About Birmingham City University
At Birmingham City University, we are a diverse and inclusive learning community of over 31,400 students from more than 120 countries. We aim to become an exemplar anchor institution, creating and sharing knowledge for a better and more inclusive society. We are committed to providing a transformational educational experience, supporting world-class research, and fostering a collaborative and supportive working environment for our staff.
Recognised as one of the UK’s Top 250 employers (Financial Times & Statista), we pride ourselves on being a place where colleagues feel valued, supported, and able to grow their careers while contributing to the success of our students and communities.
Our student demographic reflects the rich cultural and ethnic diversity of Birmingham itself, with a significant proportion of students from minoritised ethnic backgrounds and the majority of our home students coming from the West Midlands. This diversity is a strength, and it calls for a workforce that is equipped to challenge deficit narratives and thinking — those assumptions that position students from underrepresented groups as lacking rather than recognising their assets, strengths and potential.
By embracing this perspective, we aim to create an environment where all students and colleagues can thrive, and where our work contributes positively to the social, cultural and economic life of Birmingham and beyond.
Role Summary
We are seeking a Library Experience Advisor to join the Library and Learning Resources team, supporting the delivery of high-quality services across the University. This is a permanent, part-time role for 18.5 hours per week.
In this role, you will serve as the first point of contact for all library-related enquiries and play a crucial role in student and staff support. Key responsibilities include interacting with library users to provide help and information, library stock management, and monitoring the usage of library spaces, working closely across L&LR to ensure services are efficient, compliant, and aligned to University priorities.
Key Responsibilities
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Supporting library users to access both physical and virtual resources, specialist stock and collections, and signposting to other university services
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Maintaining library collections by shelving, shelf tidying, and participating in stock management projects
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Monitoring library spaces by roving to ensure they are well maintained and conducive to learning
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Undertaking administrative tasks to fulfil resource requests and keeping accurate records of library usage
Essential Requirements
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Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate effectively with a range of stakeholders in person, by telephone, and in writing
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Proven experience in the delivery of high-quality customer services
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A commitment to the provision of high-quality customer care which not only meets but exceeds customer expectations
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A high degree of organisational ability and excellent timekeeping
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A methodical approach to work with good attention to detail
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The ability to demonstrate initiative, problem solving and decision making
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Demonstrate effective collaborative working with a range of colleagues and stakeholders
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The ability to cope with an environmental change
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Good digital literacy, being able to use word processing, spreadsheet, and communication applications, e.g. MS Word, Excel, outlook, Teams, and willing to learn and explore new tools and technologies relevant to the role.
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Collaborative approach to team working, with strong commitment to sharing CPD.
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Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively in a diverse and inclusive environment and commitment to reflective practice, open communication, and constructive feedback and challenge
Desirable Requirements
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Experience of working in a library and of outreach or promotional activities
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Awareness of the library’s diverse collections across sites
Further Information
If you are excited by the opportunity to help shape the future of Library and Learning Resources, we would love to hear from you.
For an informal discussion about the role, please contact Margaret Ettle at [email protected].
We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive a high volume of applications, and encourage you to apply as early as possible to avoid disappointment.
Please note that candidates who have been unsuccessful for the same role within the last six months may not normally be reconsidered. We encourage applicants to reapply when they have gained additional skills, qualifications, or experience relevant to the role.
Why not explore our campuses using our interactive map: Interactive Map | Birmingham City University
The appointed candidate will normally be employed through our subsidiary company, BCU Support Services Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of Birmingham City University. Appointees with prior LGPS membership who wish to re-enter the scheme may do so and will be employed directly by the University.
Why work for us
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Career development – Opportunities to grow, develop and progress your career.
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Reward and wellbeing – Competitive pay, pension, wellbeing support and staff benefits.
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Inclusive culture – A supportive, diverse environment where everyone belongs.
Visa Sponsorship
This role does not meet the minimum salary requirements for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship. We are therefore unable to consider applicants who require sponsorship to work in the UK.
Equality, Diversity & Inclusion
We are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and to an environment that supports lawful free speech and academic freedom. We will continuously review and improve our policies, practices, and procedures to ensure that we are promoting these in all aspects of our operations. We believe that by working together, combining our many different backgrounds and life experiences, we will empower each other to reach our full potential.
Disability Confident Employer
Birmingham City University is proud to be a Disability Confident Employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive and accessible recruitment process. Disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role will be guaranteed an interview.
