Library Advisor in Birmingham

At Birmingham City University, we are a diverse and inclusive learning community of over 31,400 students from more than 120 countries. We aim to become an exemplar anchor institution, creating and sharing knowledge for a better and more inclusive society. We are committed to providing a transformational educational experience, supporting world‑class research, and fostering a collaborative and supportive working environment for our staff.

Our student demographic reflects the rich cultural and ethnic diversity of Birmingham itself, with a significant proportion of students from minoritised ethnic backgrounds and the majority of our home students coming from the West Midlands. This diversity is a strength, and it calls for a workforce that is equipped to challenge deficit narratives and thinking — those assumptions that position students from underrepresented groups as lacking rather than recognising their assets, strengths and potential. By embracing this perspective, we aim to create an environment where all students and colleagues can thrive, and where our work contributes positively to the social, cultural and economic life of Birmingham and beyond.

Role Summary

We are seeking a Library Experience Advisor to join the Library and Learning Resources team, supporting the delivery of high‑quality services across the University. In this role, you will serve as the first point of contact for all library‑related enquiries and play a crucial role in student and staff support.

Key Responsibilities

• Supporting library users to access both physical and virtual resources, specialist stock and collections, and signposting to other university services
• Maintaining library collections by shelving, shelf tidying, and participating in stock management projects
• Monitoring library spaces by roving to ensure they are well maintained and conducive to learning
• Undertaking administrative tasks to fulfil resource requests and keeping accurate records of library usage
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate effectively with a range of stakeholders in person, by telephone, and in writing
• Proven experience in the delivery of high‑quality customer services
• A commitment to the provision of high‑quality customer care which not only meets but exceeds customer expectations
• A high degree of organisational ability and excellent timekeeping
• A methodical approach to work with good attention to detail
• The ability to demonstrate initiative, problem solving and decision making
• Demonstrate effective collaborative working with a range of colleagues and stakeholders
• The ability to cope with an environmental change
• Good digital literacy, being able to use word processing, spreadsheet, and communication applications, e.g. MS Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams, and willing to learn and explore new tools and technologies relevant to the role
• Collaborative approach to team working, with strong commitment to sharing CPD
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively in a diverse and inclusive environment and commitment to reflective practice, open communication, and constructive feedback and challenge
• Experience of working in a library and of outreach or promotional activities
• Awareness of the library’s diverse collections across sites

The appointed candidate will normally be employed through our subsidiary company, BCU Support Services Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of Birmingham City University. Appointees with prior LGPS membership who wish to re‑enter the scheme may do so and will be employed directly by the University.

Why work for us

• Career development – Opportunities to grow, develop and progress your career.
• Reward and wellbeing – Competitive pay, pension, wellbeing support and staff benefits.
• Inclusive culture – A supportive, diverse environment where everyone belongs.

This role does not meet the minimum salary requirements for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship. We are therefore unable to consider applicants who require sponsorship to work in the UK.

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

We are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and to an environment that supports lawful free speech and academic freedom. We will continuously review and improve our policies, practices, and procedures to ensure that we are promoting these in all aspects of our operations. We believe that by working together, combining our many different backgrounds and life experiences, we will empower each other to reach our full potential.

Disability Confident Employer

Birmingham City University is proud to be a Disability Confident Employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive and accessible recruitment process. Disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role will be guaranteed an interview.