Caltech Library News

Welcoming Jess Ayers, Library Administrative Assistant

We are pleased to welcome Jess Ayers to the Library's Business & Operations team as our new Administrative Assistant! They agreed to answer some questions now that they've settled into the role.

Congratulations on your new position at the Library, Jess! Could you give us an introduction to what a Library Administrative Assistant does?

Thank you! I'm glad to be here and have felt very welcomed by everyone. While I'm still learning some of the specifics of my role, I mainly assist the library operations team with making purchases of supplies, books, etc. for our libraries and then processing the invoices and receipts of those purchases to make sure they are sent to the finance department. I also help with event organization (such as the upcoming Dissertation Bootcamp and Three Minute Thesis events). And once our new University Librarian starts, I will also assist them with finance reports and managing calendars.

What inspired you to apply to this position?

I have very fond childhood memories of trips to our local library. I love reading and learning new things, so working in the library at an institution of higher learning felt like a good fit!

What are some of the positions you've previously held that prepared you for this role?

I've had an abundance of different positions over the years that gave me valuable experience that I think is going to translate well to my role here at Caltech. I've had many different admin/reception positions in various corporate environments, I've worked in high-end catering and fine dining, and I have a lot of experience working different "below-the-line" jobs in the entertainment industry. All of which has given me a strong work ethic, mental flexibility, and made me able to learn new skills quickly. My experiences have also given me new levels of appreciation for people who have unique skill sets. (You never know what skill will suddenly come in handy!)

What does a day in the life of a Library Administrative Assistant look like?

So far, no day has been exactly the same for me, ha ha! My team has been really great at not overwhelming me with all of the systems and processes I need to learn. I've filed receipts and helped with organization and outdated paperwork disposal (which has made the paper shredder my new friend.) Bailey Westerhoff and I put together the Vroman's book display in the lobby of Caltech Hall. I even helped protect the books in the basement from the leaking ceiling on my fourth day here! In the words of Allie Brosh, I can do "All the things!"

What are you looking forward to at the Library?