To the Editor,
I would like to respond to Brian Solomon's recent column ("Working Hard or Hardly Working," Aug. 11), addressing what he sees as the underutilization of student employees in the library. I would like to thank him for his thoughtful piece and agree with him that student employment benefits everyone on campus, both students and the staff with whom they work.
Solomon argues in his column that this great resource is wasted when students are not given responsibility and leadership in their campus jobs. His message comes from experience. As a tutor for RWiT, he knows both the rewards of employment where expectations are unambiguous, and the satisfaction of meeting those expectations. All of our student employees can and will meet clear expectations when asked to, and they are far more motivated when this understanding exists.
Solomon's remarks are timely. Student employees have always been absolutely fundamental to the work of the Dartmouth College Library and to the services we provide. Beginning in the fall, the library is revamping the training we provide to our student employees. This training will include clearer expectations and increased accountability. Solomon is correct: in a time of budget restraints we need to utilize student employees in ways that improve the library's services and draw upon the talents of Dartmouth's highly capable and enthusiastic students.
