UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Each year, Penn State University Libraries employs student workers and interns across a wide range of libraries and departments across the University. These opportunities encourage students to engage with the University Libraries’ services, resources and programs while earning academic credit — and a paycheck. Opportunities across the Libraries offer students meaningful work that benefits both student personal growth and the Libraries as a whole.
Through these roles, students apply classroom knowledge to real-world experiences that help library operations thrive. Students work closely with supervisors and faculty librarians who are experts in their fields, often shadowing them to learn day-to-day responsibilities. Over time, students are trusted with projects that are actively used within the Libraries, giving them both confidence and professional experience. In addition, student workers collaborate with their peers, building teamwork and communication skills that will benefit them beyond graduation.
“I can do a lot more than I expect of myself, and I’m very proud of how much I’ve done and how far I’ve come,” said Nat Arias, who works in the Thun Makerspace at Berks Thun Library. “I see libraries in a whole new light — the opportunities truly are endless.”
Arias said she has found both creativity and connection through her role in the Makerspace, a collaborative environment that encourages hands-on learning, innovation and creativity, and provides access to tools such as 3D printers, Cricut machines, button makers and heat presses.
During her time at the Libraries, Arias co-developed “Technopoly,” a parody board game exploring surveillance capitalism. She also attended the Pennsylvania Library Association (PaLA) Conference, where she connected with librarians across the state and learned about innovative work happening in other libraries.
“It’s become my home away from home, and I love sharing this space with our community,” Arias said.
For Joshua Mathew, a graduating senior at University Park studying electrical engineering, his role as a maker-in-residence at the Makers Commons in Pattee Library has provided a unique opportunity to combine creativity with technical skills.
“Since I’m an engineering student, we do a lot of design work, especially 3D modeling,” Mathew said. “Helping students learn how to model, along with the projects I’m working on with staff, has shown me a different perspective on 3D modeling.”
He also highlighted the strong sense of community within the Libraries.
“I love the people," he said. "It’s almost like a family working there. Everyone’s together helping, just ready to dive into any project that’s given to us. I’m honestly thrilled and honored to be a part of that family.”
Community building, collaboration and transferable skills like customer service and problem-solving skills are the cornerstone of student work at University Libraries, said Hilary Dash, library operations supervisor at Penn State Brandywine Campus Library.
“Over time, we see growth as students build self-confidence, comfort interacting with strangers and acting with quiet authority,” Dash said. “By the end of an academic year, our students have all become important members of our team. No matter how different they may be, they have respect and affection for one another — and that feeling of community is special
The synergistic combination of student workers and librarians and staff makes a difference, according to Dash.
“Student workers make a huge difference for our operations," Dash said. "They’re often the first face at the front desk, they help ensure things run smoothly and efficiently, they bring life and energy to our spaces, and — because they are students — their peers often feel more comfortable asking them quick questions.”
Dash highlighted Emily Suda, a Brandywine library intern graduating this spring who Dash supervised, saying Suda's warmth and outgoing nature often drew other students into library projects
“It was really fun to work in such a welcoming environment,” Suda said.
“At our year-end party, we named Emily ‘Most Likely to Know Every Single Person — and Be Loved for It,’ which fits perfectly,” Dash said. “But beyond her ability to connect with people, Emily was dependable, hardworking and professional. She consistently looked for ways to contribute and improve things without being asked.”
“Since my mother is a librarian, I feel like I’m following in her footsteps,” Suda said.
In addition to learning the Library of Congress classification system — a favorite experience for Suda, she said — an average day at work for many University Libraries student workers might involve arriving early and beginning a shift by searching the stacks for books requested from library users at other campuses. After that, they may spend time helping students at the desk, answering quick questions, and using quieter moments for shelving, organizing materials or small projects. Very often, student workers leave for a few hours to attend classes, then return to work for another hour or two before heading out for the day, according to Dash
Student employment opportunities at the University Libraries allow students to feel connected, grow professionally and gain hands-on experience that prepares them for their future careers. Through mentorship, collaboration and meaningful project work, Dash said, students develop valuable skills such as communication, problem-solving and teamwork. These experiences not only support the Libraries’ daily operations but also empower students to build confidence and explore new career paths, leaving a lasting impact both during their time at Penn State and beyond.
“We approach our student employment positions with intentionality in the hope that student workers at the University Libraries will develop skills that prepare them for future opportunities, employment and beyond,” said Monica Gingerich, assistant librarian and coordinator for student experience and engagement. “We encourage students from every discipline and field of study to apply, to build the most diverse and well-rounded student experience possible. There truly is a position here for everyone.”
For information about undergraduate student work at Penn State University Libraries, visit the Libraries’ Jobs page or Internship Opportunities. For questions about joining the Student Advisory Board as a student worker, please contact Monica Gingerich at mcg5660@psu.edu.