From Tasks to Skills: An Interest-Based Supervision Model for Library Student Employees

• Type of Material: Presentation
• Authors: Qing Xu, Emory University
• Language: English
• Date: 2026-02-11
• Publisher: Emory University Libraries
• Publication Version: Final Published Version
• Copyright Statement: 2026 Qing Xu
• Keywords: Library Student Employees, student supervision

Abstract

Oxford College is a two-year undergraduate college of Emory University. At Oxford College Library, student employees split their time between circulation desk responsibilities and mandatory staff hours focused on collaborative, project-based work with library staff. A recurring challenge among first- and second-year student employees is hesitation in articulating project interests during staff hours. When asked about preferred project types, many students express willingness to complete any assigned task. While this reflects flexibility and motivation, it also indicates limited experience identifying work interests or connecting work activities to skill development. To address this challenge, I am designing an interest-based supervision model supported by a short survey and a task-to-skill mapping matrix. The survey captures students’ project interests, preferred working styles, confidence with tools, and desired skill areas. Survey responses are then used to intentionally align student learning goals with library operational needs, creating a more engaged and developmental work environment. The task-to-skill mapping matrix organizes projects by functional purpose and reorganizes projects by work style and level of training required. The visual framework helps students who struggle to articulate interests more easily identify projects aligned with their developmental goals. This lightning talk will present a replicable framework for transforming library student employment into a high-impact learning experience that supports early career skill development. Objective 1: Identify transferable skills developed through library student employment for career preparation. Objective 2: Describe the design and use of the Library Student Employee Interest & Skills Inventory as a reflective onboarding tool for student employees. Objective 3: Explain how survey results are translated into task-to-skill mapping strategies that align student interests and developmental goals with library operational needs.