HENRY S. OLCOTT MEMORIAL LIBRARY - THE NATIONAL LIBRARY OF THE THEOSOPHICAL SOCIETY IN AMERICA
Position: Part-Time Library Assistant (10 hours per week)
Summary:
The Part-Time Library Assistant works under the direction of the Head Librarian to support a wide range of library operations, including circulation, technical services, research and reference assistance, interlibrary loan, book sales, and general support of daily library operations. This role requires a dependable individual with consistent attendance who can manage routine tasks with care and attention to detail. The position requires Saturdays.
Qualifications:
Education & Experience:
- High school diploma or equivalent required, LTA certification preferred.
- At least one year of experience in a library setting, ideally with public-facing duties.
Skills:
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
- Strong attention to detail and the ability to complete task-oriented work reliably and efficiently.
- Demonstrate reliability and accountability in attendance, follow-through, and meeting responsibilities.
- Ability to work effectively with colleagues, researchers, patrons and visitors, in a customer service environment.
- Strong computer skills, including library management systems, library databases, Microsoft Office, email, and scanning software.
- Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively as part of a team.
- Physical ability to climb steps and lift up to 20 lbs.
- Familiarity with the literature and concepts of Theosophy and world religions is desirable but not required.
Responsibilities:
- Staff the public desk and assist with circulation and patron needs via phone, email, and in-person.
- Support research inquiries and provide reference assistance.
- Shelve and maintain library materials.
- Process interlibrary loans and assist with book sales.
- Support the daily operations of the library and provide general assistance to the librarians.
- Perform other duties as assigned to support the library’s mission.
Schedule (may be subject to change):
- Thursdays: 12:00pm-5:00pm
- Saturdays: 12:00pm-5:00pm
Salary:
- $14.00-$16.00 commensurate with skills and experience.
About the Library:
The Henry S. Olcott Memorial Library is the national library of the Theosophical Society in America, located at the Society’s national center in Wheaton, Illinois. Theosophy is a nonsectarian philosophical tradition that explores the search for wisdom through comparative religion, philosophy, and the study of spiritual traditions from around the world.
Our collection of over 28,000 books, periodicals, audio, and video materials reflects this broad focus, offering resources on world religions, philosophy, esoteric traditions, meditation, psychology, and personal growth, and contemporary areas of interest such as astrology, tarot, and other forms of symbolic or intuitive studies. The library serves as a welcoming space for learning, research, and exploration for members, scholars, and the general public alike.
For more information, or any questions, please email Anna De Leon at: adeleon@theosophical.org.