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- Tasks: Support library services by assisting visitors and managing resources.
- Company: Join Coventry City Council, a vibrant and inclusive community-focused organisation.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible hours, a supportive environment, and opportunities for personal development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in your community while promoting literacy and learning.
- Qualifications: Excellent customer service skills and a passion for books are essential.
- Other info: Casual hours available; must be flexible with shifts, including weekends.
Our Values
In line with our One Coventry Values, we want to ensure that our communities are represented across our workforce. A vital part of this is ensuring we are a truly inclusive organisation that encourages diversity in all respects, including diversity of thinking. We particularly welcome applicants from minority ethnic, LGBT+, disabled and neurodiverse communities to make a real difference to our residents so that equity and respect remains at the heart of everything we do.
Our Values are:
- Open and fair: We are fair, open, and transparent.
- Nurture and develop: We help and encourage everyone to be their best and do their best.
- Engage and empower: We talk and listen to others, working together as one.
- Create and innovate: We embrace new ways of working to continuously improve.
- Own and be accountable: We work together to deliver the best services for our residents.
- Value and respect: We put diversity and inclusion at the heart of all we do.
About The Team We Are Recruiting To
We value diverse perspectives and experiences and are striving to create a workplace culture that is inclusive, is accepting of all and is free from discrimination and bias.
Coventry City Council’s Library and Information Service is a public facing service operating for the benefit of local communities and the wider city.
Providing services from the central library and 16 local libraries (3 of which are community led) Coventry libraries provide a unique \’cradle-to-grave\’ service bringing individuals and communities together.
Public libraries acquire, organise and provide access to a range of information and reading resources to meet the diverse needs of a community. We actively support independent learning and encourage reader development, also providing information on areas such as:
- Local and national government services,
- Learning opportunities,
- Leisure activities, and
- Local community news and events
We also play an important role in providing access to computers and the internet for those who are digitally excluded.
The Library Service works in partnership with local, regional and national organisations to provide a full and wide-ranging service offer. Partners include:
- Arts Council England
- BBC
- Department for Culture, Media and Sport
- Libraries Connected
- Public Health England, and
- Reading Agency
Libraries are uniquely placed to change lives for the better. They are busy and vibrant open spaces, not only providing access to books but also helping people to help themselves and improve their opportunities. By providing practical support and guidance, libraries play a critical role in enabling and empowering people to realise their potential, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds.
What is the job role?
This is a Library Assistant post, working on a casual basis (as and when required) to provide cover for the front-line library service.
We are looking for someone to join our team as a Library and Information Assistant Relief Register (casual hours) to support the work of Coventry Library Service, in providing a safe welcoming space for visitors to relax, read, learn, use computers, attend and participate in events on site or online.
In your role you will be ensuring a good visitor experience and providing information and signposting.
The main day to day duties of the role include:
- First point of contact for library visitors
- Using the library computer system and helping people to use IT
- Answering questions on a wide variety of subjects
- Participating in events and activities for example rhyme times
- Moving books around the library
- Promoting book displays
This position is open to all applicants; however, we are unable to offer visa sponsorship. All applicants must have the right to work in the UK, for a minimum of 2 years.
Who are we looking for?
We are looking for:
- Excellent customer service skills
- Good communication skills
- IT knowledge
- Ability to participate in events (eg. rhymetimes and storytimes)
- Ensuring library spaces are welcoming to all
- Enthusiasm for sharing books and reading
- Flexibility with working patterns – available at least 4 x 3 hour shifts per week over 4 different days, to include either a Saturday or a Sunday
Hours and Place of work
Working at any of the 14 Coventry City Council Libraries across the city as and when required
You can specify your shift availability between the following hours:
- 9.00am and 7.00pm on Weekdays
- 9.00am and 4.30pm on Saturdays
- 12.00pm and 4.00pm on Sundays.
You will need to be available at least 5 x 3 hour shifts per week over 4 different days, to include either a Saturday or a Sunday.
Please also read the attached further information about the relief register role.
