The Lewis & Clark Library in Helena, MT is hiring two (2) part-time Collections Assistants. This position was previously titled Shelver and has been expanded to include additional materials handling and behind-the-scenes circulation support responsibilities. The Library is a hub of cultural, recreational and educational activity. The first free public Library in Montana Territory, Lewis & Clark Library has strong roots and wide-spreading branches, including Augusta, East Helena, Lincoln, and a Bookmobile, plus a book bike. Our culture is innovative, smart, and slightly obsessive about the role high-quality Library service plays in our community and the world.

The Collections Assistant plays a vital role in keeping the library’s collections moving, accessible, and ready for use. Under general supervision, this position performs a range of materials handling and processing functions, including shelving, sorting, routing, and basic item processing. Collections Assistants support behind-the-scenes circulation and collection workflows to ensure materials are efficiently processed and readily available to the community, contributing to a well-organized and user-friendly library environment.

DUTIES INCLUDE but are not limited to:

• Sorts and organizes carts of library materials.
• Shelves materials in accurate alphanumeric order and retrieves items used in the library.
• Reads and maintains shelves for correct placement and organization of materials.
• Supports the efficient flow of materials by moving items between check-in, sorting, shelving, holds, and other processing areas.
• Shifts materials to maintain adequate shelf space.
• Maintains orderly, browsable collections and supports merchandising by front-facing, organizing, and restocking displays, magazine areas, and surrounding spaces.
• Assists with processing newspapers and other periodicals, including sorting, shelving, and removing outdated issues.
• Assists with checking in returned materials using the library’s circulation system.
• Assists with filling local holds by locating materials and processing them in the Integrated Library System (ILS).
• Sorts and routes materials appropriately (e.g., holds, transit, shelving, repair, discard).
• Assists with emptying book drops and transports returned materials to processing areas.
• Pulls materials for holds, routing, weeding, missing, and denew lists, and other internal workflows as assigned.
• Participates in inventory and collection maintenance projects.
• Provides directional and location information to patrons or refers them to appropriate staff for assistance.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to walk, sit and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to use hands to feel or operate objects, tools or controls; and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to climb or balance; stoop, kneel, or crouch.
• The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
• Work is performed primarily in an office setting. The noise level in the work environment is generally quiet with a normal amount of noise and distractions expected in an office and library setting.

The position requires effective communication skills and interpersonal skills. The successful candidate must also have strong abilities to plan, organize and prioritize responsibilities and work independently as well as with others.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

The education and experience considered necessary to perform these duties and responsibilities is typically acquired by:

• Education: Some high school and must be at least 16 years of age.
• Experience: Or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.

Special Qualifications: Must be able to pass a criminal background check.

SALARY

$16.21 per hour to start, with yearly step increases to follow.

BENEFITS

At 15 hours a week, the Library provides vacation, sick leave and paid holidays.

HOURS PER WEEK

15 hours (some flexibility).

HOW TO APPLY

Please submit your application packet to https://wkf.ms/3Qm3srM. A complete application packet will include the following items:

• Resume and cover letter
• Lewis and Clark Library Application (available on our website – www.lclibrary.org/jobs)
• Three professional references.

Application Deadline: May 22, 2026 at 11:59 PM. Applications must be submitted in person or electronically by this deadline. Late applications will not be considered or retained.

Questions: For questions or assistance, email libraryrecruit@cmsmontana.com.