Tech Services offices are located in the back of Ablah Library through the double doors and to the left, across the hall (to the north) of the Administration offices.
The Chemistry Library is in room 127 Jardine Hall. The room contains journals and reference materials related to chemistry, study tables, as well as a computer for SciFinder and other specialized library databases. It is not staffed regularly, although visitors may enter by appointment with Cynorra Jackson, Access Services Manager.
The Thurlow Lieurance Memorial Music Library is located in the Music and Languages Innovation Center (MALIC), in room 313 Jardine Hall, along with the Savaiano-Cress Language Lab. It supports the research, curricular, and programmatic needs of the faculty and students in the College of Music. The collection includes music scores, sound recordings, music videos, and basic music reference materials. It is generally open Mondays-Fridays when classes are in session. Specialized equipment is available.
