Graduate Hourly positions are open to University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Graduate Students only.
Unit: Central Access Services
Location: 203 Main Library, 1408 West Gregory Drive, Urbana, IL 61801
Supervisor: Kristen Blankenship, Library Operations Associate
Number of Openings: 6
Hours per week anticipated: 8-12
Hourly Rate: $20.00
Anticipated Start Date: ASAP
Schedule: A typical graduate hourly schedule includes 8-12 hours worked per week. Students are not required to work during campus holidays and breaks. Closing shifts are typically approximately 9pm-12am. Successful applicants must be able to commit to at least two closing shifts per week and should have an anticipated graduation date no sooner than May 2027.
Summary
This part-time position primarily assists with daily circulation desk operations in Central Access Services.
Major Duties and Responsibilities
- Assist patrons at the Main Circulation desk
- Assist with retrieving and processing pick slips
- Closing and monitoring library spaces on the first and second floors of the Main Library Building
- Other duties as assigned
Specific tasks include:
- Retrieving requests placed by local patrons and I-Share patrons
- Routing library materials to fulfill patron requests
- Checking out and checking in loaned books
- Monitoring pick slip activities
- Hold room maintenance
- Clearing and locking Library spaces that are closing
- When patrons are present:
- Monitoring authorized entry to Main Stacks
- Assisting patrons with the online catalog
- Giving directions
- Helping patrons find items in the Main Stacks
- Assisting users with Reserves
Duties could include:
- Coordination of circulation account troubleshooting
- Answering questions
- Regularly communicating and cooperating with other Central Access Services areas
- Working with library personnel from other units and I-Share libraries in person.
- Other tasks that may arise on occasion, including filing, data entry, and light record keeping.
- Opening the Main Circulation Desk
- Assisting with emergency procedures in the event of an emergency (e.g. tornado, fire alerts)
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s Degree
- Enrolled as Graduate Student at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign for the Academic Terms of Employment listed above
Preferred Qualifications
- Enrolled as Graduate Student in the School of Information Sciences Master’s program for Library and Information Sciences (MSLIS), or related discipline
- Previous library, customer service, instructional experience, or any experience that demonstrates an aptitude for learning the tasks and duties described
- Knowledge of Dewey and LC classification systems or Ex Libris Alma/Primo VE platforms
To Apply:
Please email your (1) Cover Letter, (2) Resumé, (3) Three references (name and contact information only, no letters of recommendation required), and (4) Fall 2026 Semester Class Schedule to Kristen Blankenship (blanken4@illinois.edu) no later than Monday, July 27, 2026.
Applicants should expect an application review period of up to two weeks before updates on the status of this position will be shared.
If you have any questions regarding the position, you may contact Kristen Blankenship, Library Operations Associate, at blanken4@illinois.edu.