The University of Oregon Libraries is dedicated to enriching the student experience by opening doors to opportunity, discovery, and lifelong success.
Each year, more than 160 students work alongside our librarians and experts, gaining hands-on experience that prepares them for meaningful careers after graduation. As one of the largest student employers on campus, the Libraries serves as both a workplace and a launchpad—where students build confidence, explore their interests, and discover their potential.
Through their work in the libraries, students develop the skills that today’s employers value most. They strengthen essential abilities like communication, teamwork, customer service, and leadership, while also gaining specialized expertise in areas such as cataloging, digital archiving, journalism, and photography.
What Is Career Readiness?
Career readiness means having the essential skills and habits that are needed to thrive at work and manage a career over time. Using the career readiness standards outlined by the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), we help students gain a powerful competitive edge as they enter the workforce. NACE’s eight core competencies include: Career and Self-Development, Communication, Critical Thinking, Equity and Inclusion, Leadership, Professionalism, Teamwork, and Technology.
Aidan, a former Data Services Peer Consultant who is now a Data Scientist/Senior Analyst at Anderson Economic Group, shared how his library job helped shape his career:
“Working as a peer consultant really helped me solidify my data analytics skills, which I use almost every day at my job. Getting exposure to advanced concepts and other coding languages as well was beneficial because I now feel confident in learning new languages, which I have also done at my job....All in all, working for data services at the UO was really pivotal for me in my career, and anyone would be lucky to have that same opportunity!”
By supporting student employment in UO Libraries, you are investing directly in the next generation of researchers and leaders. Your gift opens the door for more students to gain transformative professional experience and offsets the cost of their education while gaining the real-world skills, mentorship, and confidence they need to succeed long after graduation.
Thank you for your support!
