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

patron base

Effectively use excellent customer service and communication skills when interacting with co-

workers and patrons

Meet the scheduling needs of the library
Adapt to changes in the work environment
Work for the library in a responsible, professional, and trustworthy manner

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

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

weights up to 30 lbs.

This position pushes book trucks loaded over 30 lbs.
This position requires the ability to bend, stretch and reach to handle materials.

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.

Portland Public Library

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Shelver