Library Specialist - Funk ACES Library

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign; Urbana (IL); On-site; USD 46,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Library seeks a Library Specialist – Late Nights for the Funk ACES Library. The role covers evenings from 6:00 pm to 2:00 am, Sunday through Thursday, with day shifts in summer terms, and supervises student workers alongside other night staff.

The position is 100% full-time Civil Service 4902, with a negotiated salary of $46,858.50 and benefits; applications close Sept. 24, 2026.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Two years (24 months) of work experience in a library or equivalent setting.
• College coursework as measured by 30 semester hours equals one year (12 months).
• Associate’s degree (60 semester hours) equals eighteen months (18 months).
• Bachelor’s Degree (120 semester hours) equals three years (36 months).

Responsibilities

• Supervise student workers and hourly staff at night with other night staff.
• Perform public service duties at Funk Circulation Desk (holds, slips, etc.).
• Assist patrons; explain policies; monitor late-evening operations.
• Serve as contact for campus police and Facilities & Services personnel.
• Assist in Reserves processing, serials processing, and materials marking.
• Contribute to library activities such as displays and social media.

Skills

Public service

Supervision

Customer service

Interpersonal communication

Education

High school diploma

Associate degree

Bachelor’s degree

Job description

Funk ACES Library

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Library

Library Specialist – Late Nights

Function: Evening/night worker in the Funk ACES Library, working from 6:00 pm to 2:00 am Sunday through Thursday during 9-month academic year; working from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm Monday through Friday during 3-month summer term and breaks. The position is primarily responsible for, along with other evening/night staff: building supervision, monitoring all building functions, interacting with library users, and supervising student workers and other hourly staff.

Duties And Responsibilities

• Works in conjunction with other night-time staff to supervise student workers and other hourly staff, interacting and consulting with graduate assistants. Maintains a professional and welcoming environment for Funk Library patrons and employees.
• Performs public service duties at the Funk Circulation Desk, including circulation holds, pick slip processing, and other circulation activities.
• Assists patrons with inquiries; refers patrons to daytime staff and librarians and explains library policies and regulations to users. Monitor all late evening service operations, including printer, computer operations, public service activities, and stacks supervision.
• Serves as a contact person for campus police, campus building service workers, and Facilities & Services personnel. Monitors all aspects of the Funk Library physical facility and communicates with Funk staff via our established communication methods about any incidents and issues connected with evening/night matters.
• Responsible for assisting in various Funk Library technical services and materials processing activities, including Reserves processing, serials processing, collection shifting, and materials marking activities.
• Contributes to Funk Library’s ongoing activities, such as displays and social media.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Any combination totaling two (2) years (24 months) from the following categories:
• work experience in a library or equivalent setting.
• college course work in any field as measured by the following conversion table
• 30 semester hours equals one (1) year (12 months)
• Associate’s degree (60 semester hours) equals eighteen months (18 months)
• 90 semester hours equals two (2) years (24 months)
• Bachelor’s Degree (120 semester hours) equals three (3) years (36 months)

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

• Familiarity with library public service activities and library operations.
• Demonstrated ability to supervise and direct the work of student employees.
• Ability to perform collection analysis, shifting, transfers, and other similar processing activities.
• Ability to provide positive customer service.
• Ability to work collegially with colleagues.

Responsibility

• Supervisory Controls: Incumbent is under supervision of the Funk Library LOA (Library Operations Associate) but is expected to perform duties independently and in a timely manner. Work is prioritized by incumbent who may refer problems or request assistance from other Library staff and librarians.
• Guidelines: Guidelines are set by the University, University Library, and the unit head.

Difficulty

Procedures involving Circulation and Reserves processing must be accurate, precise and exact, so attention to detail is critical. Incumbent must adapt to changing library policies and procedures. Most of the work requires decision making and initiative. The library computer systems are complex and constantly evolving so a high level of expertise is needed to provide quality, timely service. Other duties include monitoring and directing student assistants; assisting patrons with directional and informational questions about the Library. Some difficult patron interactions may be needed to assure building security.

Personal Contacts:

• Interactions with University faculty, staff, students, and public, in person and via phone and email.
• Daily contact with Funk Library faculty, staff, graduate students, and undergraduate students.
• Occasional contact with College of ACES personnel, University Police, and F & S.

Physical Requirements:

Position involves bending and moving from location to location throughout the Funk ACES Library. The ability to move books and library material from location to location as well as moving carts filled with books that weigh up to 50 pounds.

Work Environment:

Funk Library is a safe, pleasant environment in which to work. The job is performed in a staff work area and at the Funk Circulation Desk.

Appointment Information

This is a 100% full-time Civil Service 4902 - Library Specialist position, appointed on a 12-month basis. The expected start date is as soon as possible after the close of the search. The negotiated salary for the position is $46,858.50.

This position is not eligible for any type of sponsorship for work authorization.

Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (Central Time) on September 24, 2026.

For more information on Civil Service classifications, please visit the SUCSS web site at https://www.sucss.illinois.gov/pages/classspec/default.aspx .

For questions regarding the application process, please contact 217-333-2137.

For questions regarding the specific position, please contact Amy Dannowitz at [e-mail].

At the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign — the state’s flagship public university and one of the world’s leading research institutions — every staff member helps shape what’s next. Founded in 1867, Illinois is home to a vibrant community of 59,000 students from all 50 states and 129 countries, supported by 15 colleges and instructional units, more than 20 research institutes, and one of the most comprehensive student service ecosystems in the nation. Whether you’re empowering first-generation students, fueling breakthrough innovation, or strengthening communities across Illinois and beyond, your work here has a far-reaching and deeply meaningful impact. The university offers a highly competitive benefits package designed to support your well-being, growth, and financial security. Join a top 10 public university that has launched over 330 startups and continues to redefine excellence — where the Illinois Value Proposition ensures that your contributions are recognized, your potential is nurtured, and your career can thrive.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position; however, all employment decisions will be made by a person.

This position is intended to be eligible for benefits . This includes Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, a Retirement Plan, Paid time Off, and Tuition waivers for employees and dependents.

The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view the non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify.

Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (2008) to complete the application and/or interview process. Accommodations may also be requested on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, and related conditions, or religion. Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodation portal, or by contacting the Office for Access & Equity at 217-333-0885, option #1, or [e-mail].