About the role
We are seeking three Evening & Weekend Library Assistants – there are two posts available at the Taylor Institution Library and one at the Art, Archaeology and Ancient World Library.
You will provide a welcoming and professional service to readers and visitors at the library's Issue & Enquiry Desk, helping users access library collections, services and facilities. You will respond to enquiries in person, by telephone and by email, assist readers in using library systems and IT equipment, and carry out a range of circulation and reader services transactions.
You will also support the day-to-day operation of the library through collections work, including retrieving, sorting and re-shelving materials, scanning extracts for the Scan & Deliver service, assisting with stock management projects, and helping to maintain the accuracy and organisation of library collections. The role includes opening and closing the library, monitoring reading rooms, supporting safe evacuation procedures where required, and contributing to the delivery of an excellent customer experience for all library users.
This role requires lifting and carrying library materials, transporting books safely, re-shelving collections, and working at heights using library access equipment in accordance with health and safety procedures.
These are permanent, part time roles, with the following work patterns.
- Art Library - 12.25 hours per week / 0.3356 FTE: Mondays 17:00-21:15 and Saturdays 09:45-18:15 (including 30 minutes unpaid lunch break)
- Taylor Library Post 1: 12.13 hours per week / 0.3323 FTE, averaged over a two-weekly rota: Week 1: Tue, Wed, Thu (16:00-19:15), Week 2: Tue, Wed (16:00-19:15) & Sat (09:45-18:15, including 30 minutes unpaid lunch break)
- Taylor Library Post 2: 12.13 hours per week / 0.3323 FTE, averaged over a two-weekly rota: Week 1: Mon, Thu, Fri (16:00-19:15), Week 2: Mon, Fri (16:00-19:15) & Sat (09:45-18:15, including 30 minutes unpaid lunch break)
Please indicate your post preference on the supporting evidence form.
About You
You will be educated to GCSE level or equivalent and will be able to communicate clearly, confidently and courteously with a wide range of readers and colleagues. You will have a strong commitment to delivering excellent customer service and enjoy working in a busy, user-focused environment.
You will be able to work effectively as part of a team while also carrying out routine tasks with care, accuracy and attention to detail. You will have good general IT skills, including experience of Microsoft Office applications, and the confidence to learn and use library systems and online resources.
You will be reliable, punctual and adaptable, with the ability to undertake manual handling activities safely, including transporting and re-shelving library materials.
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
- A comprehensive range of childcare services
- Discounted bus travel and Season Ticket travel loans
More information is available at https://hr.admin.ox.ac.uk/staff-benefits
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.
We are committed to ensuring that our recruitment processes are inclusive and accessible. If you require the job description or any other materials in an alternative format, or if you would like to request any adjustments to support you through the application or interview process, please contact the recruitment team at
[email protected].
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. Both documents must be submitted to 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 Gareth Evans, Reader Services Supervisor (Taylor Institution Library), 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 Monday 29th June 2026 can be considered. Interviews are expected to take place on either Tuesday 21st or Wednesday 22nd July 2026.
