“Rare Book Specialist”

Review of applications will begin September 15th, 2026.

Full-Time or Part-Time Position: 32-42 hours/week.

Schedule: 4 or 5 days/week, including Saturdays.

If you have professional education and experience as a cataloguer of rare books, we invite you to join us as a Rare Book Cataloguer at the Midtown Scholar Bookstore in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. This specialized position requires a minimum of two in-person days each week, including Saturdays when our Rare Books building is open to the public. This position may be filled in a hybrid way, with some remote work. To apply, please send a Letter of Interest and Resume to jobs @ midtownscholar.com.

Location: Midtown Harrisburg

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Specialized duties include rare book pricing and listing; database entry; order fulfillment and book packaging; email correspondence; handselling books; and retail bookstore operations.

General tasks include greeting and assisting customers; inventory boxing/unboxing; book stocking, sorting, and shelving; store merchandising; light maintenance and cleaning duties; point-of-sale cashier; moving book carts; box moving; and set-up/tear-down for special events. Opportunities for advancement will be based on interest and skills.

QUALIFICATIONS AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

●     Bachelor’s degree required. Post-graduate study with relevant work experience in the rare book trade, library sciences, or auctions of antiques-and-collectibles is ideal. Knowledge of online book selling marketplaces like eBay and Whatnot is beneficial.

●     Proficiency with MS Excel and Word is helpful.

●     Ability to climb, bend, crouch, stoop, and lift boxes up to 40 lbs.; ability to stand and walk for extended periods of time; ability to sit for extended periods of time; ability to use hands and arms to operate a keyboard and telephone, manipulate small, large, and heavy objects, and engage in repetitive motion activities; and ability to adapt to the varying temperatures, bright or dim lighting, and dustiness of book and box storage areas.

●     Daily requirements include climbing stairs, pushing book carts, and lifting and carrying heavy boxes. The workplace requires going up and down stairs and maneuvering narrow aisles and hallways, with the diverse sounds, smells, and distractions of open-plan work areas and public gathering places.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY & ANTI-HARASSMENT/ANTI-DISCRIMINATION STATEMENT:

The Midtown Scholar Bookstore recognizes that everyone has a contribution to make to our society and a right to equal opportunity. No job applicant or employee will be discriminated against by us on the basis of gender (including sex, marriage, or gender reassignment); race (including ethnic origin, nationality, or national origin); disability; sexual orientation; religion or belief; or age. We aim to promote equal opportunities, eliminate discrimination, and eliminate harassment through the following: opposing all forms of unlawful discrimination; all employees whether part-time, full-time, or seasonal will be treated fairly and with respect; selection for employment and opportunities for advancement will be based on aptitude and capability.

All employees will be helped and encouraged to develop their full potential, and individuals’ talents and resources will be fully utilized to maximize the efficiency of business operations. All employees have a legal and moral obligation not to discriminate and to report incidents of discrimination to a manager. The Midtown Scholar Bookstore is committed to creating an environment in which individual differences and all employees’ contributions are recognized and valued. Every employee is entitled to be part of an environment that promotes dignity and respect to all. No form of intimidation, bullying or harassment will be tolerated.

We follow all applicable federal, state, and local laws. Consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Civil Rights legislation, it is the policy of the Midtown Scholar Bookstore to provide reasonable accommodation when requested by a qualified applicant or employee with a disability, unless such accommodation would cause undue hardship. The policy regarding requests for reasonable accommodation applies to all aspects of employment, including the application process. If reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact Catherine Lawrence (she/her), Telephone: (717) 236-1680, Email: jobs @ midtownscholar.com