Library Clerk - Part Time; UNION AFSCME

Library Clerk – Part Time (UNION AFSCME)

Position Type:
Library/ Library Clerk – Part‑Time

Date Posted: 6/5/2026

Location:

Robert Crown Community Center – Robert Crown Library Branch

Salary Range: $19.02 – $24.36 / hour (starting salary dependent upon qualifications but generally not higher than the midpoint)

Work Hours:

20 hours per week, including evening, weekend, and holiday hours. Schedule varies.

The role of a part‑time Library Clerk is crucial in enhancing our patrons' experience through excellent customer service. The 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.

• 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 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; empties the book drop, processes returned materials, routes materials to and from other locations, maintains reserve shelves, processes holds pick lists and missing item lists.
• Assists with public computer sign‑up, use, and printing along with copiers, scanners, and fax machines; provides minor computer instructions and problem‑solving.
• Shelves materials in order and checks them regularly to ensure items are rightfully placed.
• Provides excellent customer service and establishes and maintains 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.

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

The ability to speak Spanish is highly desirable.

• Proficiency with Internet search engines, word processing software, email, and online computer catalogs. Familiarity with Polaris 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 and community partners.
• Ability to prioritize many variable duties, requests, and responsibilities.
• Ability to exercise independent judgment.

Read, understand, and interpret written instructions; perform mathematical calculations using a calculator and/or a cash register.

Works while standing; capable of bending, kneeling, stretching, reaching, pushing, pulling. May occasionally exert up to 40 pounds. Requires lifting, carrying, or moving objects up to 20 pounds frequently. Must stand for at least four hours at a time. No environmental hazards beyond typical indoor conditions.

The circulation clerk works under the direction of the Manager and Assistant Manager. The employee prioritizes work tasks and uses appropriate resources to resolve problems. Performance is reviewed by observation, project completion, status reports, conferences, and meetings. Guidance comes from City Code, departmental policies, and applicable resources. Work is evaluated annually.

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

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).