Performs duties associated with the physical storage and maintenance of the Library's general collections, provides assistance to library patrons in book stack area, and performs resource sharing duties to support BUL's resource sharing programs. Library onsite union position.
Typical Duties and Responsibilities:
Collects, sorts, loads and shelves or files all types of library materials
Ensures that collections are arranged in correct call number sequence; maintains the orderliness of collection areas by straightening, shelf-reading and shifting materials as necessary
Trains and directs student assistants working in Collections Management (Shelving); monitors their shift assignments (including nights and weekends)
Identifies materials in poor condition, labeling problems, location errors and classification questions; routes materials to Preservation unit for further work
Retrieves, pages, pulls and moves materials for off-site storage, shelves items in on-campus storage areas
Searches stacks for missing materials
Provides patrons with information and assistance in locating materials, retrieves items for those needing help, provides directional assistance and helps interpret information found in Integrated Library System (ILS)
Scans barcodes into the ILS to record in house use of materials
Searches the ILS to assist patrons in locating materials not on shelf
Reports problems to the manager or supervisor, in regards to environmental conditions, furnishings, equipment, etc. in book stack areas within guidelines
Assists in responding to damaged collections, drapes affected areas with plastic, fans wet books under direction of Disaster Response individual or team
Participates in keeping signage within Stackmaps up-to-date in bookstack areas and in keeping shelving records
Adjusts, reconfigures, and labels shelves as needed
Removes materials checked out to carrels
Utilizes resource sharing systems including consortial and reciprocal agreements to borrow and lend library materials
Pages, bands and physically prepares materials for resource sharing to ship to other libraries
Unpacks incoming and returned materials resource sharing shipments and prepares materials for patron pick-up or return to shelves
Utilizes resource sharing email & systems to assist with daily patron correspondence for physical material recall
Performs related duties as required
Minimum Qualifications:
Four-year college or university degree, or two-year degree and two years equivalent experience; or four years equivalent experience required
Ability to comprehend and apply various classification schemes for shelving and filing
Ability to perform detailed work with accuracy and reasonable speed
Ability to perform duties with minimal supervision and to work alone for extended periods of time
Ability to transport heavily loaded book trucks*
Capacity to learn new technologies and systems necessary for continued effective job performance
Physical strength and stamina for prolonged standing, lifting and carrying heavy library materials weighing up to ten (10) pounds
Ability to bend, stoop, reach and use step stools to reach shelves
Ability to read fine or worn print, with or without assistive technology
Ability to interact favorably with the public and coworkers
*A three tier book truck empty weighs approximately 62 lbs.
*A three tier single sided book truck fully loaded weighs approximately 287 lbs.
* A three tier double sided book truck fully loaded weighs approximately 485 lbs.
Library Union position, five days posted internally.
Best Consideration date: March 23, 2026.
Candidates please note: all offers of employment are contingent upon a criminal background check and education verification satisfactory to Brown.
Benefits of Working at Brown:
Information on the Benefits of Working at Brown can be found here.
Please note that in order to be considered an applicant for any staff position at Brown University you must submit an application form for each position for which you believe you are qualified. Applications are not kept on file for future positions. Please include a cover letter and resume with each position application.
This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship.
Brown University provides equal opportunity and prohibits discrimination, harassment and retaliation based upon a person's race, color, religion, sex, age, national or ethnic origin, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or any other characteristic protected under applicable law, in the administration of its policies, programs, and activities. The University recognizes and rewards individuals on the basis of qualifications and performance. The University maintains certain affirmative action programs in compliance with applicable law.
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Located in historic Providence, Rhode Island and founded in 1764, Brown University is the seventh-oldest college in the United States. Brown is an independent, coeducational Ivy League institution comprising undergraduate and graduate programs, plus the Alpert Medical School, School of Engineering, Executive Master of Healthcare Leadership and the IE Brown Executive MBA.