Please note – only the Personal Statement in the Your Suitability for the Post section will be marked for shortlisting purposes. You will be asked to write a personal statement explaining your suitability for the post taking into account the requirements of the person specification
If you have any queries, please contact Jaspal Ram on 02476 786785 or Michelle Dearden on 02476 786976 Rachel Speake on 024 7697 2679
If you need help or support to complete your application, please visit our accessibility page to see how we can assist you.
Guaranteed Interview Scheme – As part of our commitment to inclusion, we offer guaranteed interviews for specific groups of people. To qualify, you\’ll need to meet the minimum requirements for the role and identify with one of the below criteria:
- Members of the Armed Forces and veterans
- Are currently in care or have previously been in care
- If you consider yourself to be disabled or if you have a long-term health condition
For full details on the application process please read the attached document on our jobs page labelled \’Coventry City Council Application Process\’. If there is any evidence of a candidate using AI to complete their application, then the application will be rejected unless the candidate can provide a justification which the Council considers to be reasonable.
Interview date(s): Thursday 31 July and/or Friday 1 August
About Coventry
Coventry has a proud, innovative and creative spirit that throughout its history has seen communities come together to tackle problems and bring about real social change.
We are cutting-edge, challenging, youthful, vibrant and diverse.
At Coventry we are committed to excellence in everything we do. With around 5100 staff from a range of different backgrounds, our aim is to recruit and develop talented people who will focus on our customers, take responsibility, work together and find better ways of doing things.
To deliver the best services to our residents, we need the best people working for us to make a difference to our communities.
If you join us, we will provide a fantastic rewards and benefits package – to find out more please visit https://www.coventry.gov.uk/council-vacancies
Coventry City Council
Attached documents
- Relief Register Guidelines – recruitment Sept 2024 .pdf
- LIA JD PS July 25 new template.pdf
- Coventry City Council Application Process.pdf
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Library and Information Assistant Relief Register employer: Coventry City Council
Contact Detail:
Coventry City Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Library and Information Assistant Relief Register
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with Coventry's Library and Information Service. Understanding their values and the specific services they offer will help you demonstrate your enthusiasm and alignment with their mission during any discussions or interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your customer service skills by preparing examples of how you've successfully assisted others in previous roles. This will be crucial, as being the first point of contact for library visitors is a key part of the job.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to discuss your flexibility with working hours. Since the role requires availability for at least 4 shifts across different days, highlighting your willingness to adapt will make you a more attractive candidate.
✨Tip Number 4
Engage with local community events or library activities before applying. This not only shows your commitment to the role but also gives you practical insights that you can share during your interview.
We think you need these skills to ace Library and Information Assistant Relief Register
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities of a Library and Information Assistant. Familiarise yourself with the job description and think about how your skills and experiences align with the requirements.
Craft Your Personal Statement: The personal statement is crucial for your application. Tailor it to highlight your customer service skills, communication abilities, and enthusiasm for libraries. Use specific examples from your past experiences that demonstrate your suitability for the role.
Showcase Your Flexibility: Since the position requires availability for various shifts, clearly state your availability in your application. Mention your willingness to work weekends and your flexibility with working patterns to show you are a suitable candidate.
Emphasise Inclusivity: Given the emphasis on diversity and inclusion in the job description, mention any relevant experiences or perspectives you bring that align with these values. This could include your understanding of different community needs or your commitment to creating welcoming spaces.
How to prepare for a job interview at Coventry City Council
✨Understand the Values
Familiarise yourself with Coventry City Council's values, such as inclusivity and community engagement. Be prepared to discuss how your personal values align with theirs and how you can contribute to creating a welcoming environment.
✨Showcase Customer Service Skills
As a Library and Information Assistant, excellent customer service is key. Think of examples from your past experiences where you've provided outstanding service or resolved issues effectively, and be ready to share these during the interview.
✨Demonstrate IT Proficiency
Since the role involves using library computer systems, brush up on your IT skills. Be ready to discuss your experience with technology and how you can assist visitors in using computers and accessing information.
✨Prepare for Event Participation
The job includes participating in events like rhyme times and storytimes. Think about any relevant experience you have in leading or assisting with similar activities, and be prepared to express your enthusiasm for engaging with the community through these events.
