Senior Library Assistant

About the role

We are looking for an enthusiastic, customer service focused Senior Library Assistant to work at the Vere Harmsworth Library in the Rothermere American Institute, assisting readers in their use of the library. The Vere Harmsworth Library houses the University’s principal research collection relating to the history of the United States, the largest such academic library collection in the UK.

You will you have responsibility for the day-to-day supervision of library services and play a key role in providing a range of reader services and administrative support for reading list provision. You will contribute to the processes and procedures of the Vere Harmsworth Library and help train and support colleagues in the provision of library services.

This is a permanent, full-time position, working 36.5 hours per week (Monday-Friday). The role involves working on two evenings a week (11am-7pm) throughout the year, except for the Summer Vacation.

This role requires lifting and carrying boxes of library materials, pushing trolleys, climbing ladders and kick-stools in order to access some of the library’s bookshelves and to re-shelve materials. Lone working at times will be required.

About You

You will be educated to A level or equivalent, and have experience of working in a customer-facing role in a library. You will have the ability to communicate effectively, confidently and courteously with library users, colleagues and the public. You will have excellent organisational and IT skills and you will have the ability to work independently using your own initiative and as part of a team.

What We Offer

As an employer, we genuinely care about our employees’ wellbeing and this is reflected in the range of benefits that we offer including:

•       An excellent contributory pension scheme

•       38 days of annual leave

•       A comprehensive range of childcare services

•       Family leave schemes

•       Cycle loan scheme

•       Discounted bus travel and Season Ticket travel loans

Diversity

Our staff and students come from all over the world, and we proudly promote a friendly and inclusive culture. Diversity is positively encouraged, through diverse groups and champions, as well as a number of family-friendly policies, such as the right to apply for flexible working and support for staff returning from periods of extended absence, for example, shared parental leave.

How to apply

You will be required to upload your CV and a supporting evidence form using the attached template as part of your online application. Your supporting evidence form should list each of the essential and desirable selection criteria, as listed in the job description, and explain how you meet each one. CVs or supporting evidence forms submitted on their own will not be considered.

We aim to provide a supportive working environment and are happy to discuss training and professional development opportunities. The Chair of this recruitment panel will be Bethan Davies, Vere Harmsworth Librarian, who can be contacted with enquiries relating to the role ([email protected]). General queries about the recruitment and application process should be directed to the Recruitment team within our Human Resources department ([email protected]).

Only applications received online by 12.00 midday (BST) on Friday 31 May 2024 can be considered. Interviews are expected to take place on Monday 24 June 2024.