An improved shelving system comprises a shelf, a plurality of posts supporting the shelf and a quick release clamp attached to a post. The shelf is supported by the clamp and the clamp can be tightened around the post and loosened from the post by hand, without the need for tools. The clamp can include a hinged jaw portion formed with two arms and a clasp portion on each arm. The quick release nature of the clamp permits fast and convenient reconfiguration of the shelving system, preferably without the need for tools. Accordingly, a method of assembling and disassembly a shelving system involving the quick-release clamp system is also provided.