About

The Archbishop Alter Library is committed to providing an environment conducive to research and study.  In order to maintain a quiet learning environment, the Library asks all patrons to turn their cell phone ringer OFF when entering the Library and be considerate of those studying around them by not answering calls in quiet study areas. 

Patrons making or receiving cell phone calls are welcome to use the WPS Starbucks Cafe or the hallway outside the Library's main entrance.

In addition to the Reading Room, quiet study spaces are available on the 2nd and 3rd floors of the library.

Although the Library is open to the community, our collections and facilities are intended primarily for the faculty, staff and students of the Mount St. Joseph University.  We strive to provide an environment that is pleasant and conducive to study and research.

For their safety, we ask that children under 15 be supervised at all times by a parent or other responsible adult. Campus Police will be notified of unattended children.

Children under 15 who are accompanied by an adult are permitted in the Library providing that their behavior is appropriate for an academic library.

Parents (or other responsible adult) will be held responsible for their children’s behavior. Loud or disruptive children and their responsible adult may be asked to leave.

Children under 15 are not permitted to use the computer workstations in the Library.

Parents will be held responsible for any damage caused to library property by their children.

The Library Staff cannot be responsible for children who are left unattended in the library.

• Laptops are available for checkout at the circulation desk.
• Laptops can be checked out by current students, employees, emeriti faculty, alumni, Sisters of Charity, and other members of the Mount Community using their Mount ID card. They must present their ID card to the attendant at the circulation desk in order to check out a laptop.
• Any student or employee who checks out a laptop is required to comply with the University’s “Responsible Use of Technology” policy.
• Laptops may be taken outside of the Library to class. As previously stated, any student or employee who checks out a laptop is required to comply with the University’s “Responsible Use of Technology” policy (see previous bullet point for link to policy). If a student checks out a laptop and does not return it, the replacement cost of the laptop will be charged to the student’s account. If an employee or other member of the Mount Community does not return a laptop, they will receive a bill from the library for the replacement cost.
• If someone requests a laptop and none are available, the circulation desk attendant will assist with placing a hold on the next available laptop. Additional laptops are also available at the ISS Helpdesk.
• Laptops are checked out for a three-hour period. At the end of the three-hour period, the laptop must be returned to the circulation desk. If the person who checked out the laptop needs to continue using it, they can return it to the circulation desk and check it out again for an additional three hours as long as no one else is waiting to use it. A fee of $1.00 per hour will be charged for laptops returned late.
• Contact the Director of Library services for any questions or concerns regarding these guidelines.

• Why work in the library?
  Employment in the library provides students with a source of income but more importantly, a variety of skills that will contribute to their success at the Mount and in their future careers. Student employees develop important customer service skills, learn how to use information and research tools, and collaborate with librarians in a professional working environment.

• Student Employment Positions
  The library employs work study students in the Access Services department. Students in the Access Services department assist patrons at the Circulation Desk, re-shelve library materials, process OhioLINK requests and deliveries, etc. Student workers also assist with tasks and projects in other library departments as assigned. Student employees generally work between 10 - 15 hours per week.

• Employment Eligibility
  The library considers currently enrolled work study-eligible student applicants first, but also hires currently enrolled non-work study-eligible students based on scheduling needs. Once hired, Mount students may continue their employment in the library if their work study eligibility changes. Previous library experience is not a requirement for employment. The library looks for students with a strong work ethic, demonstrated customer service skills, and an eagerness to learn new skills.

• Applications and Interviewing
  Interested student applicants can apply online using the student employment website. New job openings are regularly emailed to students by Human Resources (student.employment@msj.edu). Qualified applicants will be contacted by email to arrange for an interview.