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City Library Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Library Shelver

Cedar Rapids, IA · On-site

$17.05 - $18.77/hr

LIBRARY The City of Cedar Rapids Public Library is hiring a Library Shelver to help keep our materials organized and accessible for the community. In this role, you'll shelve books and other ...

Library Assistant I

North Liberty, IA · On-site

$15.78 - $16.25/hr

Job Title Library Assistant Under the direction of the Assistant Library Director, the primary ... The City of North Liberty participates in E-Verify to confirm the employment eligibility of all ...

New

Library Clerk I

Dubuque, IA · On-site

$21.02/hr

Library Clerk I Dubuque County 1 Positions ID: 2025-00101 Posted On 07/15/2026 Job Overview ... City of Dubuque Firefighter Paramedic City of Dubuque Share this Job Dubuque County About the ...

Library - Part-Time Opening Date: 07/20/2026 Closing Date: 8/19/2026 11:59 PM Central Job Summary The Filer is responsible for duties pertaining to the filing of materials and the general condition ...

Straighten all sections of the library at the end of every shift. Responsible for shelf reading stacks and addressing shelving situations. Assist with opening and closing procedures File materials ...

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City Library information

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a city librarian, and why are they important?

To thrive as a City Librarian, you need a degree in library science or a related field, along with expertise in information management and cataloging. Familiarity with integrated library systems (ILS), digital databases, and library classification software is typically required. Excellent customer service, communication, and organizational skills help librarians engage patrons and manage library programs effectively. These competencies ensure efficient resource management, positive community interactions, and the delivery of valuable services to the public.

What is a city library?

A City Library is a public library that serves the residents of a specific city or municipality. It provides access to a wide range of books, digital resources, and community programs for people of all ages. City Libraries are funded by local governments and are open to all community members, often offering free membership. They also host educational events, workshops, and provide spaces for reading, studying, and collaborating. The goal of a City Library is to promote literacy, lifelong learning, and community engagement.

What are some common challenges faced by staff working at a city library, and how can they be addressed?

Staff working at a city library often face challenges such as managing diverse patron needs, adapting to new technologies, and balancing multiple tasks like reference assistance, programming, and collection management. Effective communication, ongoing professional development, and teamwork are key to overcoming these challenges. Many city libraries provide training sessions and encourage staff collaboration to ensure excellent service and a supportive work environment.

What is the difference between City Library vs City Librarian?

AspectCity LibraryCity Librarian
CredentialsMLS or MLIS degree, library certificationsMLS or MLIS degree, leadership certifications
Work EnvironmentPublic or academic library settingsAdministrative offices, overseeing library operations
Employer & Industry UsagePublic libraries, educational institutionsMunicipal government, large library systems
Common Search/ComparisonLibrary services, job rolesLeadership, management in libraries

The City Library role typically involves providing library services, assisting patrons, and managing collections. The City Librarian, on the other hand, is a leadership position responsible for overseeing library operations, strategic planning, and staff management. While both roles require similar educational credentials, the Librarian focuses more on administration and policy, whereas the City Library role is more service-oriented.

Infographic showing various City Library job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 62% Full Time, 35% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution.

$17.05 - $18.77/hr

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

This job post has expired 1 day ago. Applications are no longer accepted.


