Shelving Assistant (Permanent Position)

Topeka & Shawnee County Public Library; Topeka (KS); On-site; USD 13,069 - 18,614; Part time

Job summary

A local public library in Topeka is seeking a Shelving Assistant to manage organization of library collections and assist customers. This role involves ensuring materials are shelved correctly, directing patrons, and maintaining a neat library environment. Applicants must be at least 16 years old, with strong organizational skills and the ability to assist the public effectively. The position offers flexible scheduling with an hourly rate starting at $11.50, and applications are open until filled.

Qualifications

• Must be 16 years of age.
• Previous experience with organizational systems is preferred.
• Strong organizational skills required.

Responsibilities

• Organize library collections using alphabetical and numerical systems.
• Direct customers to appropriate collections based on their needs.
• Maintain shelves in an organized and visually pleasing manner.

Skills

Organizational skills

Customer service orientation

Computer skills with Office 365

Ability to multi-task

Job description

If you love putting things back where they belong, our Shelving Assistant position may be for you. With hundreds of items to lend our customers, we need to be sure that they can be easily found. Our Shelving Assistants make that happen. We are looking for Shelving Assistants who are very organized and can perform detailed work.

Responsibilities

• Organize library collections using alphabetical and numerical systems and return materials to shelving units of varying heights throughout the library. Push and pull loaded material carts to locations throughout the library.
• Lift stacks of books from varying shelf heights and shift titles around to adjacent shelves to make more shelving space.
• Direct customers to appropriate collections or service locations based on their informational needs and provide general library information.
• Keep shelves visually pleasing and organized by fixing out‑of‑order collections, collecting titles left behind by customers, and removing any trash left on the shelving units.
• Shelve hold materials for customers in the holds pick‑up room and curbside office.
• Deliver checked out materials to cars in curbside parking or retrieve items for customers from non-public areas.
• Feed returned library materials through the automated material handling machine (AMH) for check‑in and sorting. Collect sorted checked‑in materials from the AMH bins to build carts for shelving. Report any AMH problems to Circulation Library Associates or Library Senior Associates, Circulation Supervisor, and Collections Director.
• Search for titles on lists in the library’s public areas and pull items off the shelves to bring to the circulation workroom.
• Check email and staff intranet daily for important communications about library collection updates, procedural changes, and other information.
• Maintain prompt arrival and work efficiently and dependably within scheduled hours.

Position Requirements

• Must be 16 years of age.

Preferred

• Previous experience working with organization systems or detailed protocols.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Ability to read and organize materials alphabetically and numerically.
• Strong organizational skills; perform detailed work accurately and retain and apply multi‑step procedures repetitively.
• Ability to manage a schedule to complete assignments accurately and in a timely manner.
• Ability to work effectively in an independent or team setting.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and a strong customer service orientation.
• Ability to multi‑task.
• Competent computer skills with Office 365, email, and internet searching techniques.
• Ability to maintain regular and reliable attendance.

Schedule

18 hours per week with flexible schedules including days, nights, and weekends. Position remains open until filled. First review of applications will be April 15, 2026.

Pay & Benefits

Hourly rate begins at $11.50. This is a non‑benefit eligible position.

EOE

Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, or veteran status.