Library Shelver (UNION AFSCME)

Applitrack; Evanston (IL); On-site; USD 21,000 - 26,000; Part time

Job summary

Applitrack's Main Library seeks a part-time Library Shelver to maintain optimal organization of the collection. The role involves shelving, shelf-reading, and assisting with circulation tasks while supporting staff and patrons in a busy library environment.

The position requires at least a high school diploma or GED and previous customer service experience. Flexible evenings, weekends, and holiday shifts are required.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required and at least 1 year of customer service experience.
• Knowledge of Internet search engines, word processing, email, online catalogs, ILS and Windows.
• Polaris knowledge is a plus.
• Ability to work with a diverse group of customers and staff.
• Ability to multitask and read/interpret manuals and policies.

Responsibilities

• Shelve books and materials accurately and efficiently.
• Retrieve items and route them for processing.
• Conduct shelf-reading to ensure order and report damage.
• Handle returns, check for damage, and reshelve items.
• Set up and maintain library displays and signage.
• Provide directions to patrons and help locate materials.
• Keep areas tidy and ensure aisles are clear.
• Assist with special projects and events as needed.

Skills

Customer service

Multitasking

Reading comprehension

Internet search

Polaris

ILS usage

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Windows OS

Online catalogs

Job description

• Position Type: Library/ Library Shelver - Part Time
• Date Posted: 10/2/2026
• Location: Main Library
• Closing Date: 10/16/2026

SALARY RANGE:$14.89 - 19.02 per Hour *Starting salary is dependent upon qualifications, but in most cases is no higher than the midpoint for range.

Part-Time: 15 hours per week, including evenings, weekends, and holidays. Schedule: Varies

NATURE OF WORK

The Library Shelver plays a crucial role in maintaining the organization and accessibility of the library's collection. This position is responsible for accurately shelving books and other library materials, ensuring that items are in their correct place, and assisting in the maintenance of a clean and orderly library environment. The Library Shelver will also assist with basic tasks related to the circulation of materials and provide support to library staff as needed.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS (Specific assignment will include some or all of the following):

• Shelves books, periodicals, multimedia and other materials in an efficient and accurate manner.
• Retrieves items from shelves and routes items for additional processing.
• Demonstrates knowledge of shelving protocols across different library sections.
• Conduct regular shelf-reading to ensure that all materials are properly organized, in good condition, and correctly placed on the shelves. Report damaged or missing items to the supervisor.
• Retrieve and sort returned materials, placing them in the appropriate locations for reshelving. Assist in checking returned items for damage and completeness.
• Assist in setting up and maintaining library displays, ensuring that promotional materials and signage are neat and up-to-date.
• Provide basic directional assistance to patrons, such as guiding them to specific sections of the library or locating specific materials.
• Help maintain the cleanliness and orderliness of the library, including tidying up shelves, rearranging materials, and ensuring that aisles and public areas are free of obstructions.
• Assist with special library projects or events as needed, such as inventory management, program setup, or other tasks assigned by the supervisor.
• Work collaboratively with other library staff to ensure the smooth operation of daily activities and the overall success of the library.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS OF WORK

• Must possess a high school diploma or GED and one (1) or more years of customer service related work experience.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES IN THE FOLLOWING AREAS

• Knowledge of and ability to use Internet search engines, word processing software, email, on-line computer catalogs, ILS and Windows operating systems.
• Knowledge of Polaris is a plus.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with a diverse group of customers and staff throughout the Library, as well as the general public within the organization.
• Ability to multitask many variable duties, requests and responsibilities.
• Capacity to read, understand and interpret manuals, policies and procedures, rules, regulations, journals, newspapers, memos, letters, reports and legal documents.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS OF WORK

The ability to work using full bodily movement associated with bending, kneeling, stretching, reaching, pushing, and pulling associated with shelving books and pushing a book cart. In addition to the ability to occasionally use force to exert up to 40 pounds. The ability to lift, carry or otherwise move objects, books, materials, etc. using up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects. The employee is subject to inside environmental conditions: protection from weather conditions, but not necessarily from indoor temperature changes. There are no environmental hazards associated with this classification. The ability to read, write and speak another language a plus

SUPERVISION

Under the supervision of the Circulation and Assistant Circulation Manager, work is performed with the guidance of managerial staff. The individual has contact with other Library institutions and staff at all levels, and uses the necessary resources to meet and achieve goals and/or objectives. Work is assigned through specific projects and customer/clientele requests. The employee is responsible for prioritizing work tasks, and for identifying and utilizing the appropriate resources to resolve a problem or situation. Work performance is reviewed through observation, completion of projects, status reports, conferences and meetings. Guidance is provided through the City Code, departmental policies, City operating practices and procedures, and other resources as applicable to specific projects assigned. Work is evaluated at least annually, with respect to customer service, problem-solving ability and performance in accordance with this classification standard.

PUBLIC CONTACT

The employee has regular and frequent contact with the general public.

Chosen candidates will be required to provide proof of licenses, certifications, and education required for this position. Candidates will also be subject to qualifying pre-employment processes, including medical examination, drug/alcohol screen, employment verification, and criminal background check.

The City of Evanston is an equal opportunity employer and ensures against discrimination in employment on the basis of a person's race, color, sex, age, religion, disability, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, marital status, parental status, military discharge status, source of income, housing status, or gender identity.The City of Evanston is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. In keeping with our commitment, The City will take the steps to assure that people with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. Accordingly, if reasonable accommodation is required to fully participate in the job application or interview process, to perform the essential functions of the position, and/or to receive all other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact the Human Resources Division at 847-448-8204(voice) or 847-866-5095(TTY).