Are you passionate about providing excellent customer service and supporting your local community through library services? West Berkshire Council is seeking a dedicated and enthusiastic Senior Library Assistant to join our team at Newbury Library working 24.35 hours per week.
The Role
As a Senior Library Assistant, you will play a key role in the day-to-day operation of Newbury Library, providing support to the Manager in delivering high-quality library services to our users. Your responsibilities will include:
Delivering high-quality customer service, ensuring that all enquiries are handled efficiently and effectively- Processing library memberships, book loans, and returns
- Providing information and advice to customers on a range of topics, including library services, local information, and digital resources
- Supporting the day-to-day operation of the library, including cash handling and maintaining accurate records
- Working collaboratively with other team members to ensure a seamless customer experience
- In addition, you will have the opportunity to work on exciting projects and initiatives to enhance library services and meet the evolving needs of our customers.
In the absence of the Library Manager, you will also take on additional responsibilities such as overseeing the library's operation and ensuring a high standard of service delivery.
The Ideal Candidate
The ideal candidate will possess the following skills and attributes:
Experience in a customer-facing role, ideally within a library or information service environment- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage and assist a diverse range of customers
- Strong organisational skills, with the ability to prioritise tasks and manage time effectively
- Proactive and self-motivated, with a positive attitude towards problem-solving
- Familiarity with library systems and technology is desirable, but not essential
- If you are passionate about providing excellent customer service and making a positive impact in your community, this role is perfect for you.
Working pattern
Week 1 Tuesday 8.30 - 17.00, Wednesday 10.00 - 17.00, Thursday 8.30 - 18.00, Saturday 9.30 - 16.10
Week 2 Monday 9.00 - 17.00, Wednesday 10.00 - 17.00, Thursday 8.30 - 18.00
Why Work for West Berkshire Council?
West Berkshire Council is a forward-thinking organisation committed to making a positive impact in our local community. By joining us, you will benefit from:
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Access to a wide range of training and development opportunities
- Generous Local Government pension scheme
- Family friendly policies
- A range of local discounts
- Wellbeing Programme including Employee Assistance Programme and employee benefits
- You will also be entitled to a generous annual leave entitlement starting at 29 days per annum pro rata (plus public holidays) Rising by an additional 5 days after 5 years’ service.
Please note that the closing date is given as a guide. We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible to avoid disappointment.
Join us at West Berkshire Council and make a positive impact in our community while advancing your career. Explore everything that a career with West Berkshire Council has to offer here: Working with Us
If you would like to learn more about this role, please contact James Mullett, Manager of Newbury Library, for an informal discussion. You can reach him on 07887 832360 or via email at
[email protected]
Equal Opportunities
The Council supports Equal Opportunity of employment and positively encourages applications from people who fall within any of the nine protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010.
How to apply
Please now complete a short online application form. You will then be able to upload your CV.
This role has been identified as public facing in accordance with Part 7 of the Immigration Act 2016; the requirement to fulfil all spoken aspects of the role with confidence in English applies.
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AI in Applications
We recognise that candidates may choose to use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support the preparation of their job applications. When used appropriately, AI can be a helpful aid in structuring responses, checking clarity, and improving presentation.
However, applications must reflect your own skills, experience and understanding. If an application appears to rely excessively on AI-generated content, it may not meet the required standard and could be rejected.
We encourage all applicants to ensure their submissions are authentic, tailored to the role, and clearly demonstrate their own knowledge, experience and suitability.
