Evening Library Assistant

We are seeking a friendly, organised and service-focused Library Assistant to join our team. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys supporting readers, providing excellent front-line library services, assisting with collections and stock management, and working collaboratively to ensure a welcoming, efficient and well-maintained library environment.

The position is set to commence ASAP and will be from 18 hours per week for 4 weeks (with a pay rate of £14.06  per hour + holiday pay).

Main Duties

Reader Services                                                                (40%)

• Register readers correctly according to their status and welcome visitors. Provide an introduction to the library and explain standard reading room procedures and regulations to readers.
• Respond to queries in person, by phone and online. Use online catalogues and other search tools including e-resources to help readers locate items within the Bodleian libraries and e-resources. Assist readers in the use of IT equipment including reader PCs and photocopier-printers, and refer readers to specialised library services and other library staff when appropriate.
• Work at the front-line desk carrying out a full range of reader services transactions including: issuing, returning and renewing material; administering reserve collections, room bookings and inter-library loans; reserving books for readers and assisting them to make reservations and placing stack requests. Record statistics (e.g. records of occupancy of the reading rooms).
• Open and close the library or reading room; provide security during opening hours through invigilation. Follow evacuation procedures for the reading room in the event of an emergency and assist readers with disabilities or special needs to use the library and its collections, in accordance with legislation on equality.
• Support the document supply activities of the Bodleian Libraries through the retrieval and copying of extracts from the library collections.

   

  Stock management                                                           (20%)

  • Ensure material is returned in good order, carry out minor repairs and re-label as necessary, note any requirement for more complex repairs and occasionally handle rare and fragile objects with care.
• Transport material safely to and from reading rooms. Collect, sort and replace open shelf books/journals according to the appropriate classification scheme(s). Tidy shelf sequences, participate in stock management projects and adhere to health and safety guidelines at all times when moving material.
• Assist in the completion of projects such as stock taking, book moves and book binding.

   

  Technical Services                                                      (10%)

  • Check and edit holdings records in the library catalogue.
• Check reading lists and the availability and pricing of books and other material on suppliers’ web sites.

   

  Communication and Teamwork                               (30%)

   

• Exchange information and communicate effectively with colleagues, passing on reader feedback and reporting issues promptly. Participate in team meetings and contribute to the wider objectives and goals of the team and Bodleian Libraries.

   

  Other duties

   

• Working on some Bank Holidays.
• Participate in a regular Annual Review.
• Undertake any necessary training identified.
• Comply with health and safety regulations.
• Comply with the policies and procedures set out in the Handbook for University Support Staff/Academic Related Staff.

The Bodleian Libraries reserve the right to make reasonable amendments to the job description in consultation with the post-holder at any time.

Selection Criteria:

• Educated to GCSE level or equivalent.
• Ability to communicate effectively, confidently and courteously with readers, colleagues and the public.
• Awareness of the importance of good customer care and a commitment to providing excellent quality service.
• Ability to lift, move and carry books and journals.
• Good general IT literacy including use of email, internet and general applications such as Microsoft Office.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team.
• Ability to undertake a range of routine tasks with care and accuracy.
• Reliability, punctuality.
• Discreet when dealing with material of a confidential or sensitive nature.
• Ability to prioritise and work under pressure in a busy working environment.
• Previous experience of working in a library environment or similar customer services environment.
• Previous experience of using an automated library management system.
• Knowledge/experience of library databases and online resources.

Vacancy ID: 24614

Please be aware that all candidates need to be able to start work immediately and must be able to work on site if required to do so.

Further information can about the Temporary Staffing Service can be found on our website https://www.jobs.ox.ac.uk/temporary-staffing-service