At a Glance
- Tasks: Welcome library visitors, assist with queries, and promote library services.
- Company: Barnet Council, dedicated to making the borough a better place for families.
- Benefits: Gain valuable experience, develop skills, and contribute to your community.
- Other info: Flexible hours and a chance to meet diverse people.
- 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 a willingness to learn.
THIS IS AN UNPAID VOLUNTEER POSITION
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. Our staff are committed to our values: Learning to Improve, Caring, Inclusive, Collaborate – which drive everything we do.
About Directorate
Our vision is focused on making Barnet an even better place to live for all families; at the heart of our vision for Family Friendly Barnet is the concept of Resilient Families and Resilient Children. Our ambition is to be the most Family Friendly Borough in London by 2024 by building resilience in our children, young people, families and communities.
About the role
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
This is a supporting role within libraries to:
- Meet and greet our 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 deal 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 is required.
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
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.
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 talk about 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: Borough of Barnet
The Borough of Barnet is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth. With extensive annual leave and dedicated training opportunities, the Facilities Team Lead role provides a meaningful chance to contribute to the community while developing your career in a vibrant Greater London setting.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Self Service Opening Volunteer - Libraries
✨Get Involved with Local Causes
Start connecting with local nonprofits or social impact projects in your area. Attend their events, offer to help out with community initiatives, or just drop by to chat about their mission. This way, you’ll not only learn about the work they do but also make meaningful connections that could lead to volunteer opportunities.
✨Leverage Social Media for Social Impact
Platforms like Twitter and Instagram are goldmines for discovering volunteer opportunities in the nonprofit sector. Follow organisations you’re passionate about, engage with their posts, and keep an eye out for their volunteer calls. It’s a great way to show your interest and dedication!
✨Utilise Volunteer Matching Platforms
Sites like VolunteerMatch or local community boards are perfect for finding short-term and long-term volunteer roles. These platforms can connect you with causes that align with your passions and skills, and often allow you to browse opportunities tailored to your interests.
✨Apply Directly Through Our Website
When you spot an organisation you like, don't hesitate to visit their website and check out their volunteer section. Many nonprofits have dedicated pages for volunteers where you can apply directly – and we’ve found that this route often leads to quicker responses and more personalised interactions!
We think you need these skills to ace Self Service Opening Volunteer - Libraries
Some tips for your application 🫡
Share Your Passion for Social Impact:When you're applying for a volunteer role at a nonprofit like Borough of Barnet, don’t just list your skills. Show us why you're passionate about social impact! Use your cover letter to tell a story about what drives you and how you've been involved in similar initiatives. Personal connections to the cause can really make your application stand out.
Highlight Relevant Experience:Make sure to showcase any previous volunteer work or projects that demonstrate your commitment to social impact. Whether it’s fundraising, community outreach, or project management, detail your contributions and the results achieved. This kind of experience is invaluable in the nonprofit sector and can help us see your potential!
Get Creative with Your CV:In the world of nonprofits, a standard CV might not cut it. Consider using a more creative format that showcases your personality while maintaining professionalism. Use headings like 'Community Engagement' or 'Social Impact Projects' to highlight your experiences related to the role. Remember, we want to see what makes you unique!
Keep It Community-Focused:Make sure your application emphasises collaboration and community. Volunteer roles are about working well with others and contributing collectively towards a common goal. In your cover letter, mention any teamwork experiences or community projects you've been part of, and how you contributed to their success. This shows that you’re ready to jump into the collaborative spirit here at Borough of Barnet.
How to prepare for a job interview at Borough of Barnet
✨Know Your Passion
Dive deep into the mission of Borough of Barnet and understand the issues they tackle. When they ask about your motivation to volunteer, share specific experiences that link your passion to their cause—whether it’s local community work or a broader social impact.
✨Bring Your Skills to the Table
Highlight any relevant skills that can aid in their projects, such as fundraising, project management, or community organising. Be prepared to share examples of how you’ve used these skills in past volunteer roles or relevant experiences.
✨Get Ready for Scenario Questions
In non-profit interviews, especially for volunteer roles, you might get scenario-based questions. Think about times when you've encountered challenges in team work or community engagement, and how you resolved them—this shows your problem-solving abilities.
✨Show Your Commitment
Since this is a volunteer role, they’ll likely want to see your commitment to the cause over an extended period. Be ready to discuss how much time you can dedicate, any special skills you can bring, and your eagerness to learn and grow with the organisation—this excites them to have you on board!
