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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Engage with the community, support events, and provide excellent customer service in the library.
- Company: South Cambridgeshire libraries, dedicated to serving local communities.
- Benefits: Wellbeing package, flexible bank holidays, additional leave options, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Flexible hours, supportive team environment, and opportunities for personal growth.
- Why this job: Make a positive impact in your community while gaining valuable experience and skills.
- Qualifications: Strong customer service skills and a passion for libraries; experience is a plus but not essential.
The predicted salary is between 12 - 15 £ per hour.
South Cambridgeshire libraries are all at the heart of the communities they serve. We are currently recruiting for a part‑time post in Cottenham Library for 13.75 hours per week. We are looking for a friendly, enthusiastic, and versatile person. You will have high standards of customer care and be able to work using your own initiative.
Responsibilities
- Be confident using your initiative.
- Have excellent communication and digital skills.
- Work with volunteers.
- Support a variety of events and activities.
- Master the varied aspects of library routines, including front‑line customer care, using the library management system, the self‑service machines, handling cash, stock requests and stock circulation procedures.
- Demonstrate a mature and professional attitude.
What you will be doing
This is a primarily customer‑facing role working in the library, dealing with enquiries, supporting customers to access online services and promoting the library offer in the community. There are many opportunities to support and deliver library events, including rhyme times and story times, and there is also routine work with opportunities to be creative. Library experience is an advantage but excellent customer service skills in other contexts are welcome. Training will be given, but an ability to work with IT is essential. You will be passionate about what public libraries can offer, and able to promote services both within the library and in the wider community.
Qualifications
- Demonstrate understanding of delivering good customer service.
- Interpersonal skills – patience, listening, ability to establish customer needs.
- A pleasant, helpful manner with customers of all ages and abilities.
- Strong team player, able to work with colleagues on projects and contribute to team goals.
- Flexibility and adaptability in all areas of work, including responding to a change in hours or workplace location.
Benefits
- A comprehensive wellbeing package covering all aspects of wellbeing, both in and out of work, accessible by your family.
- Buy up to 4 weeks of additional annual leave (pro‑rata) through our salary sacrifice scheme.
- Take bank holidays flexibly to better suit your personal circumstances.
- Make additional voluntary contributions (shared AVCs) to your pension with tax and National Insurance savings.
- Access to development opportunities, apprenticeships and qualified coaches to support your personal and professional growth.
- Paid volunteering hours each year to make a positive impact on our community during your normal working day.
- Access to peer support groups through our IDEAL staff equality, diversity and inclusion network.
- Opportunities to nominate and receive employee recognition awards.
- Our Cambs Rewards account, giving you access to in‑store and online discounts, as well as our car lease and cycle to work schemes.
Equal Opportunities
Appointment to this post will be subject to the outcome of an Enhanced Disclosure obtained through the Disclosure and Barring Service. The Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We are proud to be a Disability Confident Leader and fully support providing reasonable adjustments throughout our recruitment process. We encourage candidates to contact the hiring manager to discuss any adjustment needs. Additionally, through a Guaranteed Interview Scheme, we will offer an interview to all applicants who disclose a disability and meet the essential criteria for a job vacancy.
Community Library Assistant in Cottenham employer: Cambridge County Council
Contact Detail:
Cambridge County Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Community Library Assistant in Cottenham
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the library and its community! Before your interview, pop into Cottenham Library and chat with staff or volunteers. This shows your enthusiasm and gives you insights that can help you stand out.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your customer service skills! Think of examples from past experiences where you’ve gone above and beyond for customers. We want to see how you can bring that friendly, helpful manner to the library.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to demonstrate your digital skills! Brush up on using library management systems or self-service machines. If you’re not familiar, there are loads of online resources we can point you to for practice.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to highlight your flexibility! Libraries often have changing needs, so share examples of how you’ve adapted in previous roles. It’ll show us you’re the versatile team player we’re looking for!
We think you need these skills to ace Community Library Assistant in Cottenham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Enthusiasm: When you're writing your application, let your passion for libraries shine through! We want to see how excited you are about supporting the community and promoting library services. A little enthusiasm goes a long way!
Highlight Your Customer Service Skills: Make sure to emphasise your customer care experience. Whether it's from previous jobs or volunteer work, we love to see examples of how you've gone above and beyond to help others. This role is all about connecting with people!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your skills and experiences are easy to spot. Use bullet points if it helps – we’re all about making things simple!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Cambridge County Council
✨Know Your Library Stuff
Familiarise yourself with the services and events offered by South Cambridgeshire libraries. Being able to discuss specific programmes, like rhyme times or story times, shows your enthusiasm and understanding of the role.
✨Show Off Your Customer Service Skills
Prepare examples from your past experiences where you provided excellent customer service. Highlight your patience, listening skills, and ability to meet diverse customer needs, as these are crucial for a Community Library Assistant.
✨Be Tech-Savvy
Brush up on your digital skills, especially if you have experience with library management systems or self-service machines. Be ready to discuss how you can help customers access online services effectively.
✨Demonstrate Team Spirit
Think of instances where you've worked well in a team or supported colleagues on projects. Emphasising your flexibility and adaptability will show that you're a strong team player, which is essential for this role.