City Of Cedar Rapids rating

6.6

Company rating: 6.6 out of 10

Based on 11 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

724th of 842 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

Salary: $17.05 - $18.77 Hourly
Location : Busse Library, IA
Job Type: Part-Time
Department: Library
Opening Date: 07/20/2026
Closing Date: 8/3/2026 11:59 PM Central
FLSA: Non-Exempt
Bargaining Unit: LIBRARY
The City of Cedar Rapids Public Library is hiring a Library Shelver to help keep our materials organized and accessible for the community. In this role, you'll shelve books and other materials, maintain orderly collections, assist with materials handling, and help ensure items are available and easy to find. If you're detail-oriented, enjoy keeping things in order, and like being part of a team that supports learning and discovery-we'd love to have you join us!
About our Organization
At the City, we are committed to employing individuals who reflect our community's diverse backgrounds and this position is crucial in the success and strategic direction of a growing and evolving community. We appreciate and leverage the vast experience individuals bring beyond the technical requirements of a job. If you are an individual with similar experience listed here please consider applying. Experience and skills combined with commitment to our core values is key to building a greater community now and for the next generation.
About our Community
Nestled in the heart of Iowa, Cedar Rapids is our vibrant and diverse community known for its rich history, culture, and natural beauty. Our city has a strong sense of community which can be seen at any of our numerous parks, recreational opportunities, and family-friendly events year round. You can also explore our thriving downtown district, filled with shops, restaurants, and entertainment options, or take a stroll along the Cedar River, which runs through the heart of the city.
About the Position
Organizes and shelves library materials and empties book returns. Works under the supervision of the Library Shelving Supervisor.
The City of Cedar Rapids does not offer sponsorship for employment authorization.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities
Job Duties and Responsibilities
  • Shelves all types of library materials according to a pre-determined system;
  • Reads shelves to ensure materials are in proper order;
  • Clears reading tables and re-shelving areas;
  • Assists with the Automated Materials Handling system, and pulls traps and removes holds to get materials into the hands of customers as quickly as possible;
  • Processes incoming and outgoing materials deliveries;
  • Conducts searches for missing library materials;
  • Sorts mail; prepares packages and letters for mailing;
  • Assists with inventory of library collections according to a pre-determined system;
  • Assists with training new library shelvers under the direction of their supervisor;
  • Promotes positive relations with library patrons;
  • Provides directional information to the public;
  • Shovels snow and does lawn work;
  • Runs library errands;
  • Performs all work duties and activities in accordance with City policies, procedures and safety practices;
  • Attends work regularly at the designated place and time;
  • Supports continuous process improvement initiatives;
  • Performs related work as required.

Qualifications
Acceptable Experience and Training:
  • No prior experience required.

Supplemental Information
Schedule is a Regular 3-week rotating schedule plus selected Sundays
  • Week 1 - Monday 2:15-8:15, Wednesday 9-5:30, Saturday 9-3
  • Week 2 - Wednesday 9-5:30, Thursday 10-4, Saturday 9-3
  • Week 3 - Wednesday 9-5:30, Thursday 10-4, Friday 9-3

Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Statement
The City of Cedar Rapids is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All job applicants will receive consideration for employment free from discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), national origin, age (40 or older), disability and genetic information (including family medical history).
Applicants with Disabilities
We respect and value people with disabilities and are committed to providing a workplace culture of disability inclusion. People with disabilities are supported during the hiring process and are encouraged to apply for employment with the City of Cedar Rapids. In support of the Americans with Disabilities Act, reasonable accommodations will be provided to those in need of assistance with the application and interview process. To request an accommodation, contact the City's Human Resources department by phone at 319-286-5000 or by email at hr@cedar-rapids.org.
We offer benefits and beyond for our employees and their families!
The City of Cedar Rapids provides outstanding pay, benefits, time off, including:
  • Medical co-insurance for participating providers of 90% plan / 10% employee
  • Competitive pay
  • Iowa Public Employee's Retirement Pension plans with a 9.44% City contribution and 6.29% employee contribution
  • 457 deferred compensation employer match program (City will match up to 0.05% of your annual income each calendar year-learn more here.)
  • Flexible Spending (Health Care and Dependent Care Accounts- learn more here)
  • An average of 11 paid holidays per year
  • Up to $3,000 per year in educational assistance
  • 4 weeks of paid parental leave
  • Public Service Loan Forgiveness - (The PSLF program forgives the remaining balance on your Direct Loans after you have made 120 qualifying monthly payments while working full-time for a qualifying employer. )
  • Pay raises as determined by bargaining contract
  • 100% City paid basic life insurance
  • Dental, vision, long-term disability, and supplemental life insurance
  • View our
  • Expansive job growth opportunities
  • Commitment to professional development
  • Private health & wellness coaching partnerships

01
How many years of experience do you have shelving, organizing, or handling books/other materials in a library, bookstore, school, or similar setting?
  • Less than 1 year of experience
  • At least 1 year of experience
  • At least 2 years of experience
  • At least 3 years of experience
  • At least 4 years of experience
  • At least 5 years of experience
  • More than 5 years of experience

02
Please briefly describe your experience shelving or organizing materials.
03
Which best describes your ideal library work environment?
  • A completely quiet space
  • A mostly quiet space
  • A somewhat interactive and engaged space
  • A very interactive and engaged space

04
Please briefly describe any experience you have working with the public or helping customers/patrons from a wide range of backgrounds.
Required Question

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