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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Welcome library visitors, assist with queries, and promote library services.
- Company: Barnet Council, dedicated to enhancing community services and engagement.
- Benefits: Gain valuable experience, develop skills, and contribute to your local community.
- Why this job: Make a difference in your community while gaining hands-on experience in a vibrant environment.
- Qualifications: Friendly personality, good communication skills, and basic IT knowledge.
- Other info: Flexible volunteering hours with opportunities for personal growth and learning.
About Barnet Council
Barnet is a borough with much to be proud of. Our excellent schools, vibrant town centres, vast green spaces and diverse communities all help make it a great place to live and work. As a council we want to build on these strengths as we move into the future. We are growing and developing as an organisation to meet the challenges facing our borough and we are committed to working with partner organisations and residents to make Barnet even better.
Job Description
THIS IS AN UNPAID VOLUNTEER POSITION
Self‑Service Opening allows eligible library card holders to use our libraries during unstaffed opening hours. This service uses technology which allows us to keep the libraries open for longer. The aim is:
- To provide fast efficient customer service
- To enable access to library services in unstaffed hours
Supporting Role within Libraries
- Meet and greet customers in a welcoming manner
- Help people to find their way around the library
- Assist with any questions or enquiries customers may have
- Refer complex enquiries to library staff
- Ensure that the library is always an inviting space by shelving returned stock, tidying shelves, and refilling paper trays in the photocopier/printer
- Assist customers to log on to the public computers and Wi‑Fi as required and to provide basic IT support
- Assist customers to locate stock on the library catalogue and to reserve items
- Explain to customers how to join the library and dealing with queries about Self Service Opening
- Promote library services and events and online resources
- Empty self‑service machines and trolleys and identify stock in need of attention to staff
- Help customers use Self‑Service kiosks and library equipment
About You
- An outgoing and friendly personality. You should be able to communicate with a wide range of people of all ages, races, cultures and abilities.
- Be self‑motivated and able to operate without direct supervision
- Patience to support people who are learning something new
- Able to remain calm when faced with difficult situations
- Good IT skills
- Good literacy and numeracy skills
- Keen to learn new skills
- An awareness of facilities and resources in a public library
In this role you will be on your feet most of the time. The role includes some lifting: shelving stock on low and head height shelves and bending to empty self‑service machines. Trolleys are used for shelving and are pushed around the library and to the relevant shelves/area. Shelves are usually no more than 6 feet high. Volunteers are expected to shelve stock and be reasonably fit to do this. A basic understanding of health and safety and an awareness of building hazards.
Application Process
Click on the apply button at the bottom of the page to progress your application. Please read through the job role and complete the Barnet Libraries SSO Volunteer Application Form. The application will not progress if the Barnet Libraries SSO Volunteer Application Form is not completed and returned. If you would like any further information about the role before applying please email: Lendahand@barnet.gov.uk.
Equality and Safeguarding
Barnet Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Barnet operates stringent safer recruitment procedures. To deliver Barnet Council’s commitment to equality of opportunity in the provision of services, all staff are expected to promote equality in the workplace and in the services the Council delivers. As such we value diversity and welcome applications from all backgrounds. Read Barnet Council’s Equality Statement for further information.
Barnet Council embraces all forms of flexible working (including part‑time, compressed hours, and remote working) and is committed to offering employees a healthy work‑life balance. Candidates are encouraged to discuss relevant requirements and preferences at interview. We can’t promise to give you exactly what you want, but we do promise not to judge you for asking.
Self Service Opening Volunteer - Libraries employer: Barnet Council
Contact Detail:
Barnet Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Self Service Opening Volunteer - Libraries
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the library! Familiarise yourself with the layout and services offered. This way, when you meet customers, you can confidently guide them and answer their questions.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your personality! Being friendly and approachable is key in this role. Smile, engage with visitors, and make them feel welcome as they explore the library.
✨Tip Number 3
Brush up on your IT skills! Since you'll be helping customers with computers and self-service kiosks, being tech-savvy will make you a go-to person for support.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s super easy and ensures your application gets to the right place. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need to ace your application.
We think you need these skills to ace Self Service Opening Volunteer - Libraries
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Description Carefully: Before you start your application, take a good look at the job description. It’s packed with info about what we’re looking for in a volunteer, so make sure you understand the role and how you fit into it.
Be Yourself: When filling out the application form, let your personality shine through! We want to know who you are, so don’t be afraid to show your friendly and outgoing side. Remember, we’re looking for someone who can connect with our diverse community.
Highlight Relevant Skills: Make sure to mention any skills or experiences that relate to the role. Whether it’s your IT skills or your ability to help others, we want to see how you can contribute to making our libraries a welcoming space.
Apply Through Our Website: Once you’re ready, hit that apply button on our website! Completing the Barnet Libraries SSO Volunteer Application Form is essential, so don’t skip this step. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Barnet Council
✨Know the Role Inside Out
Before your interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of the Self Service Opening Volunteer position. Familiarise yourself with the library's services and how they operate during unstaffed hours. This will help you answer questions confidently and show your genuine interest in the role.
✨Show Off Your People Skills
Since this role involves interacting with a diverse range of customers, be prepared to demonstrate your friendly and outgoing personality. Think of examples from your past experiences where you've successfully communicated with different people or helped someone learn something new. This will highlight your suitability for the position.
✨Prepare for IT Questions
Given that you'll be assisting customers with basic IT support, brush up on your IT skills and be ready to discuss your experience with public computers and Wi-Fi. You might even want to practice explaining how to use self-service kiosks or library catalogues, as this could come up during the interview.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t hesitate to ask questions about the library’s services, community events, or how volunteers are supported. This shows your enthusiasm for the role and helps you gauge if it’s the right fit for you. Plus, it gives you a chance to engage with the interviewers on a deeper level.
