If you examine an old journal in the library at the New York Law School, you’ll probably find the fingerprints of Library Assistant Egbert Isaacs.

He oversees the binding of periodicals stored at the library, which has four floors and more than 450,000 volumes.

“I like to interact with the staff, students and faculty,” said Mr. Isaacs, whose responsibilities also include helping people track down publications and books. “I enjoy answering questions and helping them find material.”

An 11-year employee of the law school, Mr. Isaacs worked his way up to his current post after starting out as an assistant in the mailroom.

Mr. Isaacs said patrons sometimes feel bewildered and frustrated when they are looking for material. They appreciate the help of the four Library Assistants.

“Some students might not like to look around, so I guide them to where they can find the material,” he said.

Mr. Isaacs was a lead organizer of the workers’ successful organizing drive for union representation by DC 37 in 1996, and now he chairs the New York Law School Chapter of Local 154. “Members felt they were denied straightforward wage increases and dignity,” Mr. Isaacs said.

The union has helped the more than 30 workers in the bargaining unit improve their benefits, Mr. Isaacs said. Rather than being based on a phony merit pay system, where raises really depended upon favoritism, wage increases are now given across the board, he said. “The union has brought us a voice,” Mr. Isaacs said.