Shelver Job Description
A shelver organizes books, magazines and newspapers on shelves, stands and bookcases. His job may be at a public or private library or at a commercial bookstore. A shelver is frequently required to perform other administrative tasks related to the management of printed materials.
Other People Are Reading
-
Skill Requirements
-
Exemplary vision is required for this position, as a shelver is required to clearly read tiny letters and numbers printed on books and magazines used for classification purposes. Knowledge of the Dewey Decimal System is necessary if the shelving position is in a public library that uses this standard method of categorization. General knowledge of book classifications is required to efficiently perform this job.
Job Duties
-
The main duty of a shelver is to properly categorize new books and place them in the correct section of a library or bookstore. In libraries, this may also include borrowed books that have been returned by patrons. A shelver is also expected to keep reference sections neat and orderly and organize newspapers and periodicals in the public reading area. He may also be responsible for collecting books from drop-off bins in the lobby or exterior of a library. The job may also require him to check out books for people with library cards and collect fines on overdue returns.
-
Work Conditions
-
Whether a shelver works in a library or bookstore, the environment is traditionally quiet and conducive to reading. A shelver is required to have manual dexterity to fit books in between others on shelves. He must also be able to bend, stretch and reach high shelves, using a ladder or stool to place books in appropriate places. Work hours may vary and include nights and weekend. A shelver should be physically fit, able to lift up to 30 lbs. and have the strength to push a book cart that may weigh up to 150 lbs. when fully loaded. Required attire is normally business casual.
Educational Requirements
-
No educational requirements are necessary to be a shelver, although a good command of English and math are required to correctly alphabetize, categorize and shelve books. Many libraries require job applicants to pass a shelving test before being considered for this position. Knowledge gained from jobs involving alpha or numeric sorting or categorization is strongly preferred.
Salary and Advancement Opportunities
-
In large bookstores, shelvers have opportunities to be promoted to sales and inventory positions. Smaller bookstores typically have limited chances for promotion. In public, college or university libraries, shelvers may be promoted to library assistants and, with the required education, advance to a position as a librarian. The salary range for a shelver in the United States in June 2010 was $25,978 to $39,035, according to SalaryExpert.com, depending on geographic location, economic conditions and experience.
-
References
- Photo Credit Books image by JenJen from Fotolia.com
