At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a dynamic team to assist library users and manage daily operations.
- Company: Birmingham Newman University, a welcoming and supportive environment.
- Benefits: 35 days annual leave, pension scheme, free parking, and staff development opportunities.
- Other info: Flexible hours and a chance to work on exciting library projects.
- Why this job: Make a difference in students' lives while gaining valuable experience.
- Qualifications: No prior library experience needed; just bring your enthusiasm and communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 20000 - 25000 £ per year.
This is an exciting opportunity to join the library service at Birmingham Newman University. You will work as part of a small team of Library Experience Assistants to assist in the day-to-day running of the Library. One of your main duties will be to staff the busy Service Desk, providing a welcoming first point of contact to the Library’s users.
You will respond to a wide range of enquiries, helping students and other library users to manage their library accounts, find and use print and electronic resources, and utilise the library and IT facilities effectively. You will also complete a variety of administrative tasks, including processing books, managing the library mailbox, and participating in wider library projects.
Responsibilities- Staff the busy Service Desk and provide a welcoming first point of contact for library users.
- Respond to enquiries and assist users with managing library accounts, locating and using print and electronic resources, and utilising library and IT facilities.
- Complete administrative tasks such as processing books, managing the library mailbox, and participating in library projects.
- No prior experience in a library is required; a good level of literacy, administrative skills, and IT skills are needed.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to respond to enquiries with confidence.
- Passion for providing timely, high-quality customer service and openness to adopting new technologies.
- Flexibility and adaptability to work non-standard hours when required.
Informal enquiries about this opportunity are welcome. Please contact Kimberley Maxwell at k.maxwell@staff.newman.ac.uk to discuss the role further. An online application form and further details about this role are available from newman.ac.uk/jobs. Please submit your completed online application form by the advertised closing date. Please note that CVs are not accepted as part of the application process unless explicitly stated.
DatesClosing date for applications: 10 July 2026. Interviews will take place on 4 August 2026.
Benefits and Other InformationBirmingham Newman University offers 35 days annual leave entitlement plus bank holidays (pro rata for part-time posts), pension scheme, chaplaincy and spiritual care, library services, free on-site parking, discounted travel scheme, cycle to work scheme, employee assistance programme, occupational health and counselling services and staff development opportunities. Further details of the full range of staff benefits available can be found on our website: newman.ac.uk/knowledge-base/staff-benefits/ or by contacting the Human Resources Department.
Equal OpportunityBirmingham Newman University is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
LocationBirmingham Newman University is located on Genners Lane, Bartley Green, Birmingham, West Midlands, B32 3NT.
Library Experience Assistant in Birmingham employer: Birmingham Newman University
Birmingham Newman University is an exceptional employer that prioritises the well-being and development of its staff. With a supportive work culture, generous benefits including 35 days of annual leave, and opportunities for professional growth, employees are encouraged to thrive in their roles. Located in the vibrant city of Birmingham, the university offers a dynamic environment where you can make a meaningful impact on the library experience for students and the community.
Contact Details:
Birmingham Newman University Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Library Experience Assistant in Birmingham
✨Connect with the Community
Get involved in customer support communities online! Platforms like Reddit and specific Facebook groups can be goldmines for sharing opportunities and tips. You can find out about part-time roles that might not even be advertised yet — it's all about who you know!
✨Attend Local Job Fairs
Job fairs are perfect for snagging part-time gigs! Keep an eye out for local hiring events and career expos in your area. It’s a brilliant chance to meet representatives from companies like Birmingham Newman University and show off your personality in person.
✨Boost Your Visibility
Showcase your skills in online customer support forums or by offering help on platforms like Zendesk Community. A strong online presence can catch the eyes of recruiters and hiring managers looking for genuinely passionate candidates.
✨Apply Directly Through Us!
Don’t forget, applying through our website is one of the best ways to catch our attention. Tailor your application for the part-time customer support role at Birmingham Newman University and let us see your personality shine through!
We think you need these skills to ace Library Experience Assistant in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Communication Skills:In customer support, communication is key! Make sure your CV and cover letter highlight your ability to clearly convey information and resolve issues. Use examples that illustrate how you've helped customers or colleagues in the past.
Demonstrate Your Problem-Solving Abilities:Employers want to see how you tackle challenges. Include specific instances where you resolved a tough issue for a customer or improved a process. Real life scenarios are a great way to showcase your critical thinking and adaptability.
Tailor Your Application to Part-Time Work:Since this is a part-time role, be upfront about your availability in your cover letter. Highlight how you can balance work with your other commitments. It shows you're organised and committed to making the role work for both you and Birmingham Newman University.
Get Familiar with Our Brand:Before applying, take some time to learn about Birmingham Newman University and our approach to customer support. Mention in your cover letter why you're excited about supporting our customers specifically. It’ll show your enthusiasm and that you've done your homework!
How to prepare for a job interview at Birmingham Newman University
✨Show Off Your Communication Skills
In customer support, being able to communicate clearly and effectively is key. During the interview, make sure to demonstrate your listening skills and your ability to explain solutions simply. Use examples from past experiences where you resolved customer issues successfully.
✨Know the Tools of the Trade
Familiarise yourself with common customer support tools like ticketing systems (think Zendesk or Freshdesk) and chat software. If you’ve used any of these in previous roles or during your studies, be ready to chat about your experiences. Showing you can hit the ground running with these tools will impress Birmingham Newman University.
✨Highlight Your Flexibility
Since this is a part-time role, emphasise your ability to adapt to different shifts and your willingness to handle varying customer volumes. Share any experiences where you thrived in a fast-paced environment or juggled multiple tasks, which can highlight your time management skills.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Interviewers often love scenario-based questions in customer support roles. Be ready to tackle common customer situations, like how you'd handle an unhappy customer. Practising responses to these scenarios will showcase your problem-solving ability and customer service mindset, which Birmingham Newman University will surely appreciate.
