Position Type:
Library/Library Clerk - Part-Time
Date Posted:
7/8/2026
Location:
Main Library
Date Available:
TBD
Closing Date:
08/01/2026
SALARY RANGE: $19.029 - $24.368/HOUR
- Starting salary is dependent upon qualifications, but in most cases is no higher than the midpoint for the range.
Part-time 20 hours per week, including some evening, weekend, and holiday hours.
Schedule: Varies
NATURE OF WORK:
The role of a part-time Library Clerk is crucial in enhancing our patrons' experience through excellent customer service. This position involves assisting patrons, managing library materials, and supporting operations. Fluency in Spanish, Mandarin, or other international languages is highly desirable. Qualified candidates are passionate about providing equitable access to resources and are equity-focused in their approach to positively impacting our community.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS (Specific assignment will include some or all of the following):
Welcomes all who enter the library giving clear, accurate, and timely answers to patron inquiries and directing patrons to Librarians and Library Assistants as needed.
Answers incoming phone calls with a high level of responsive customer service.
Assists patrons at the service desk by using the computer system to check in/out and renew library materials, issue library cards, register patrons for programs, reserve meeting rooms, and resolve problems.
Accepts fines and fees using a cash register and credit card machine.
Performs daily branch opening and closing procedures. Empty the book drop, processes returned materials and routes materials to and from other locations, maintains reserve shelves, processes holds pick lists and missing item lists.
Assists with public computer signup, use, and printing along with the use of copiers, scanners, and fax machines. Assists with minor computer instructions and problem-solving.
Shelve materials in order and check them regularly to ensure items are rightfully placed
Provide excellent customer service and establish and maintain effective working relationships with a diverse group of customers, volunteers, and staff throughout the Library, as well as outside the organization.
May perform 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.
The ability to speak a foreign language, particularly Spanish, is highly desirable.
Knowledge, skills, and abilities in the following areas:
Strong customer service skills.
Proficiency with Internet search engines, word processing software, email, and online computer catalogs. Familiarity with Polaris (our library information system) is a plus.
Ability to promptly sort and file materials in alpha-numerical order.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with a diverse group of customers and staff throughout the Library including community partners.
Ability to prioritize many variable duties, requests, and responsibilities.
Ability to exercise independent judgment.
Ability to read, understand, and interpret written instructions and perform mathematical calculations with the use of a calculator and/or cash register.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS OF WORK:
The ability to work while standing as well as bodily movement associated with bending, kneeling, stretching, reaching, pushing, and pulling is associated with shelving books and pushing a book cart. 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 ability to stand for at least four hours at a time.
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.
SUPERVISION:
The circulation clerk works under the direction of the Manager and Assistant Manager of the department. They interact with other library branches, institutions, and staff at all levels to meet goals and objectives. The employee is responsible for prioritizing work tasks and using appropriate resources to resolve problems. Work performance is reviewed through observation, project completion, status reports, conferences, and meetings. Guidance is provided through the City Code, departmental policies, City operating practices and procedures, and other applicable resources. Work is evaluated annually according to the classification standards.
PUBLIC CONTACT:
The employee has regular and frequent contact with the general public.
SELECTION METHOD
TYPE OF ELIGIBILITY LIST
LIFE OF ELIGIBILITY LIST
Qualifications Assessment
Category Group
One Year
Structured Oral Interview
Chosen candidates will be subject to a qualifying pre-employment medical examination and drug/alcohol screen.
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 also committed to accessibility for persons with disabilities. Any person needing mobility or communications access assistance should contact the Facilities Management Office at 847-866-2916 (voice) or 847-448-8052 (TTY).
