Student work and supervision in libraries was one of the many day-to-day routines disrupted and displaced by COVID-19. In response to these circumstances, the University of Maryland College Park Libraries instituted a student telework program. This program allowed retention of the student assistant pool while providing those students with opportunities to contribute to library operations and focus on professional development. This session will cover the process both supervisors and students undertook to rapidly reach a “new normal” amidst uncertain circumstances. Topics for discussion will include why the decision was made to keep student assistants working, the challenges and concerns faced during the move to a virtual work environment, the unexpected successes that resulted from the shift to telework, and lessons learned to help shape next steps as the pandemic is continually evolving. This session seeks to impart knowledge that could be useful to other libraries dealing with similar disruptions. Budgets permitting, hopefully other libraries can utilize the lessons discussed in this session as an additional resource when determining the future of student employment through unexpected events such as COVID-19.

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Emily Spangler – Library Services Supervisor, University of Maryland, College Park
Emily Spangler (she, her, hers) has been a Library Services Supervisor at McKeldin Library at the University of Maryland, College Park since 2018. She supervises student assistants at the library services desk and mailroom in the evenings, and ensures that mail operations in the library are running smoothly. She received her MLIS from University of Maryland, College Park in May 2019.

Joanna Wiley – Lead Student Supervisor, University of Maryland, College Park
Joanna Wiley (she, her, hers) is the Lead Student Supervisor in the User Services and Resource Sharing department at McKeldin Library at the University of Maryland, College Park. She coordinates the hiring, training, and supervision of the department’s 30-40 student employees. Prior to joining UMCP in May 2017, she worked at Clemson University where she earned a BA in English. Collectively, she has over 10 years’ experience in student supervision in academic libraries.