What to do during your first days as a Reference Assistant

We are so happy that you have decided to join us and look forward to working with you. This guidebook provides some important information about the RA position, the library, and other content related to reference, instruction, and professional development.

Prioritize reviewing the content on this page during your first week or two with us. Afterward, work your way through the rest of the sections between student/patron interactions over the course of the academic year.

To start, check out Seattle Central College’s Mission and the Library’s Mission for some context about our workplace.

Accounts & Log-in Credentials

During your first days, set up your college and library accounts and passwords (see the end of this page for a list).  There may be a delay on gaining access to some of these accounts; check in with our library’s admin assistant and/or the librarian you’re on the desk with if you’re having any trouble.

1. ctcLink — A ctcLink employee number is the first thing you’ll be assigned upon being hired. To log into ctcLink, use your 10-digit number as your username, chosen password, and chosen authentication step. This is the system where you will submit timesheets, request time off, and other administrative tasks.
2. MySeattleColleges Account — Set this up right away at https://tools.seattlecolleges.edu to access email, wi-fi, computer log-in, Office365, and library account.
3. Outlook email — Use MySeattleColleges credentials to log in. The calendar is an important feature. You are expected to check work email only during your paid work hours.
4. Library SharePoint — Use MySeattleColleges credentials. Find and collaborate on shared library documents here.
5. Library Teams — Use MySeattleColleges credentials. Keep this open in a tab in your web browser while at the Research Help Desk. The Teams channels are a quick way to share service desk updates and news with co-workers, e.g. if a student printer is down.
6. Library Databases ezproxy — Use MySeattleColleges credentials if using a device that is connected to the wi-fi. Otherwise, our college desktop computers authenticate users automatically.
7. Gimlet — See shared login credentials. Note the tags and codes for each interaction at desk.
8. Libguides — Use SeattleColleges email address and chosen password.
9. Alma — Use MySeattleColleges credentials. This library management system is what you’ll use to find more information about our holdings, change the status for books on display, and track in-house use for reference books.
10. Canvas — Use ctcLink credentials.

Reference Desk Manual

It is important to read through the Reference Desk Manual, which is targeted toward both RAs and librarians. The link will be sent to you via email. Bookmark this on your web browser so that you can refer back to it as new situations arise.

Hot Tip from a Former RA

Keep a notebook on hand at the desk to write down the sage wisdom of your mentors, articles to read later, items to follow up on, and thoughts that strike.

Emergency Contacts

All college phone numbers start with 206-934 followed by four-digit extension number, e.g. the main phone line (Circulation Desk) is 206-934-4050.

• Safety & Security Office: x5442
• Call 911 in an emergency. If you call 911, call the Safety & Security Office next to alert them that emergency responders are on their way to campus.
• If you call campus security and/or 911, tell  the other library workers that you did so.