Job Introduction
Library Assistant - Schools Library Service
Fixed term to December 2026
Inspire Reading. Support Schools. Deliver Great Customer Service.
Are you enthusiastic about books, reading and helping people? Do you enjoy working with a wide range of customers and being part of a motivated team?
We're looking for a Library Assistant to contribute to a high-quality library service, supporting schools and other library service subscribers through excellent customer care, stock management and supporting library services in schools. Working as part of an enthusiastic and motivated team, you'll play an important role in helping customers make the most of library services and resources.
What you'll do
As a Library Assistant, you'll:
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Represent the library service in day-to-day contact with customers of all ages, providing a friendly, efficient service and promoting a positive image of the library.
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Work independently in schools, helping improve school libraries through stock revision, cataloguing and classification.
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Working with children in schools from delivering storytelling sessions to library skills training.
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Select large loan collections of books and resources to meet schools' specialised requirements.
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Support customers in accessing and making best use of library facilities and services.
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Promote the service using social media
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Assist with stock management processes, including requests, overdues, stock presentation, ordering and preparation of new stock.
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Respond to customer enquiries in person, by telephone and through electronic communications.
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Use IT systems to manage information, undertake research and work with a range of library management systems.
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Maintain records, databases and statistics and assist with administrative and clerical duties.
What we're looking for
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A sound working knowledge of procedural and practical issues relating to library services.
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An awareness of school library services and enthusiasm for children's books and reading.
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Strong ICT and administrative skills.
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The ability to communicate effectively with teachers, children, customers and people with disabilities.
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A proactive approach to customer care and problem solving.
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The ability to work both as part of a team and independently across different settings without supervision.
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The ability to regularly lift and move boxes, including loading and unloading vans with the aid of a trolley.
Why Join Us?
This is an opportunity to support schools, encourage reading, help customers access valuable resources, and contribute to the delivery of a high-quality library service. If you are dependable, adaptable, committed to excellent customer care and passionate about libraries and reading, we'd love to hear from you.
We have 2 vacancies available – 25.9 hours per week and 29.6 hours per week. The working patterns are detailed below, and you will be asked for your preference in your application:
Monday
7.4 hours
7.4 hours
Wednesday
7.4 hours
7.4 hours
Friday
7.4 hours
7.4 hours
For an informal discussion about the position, please email Diane Wright:
[email protected]
Why choose us?
We have some outstanding benefits and perks to offer you, including:
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26 days annual leave plus public/bank holidays, rising to 31 days after 5 years of service (pro rata for part-time employees)
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Automatic enrolment into the Local Government Pension Scheme
To see all our excellent benefits and perks, please click here.
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Further information
For guidance on completing your application and for information about our Equality and Diversity principles, please see the attached guidance.
We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer. We operate a guaranteed interview scheme for disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria. If you have a disability and would prefer to apply in a different format, please see the alternative methods below. This information will be treated as confidential and will only be used to check that you meet the essential requirements of the post.
Alternative application format:
British Sign Language: northumberlandcc-cs.signvideo.net
For those with speech difficulties or hearing loss: Text relay service dial 018001 01670 623930
