This is what I like:

1. Sand to at least 220
2. Apply 1x coat of spray shellac and let it sit 30 mins
3. Gently scuff surface w/ sandpaper and wipe clean
4. repeat steps 2 & 3 two more times
5. Apply a wax (paste wax is fine) and burnish in with double-zero steel wool
6. Let the wax sit a few minutes then wipe it off
7. repeat steps 5 and 6 until you’ve got the finish you want

Ends up with a very soft-to-the-touch finish that’s matte and not shiny.

I did this on a coffee table that gets heavy use and I’ll only probably need to reapply wax once a year. A shelf should need zero maintenance.