Shelver

POSITION DESCRIPTION

Business Title: SHELVER
Department: ACCESS SERVICES – LENDING &

PC
Location: DOWNTOWN BRANCH

Grade: 56
Bargaining Unit: N/A

Full Time or Part Time: PART TIME
Hours per Week: 16 HOURS / WEEK

End Date (if Term Appointment): N/A
Reports to: LENDING & PC SUPERVISOR

ABOUT PPL
Portland Public Library is an equal-opportunity employer dedicated to providing safe, free access to educational
and cultural resources for all. As Maine’s most visited cultural institution, PPL has served the community for over
150 years.

We provide shared resources, including books, films, history, and ideas, in a welcoming environment that fosters
connection and positive change. Our work centers on equity, accessibility, inclusion, and representation of diverse
perspectives. We seek team members who value curiosity, collaboration, and creativity. Applicants from diverse
racial, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply.

POSITION SUMMARY
Reporting to the Lending & Public Computing Supervisor, this position is responsible for ensuring that library
collections are neat and orderly so that library patrons and staff can access them quickly and easily. Key
aspects of the job are re-shelving and retrieving library materials.

NATURE & SCOPE

• Maintain the order and neatness of collections throughout the library

o Sort materials by call number prior to shelving
o Reshelve library materials to the proper locations
o Ensure that materials are in the correct order on the shelves
o Shift library materials on shelves as necessary
o Maintain attractiveness of the library by picking up materials from seating areas,

straightening shelves, and filling displays
o Clean library materials as requested

• Search for materials for patrons and staff as instructed
• Provide patrons with basic directions regarding collections or refer to service desk as appropriate
• Perform other related tasks as assigned
• Participates in maintaining a safe and welcoming environment for library users and fellow staff.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

• Sort efficiently in alphabetic or numeric order, and develop a working understanding of the methods

for arranging library materials

• Work efficiently while paying close attention to detail
• Follow detailed verbal and written instructions
• Perform repetitive, routine procedures
• Appropriately multitask and prioritize
• Work independently with minimal supervision
• Demonstrate basic computer skills, including keyboarding and email
• Effectively use library and general office equipment
• Establish and maintain cooperative and courteous working relationships with a diverse staff and

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• This position requires occasional use of a computer.
• This position requires regular movement through library service areas and includes lifting or moving

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• This position is performed in a busy and diverse public library. Staff engage with a wide range of

library users, including those with varying needs and abilities.

• Hours vary, and this position may include evenings and weekends. Flexibility in scheduling is

required to provide consistent library service to the community.