Stacks Management Assistant (16-month Term)

Northwestern University; Evanston (IL); On-site; USD 24,796 - 28,929; Full time

Job summary

Northwestern University in Evanston is hiring a Stacks Management Assistant to oversee transfers to the Oak Grove Library Center. You will pull items from shelves, assess condition, pack them, and update locations in Alma.

The role supports project timelines and provides regular updates to stakeholders on an onsite basis. The 16-month, full-time position starts September 1, 2026, with typical hours Monday through Friday, 8:30 am to 5:00 pm.

Qualifications

• High school diploma required; bachelor’s degree preferred.
• Experience with Alma or similar library systems is a plus.
• Strong communication and detail-oriented work habits.

Responsibilities

• Pull, pack, and update item locations for transfer to Oak Grove Library Center.
• Identify items needing preservation work and adjust workflows.
• Oversee progress to meet project timelines and report status.
• Communicate with Oak Grove and Preservation staff about logistics.
• Update inventory, edit holdings, and track missing items.
• Contribute to supervisor-maintained statistics.
• May train and supervise student employees.

Skills

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Project coordination

Independent and team work

Analytical thinking

Education

High school diploma

Bachelor's degree preferred

Tools

Alma

MS Office

iPad

Job description

Department: NUL Access Services
Salary/Grade: NEX/10

Job Summary

The Stacks Management Assistant oversees the transfer of items to Oak Grove Library Center, Northwestern's high-density storage facility. This position pulls items from the shelves, performs condition assessment, packs them in containers, and updates their locations in Alma, our integrated library system. The position monitors project progress and provides regular status updates to stakeholders.

This is a full-time, benefits-eligible 16‑month term position with an expected start date of September 1, 2026. This is an onsite position located on the Evanston campus. Working hours are Monday - Friday (8:30am - 5:00pm).

*Note: Not all aspects of the job are covered by this job description.

Responsibilities

• Pulls, packs, and changes the location of items in preparation for transfer to Oak Grove Library Center.
• Identifies and sets aside items needing preservation treatment.
• Oversees progress and adjusts workflows to meet the project timeline.
• Communicates with Oak Grove and Preservation staff regarding workflows, pickups, and general logistics.
• Updates collection inventory, editing holdings and marking items missing.
• Contributes to statistics maintained by supervisor.
• May assist in training and supervising student employees.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school graduate.
• Ability to push/pull loaded book trucks and lift a minimum of 40 pounds.
• High level of computer skills with both PC and iPad.
• Solid knowledge of MS Office.
• Experience performing detail-oriented work.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills and good interpersonal skills.
• Ability to take initiative, organize and prioritize multiple simultaneous operations, work independently within a team framework, and think analytically.

Preferred Qualifications

• Successful completion of a full 4‑year course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a bachelors or higher degree.
• Experience with Alma or other integrated library system.
• Previous academic or research library experience.

Target hiring pay for this position will be starting at $18.42 per hour. Offered salary will be determined by the applicant's education, experience, knowledge, skills and abilities, as well as internal equity and alignment with market data.

Benefits

At Northwestern, we are proud to provide meaningful and competitive benefits. The available benefits package for this position will include health, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance; paid vacation and holidays; paid medical/sick and parental leave; tuition benefits for the employee and dependents; pre-tax and flex spending accounts for commuting and dependent care; generous retirement savings options; and wellness programs. For a comprehensive overview of available benefits, including eligibility details, visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/index.html to learn more.

Work-Life and Wellness

Northwestern offers comprehensive programs and services to help you and your family navigate life's challenges and opportunities and adopt and maintain healthy lifestyles. We support flexible work arrangements where possible and programs to help you locate and pay for quality, affordable childcare and senior/adult care. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/work-life/index.html to learn more.

Professional Growth & Development

Northwestern supports employee career development in all circumstances whether your workspace is on campus or at home. If you're interested in developing your professional potential or continuing your formal education, we offer a variety of tools and resources. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/learning/index.html to learn more.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Northwestern University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of protected characteristics, including disability and veteran status. View Northwestern's non-discrimination statement. Job applicants who wish to request an accommodation in the application or hiring process should contact the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX Compliance. View additional information on the accommodations process.