Access Initiatives Assistant
Part-Time | Onsite - Chicago, IL | Starting Hourly Rate: $18
Essential Duties & Responsibilities
• Support Interlibrary Loan (ILL) operations, including the transfer of materials between CRL and partner libraries
• Assist with basic library record creation and maintenance in the library catalog system
• Maintain organized workspaces and follow established workflows
• Perform other related duties as assigned to support daily library operations
Qualifications
• Must be at least 18 years of age
• Currently seeking part-time employment
• Availability to work 10–18 hours per week
• Ability to learn and navigate a library catalog or database system
• Basic proficiency in English, including reading comprehension and written communication
• Ability to accurately sort materials alphabetically and numerically
• Basic computer skills, including use of email and standard office software
Competencies
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy
• Effective verbal and written communication skills
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel) or similar tools
• Ability to manage time effectively and follow instructions
• Dependable, punctual, and able to work independently or as part of a team
• Adaptability and willingness to learn new tasks
Application Process
Expertise in each requirement listed above is not expected — instead, we encourage applications from those who demonstrate a mix of expertise in some areas and commitment to learning and experimentation in others. Skills and relevant experience outlined in your application may be paid or unpaid, and can include internships, volunteer work, and practicums. We understand that experience, education and learning, and creativity take many forms, and expect that qualified applicants may bring additional skills to this position that we’ve not considered or listed here. If this role interests you, we encourage you to apply!
To be considered for this position, please submit a cover letter and resume to resumes@crl.edu. Please include ‘Access Initiatives Assistant’ in the subject line. We are keen to fill this important position on our team, and applications will be received until the position is filled. Applications received by close of business Tuesday, May 19, 2026, will be given priority attention.
Physical Demands & Work Environment
The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here represent those typically encountered by an employee performing the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions.
While performing the duties of this role, the employee is frequently required to walk, stand, sit, bend, squat, reach, stretch, and push or move book carts throughout the workday. The position requires the ability to lift up to 25 pounds and occasionally move or transport up to 50 pounds of library materials between locations.
Specific vision requirements include close vision and the ability to adjust focus. Good hand-eye coordination is essential for gripping and handling materials and objects. The employee must regularly use a computer keyboard for data entry and read information displayed on screens or other electronic devices.
The work environment is typical of a general office or library setting, with moderate noise levels. Occasional stooping, kneeling, or crouching may be required.
Equal Opportunity Employer
CRL enthusiastically embraces the empathy, courage, self-reflection, and respect of a multi-cultural, diverse, and inclusive workplace, and those who strive to incorporate those values in their work and interactions. CRL is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind. CRL is committed to actively promoting the values of diversity, equity, and inclusion as key components for serving our members and advancing our global mission. As such, CRL complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws regarding recruitment, hiring and employment and is dedicated to providing employees with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All employment decisions at CRL are based on organization needs, job requirements, and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion or belief, national, social or ethnic origin, sex (including pregnancy), age, physical, mental or sensory disability, HIV Status, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital, civil union or domestic partnership status, past or present military service, family medical history or genetic information, family or parental status, or any other status protected by the laws or regulations in the locations where we operate. CRL will not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on any of these characteristics.
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Requirements are representative of minimum levels of knowledge, skill, and/or abilities. To perform this job successfully, the incumbent will possess the abilities or aptitudes to perform each duty proficiently. All duties and requirements are essential job functions.
All requirements are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. The management of the Center reserves the right to exclude from employment individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health and safety of themselves or other employees.
This position description does not state or imply that these are the sole duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position. Employees will be required to follow any other position-related instructions and to perform any other position-related duties requested by their supervisor(s).
This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an "at will" employment relationship.