Laboratory Schools: Library Assistant, Lim Library

Department

Lab School Lim Family Library

About the Department

At the University of Chicago Laboratory Schools, students in Nursery through Grade 12 experience a world-class educational journey. Founded in 1896 by John Dewey as a place for educators to develop and explore novel approaches to pedagogy and curriculum, Lab continues to provide excitement and imagination in learning to this day. Academic rigor, experiential learning, and intellectual discourse are hallmarks of a Lab education. Lab educators are recognized for excellence in teaching and pride themselves on innovation in the classroom. Students in every grade have access to unparalleled resources, and all members of the Lab community benefit by partnerships and connections with the University of Chicago. Families who choose Lab care deeply about curiosity, inquiry, and creativity.

No less than scholarship, Lab’s mission prioritizes honoring diversity and exhibiting kindness. We are committed to building and supporting a teaching and learning community where young people see aspects of their backgrounds and identities reflected around them, where they feel a deep sense of belonging, and where they discover and use their voices to full effect. Today, 53-59 percent of Lab’s student body are students of color. Families report speaking nearly 40 different languages in their homes. Approximately 60 percent of Lab families are also affiliated with the University of Chicago. Half of our families live in Hyde Park, and the rest come from across Chicago, the suburbs, and northwestern Indiana. Inclusion is a fundamental value at Lab, such that we celebrate every facet of community members’ identities, and even where we disagree, we emphasize respect, civility, and maintaining a spirit of community.

Lab seeks the finest employees to join our vibrant learning community. We employ people with a wide range of skills and training in many different disciplines, who have in common a love of learning and the wish to inspire that same love of learning in young people. We seek candidates for employment who thrive in an educational environment. We provide a great professional home for those committed to collaboration, ongoing personal and professional growth, and cultivating positive relationships. In turn, we strive to ensure that Lab is a joyful, welcoming, and inspiring place to work. Through our connection to the University, faculty, staff, and administrators enjoy benefits and opportunities that would be nearly impossible to match in any other environment.

Job Information

Job Summary:

The Library Assistant II is responsible for performing a broad range of library tasks closely following departmental guidelines and procedures, including charging and discharging stacks materials; copy cataloging; placing book orders and processing new books; assisting with bill payment; logging periodicals and maintaining holding records; and repairing materials as needed. Performs work in accordance with Laboratory Schools Library standards and procedures.

Responsibilities:

• 40% Responsible for circulation desk functions including charging and discharging stacks materials, managing waiting lists, managing overdues, processing library fines, resolving basic fine appeals. Resolves simple problems related to lost/misplaced overdue items. Obtains and processes reserve requests. Creates and updates records. Prepares reserve material for use. Maintains and updates patron records and circulation policies. Empties bookdrop.

• 30% Searches databases and other online sources for library holdings, cataloging information, vendor and price information. Processes orders for additions to the collection, verifies materials received and ensures accuracy of billing records. Copy catalogs and processes new materials. Repairs damaged materials.

• 10% Assists with bill payment. Uses online systems for ordering and monitoring progress and payment. Inventories, orders, and manages library supplies.

• 10% Assists in routine training and oversight of student employees and clerical substitutes. Assists with shelving of library materials as necessary, including shifting stacks as needed. Straightens the library: checking for materials left on tables, chairs, floors, etc.

• 5% Assists librarians with a range of office duties including laminating, creating and updating documents, creating temporary library signage and bulletin board displays.

• 5% Other duties as assigned.

Competencies:

• Manage interpersonal relationships and interact/communicate with clarity, tact and courtesy with patrons, staff, faculty, students and others; communicate effectively in English, both orally and in writing.

• Identify priorities; recognize and resolve or refer problems; work effectively with supervision and as a part of a team.

• Manage multiple work flows and prioritize appropriately.

• Use or learn a range of position-related software applications.

• Macintosh computer experience which includes spreadsheet, word processing, presentation and database software preferred; working skill with keyboard and mouse required.

• Demonstrated ability to learn and apply a variety of library processes and procedures required; ability to sustain attention to detail required; ability to tolerate and work in a moderate dust environment required.

• Ability to find and shelve books on bottom and top shelves required; ability to pick up and deliver mail/books/interoffice forms around buildings required.

Additional Responsibilities

Education, Experience, or Certifications:

Education:

• High School diploma required.

• College degree preferred.

Experience:

• Previous related work experience required; previous library experience preferred.

• Previous experience working in a K-12 educational setting preferred.

• Previous experience using Follett Destiny online catalog preferred.

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements:

• Ability to carry or lift loads of up to 25 lbs.

• Ability to sit for 4 hours or more.

• Ability to use computers extensively for 4 hours or more.

Pay Range:

• $18.93 - $22.10

Required Documents:

• Resume

• Cover Letter

• Professional Reference

When applying, the document(s) MUST be uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.

Benefit Eligibility​

Yes

The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off.

Pay Rate Type

Hourly

Pay Range

$18.93 - $22.10

The included pay rate or range represents the University’s good faith estimate of the possible compensation offer for this role at the time of posting.

Scheduled Weekly Hours

40

Union

024- Local 743, I.B.T. Clerical

Job is Exempt

No

Drug Test Required

No

Health Screen Required

No

Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required

No

Posting Date

2025-09-17

Posting Statement

The University of Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or expression, national or ethnic origin, shared ancestry, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.

Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.

All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history.A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment.Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.

The University of Chicago's Annual Security & Fire Safety Report (Report) provides information about University offices and programs that provide safety support, crime and fire statistics, emergency response and communications plans, and other policies and information. The Report can be accessed online at: . Paper copies of the Report are available, upon request, from the University of Chicago Police Department, 850 E. 61st Street, Chicago, IL 60637.