Principal Library Assistant in London

Do you thrive in a dynamic environment and enjoy working with people? Would you embrace the challenge of working in a busy public library with a vibrant exhibitions programme? Barbican Library is looking for a Principal Library Assistant to join our team. This is a key role in ensuring the smooth day-to-day running of library operations, and is also instrumental in the organisation of exhibitions and events.

You’ll be based primarily in the Music section of Barbican Library, assisting with the provision of stock, online resources, and performance sets for local music groups, as well as helping to deliver a thriving exhibitions and events programme. You will also assist the Library Manager in the general library with tasks such as creating staff timetables, and provide other operational and financial support including staff management. You’ll work on public service desks throughout Barbican Library to provide an outstanding experience for all visitors, and act as Duty Manager when required.

Salary and Working Hours

Salary: £38,080 - £42,150 per annum including Inner London Weighting

Contractual Hours: Hours are based on a two-week rota system (working 32 hours one week and 38 hours the other week)

Basis: Permanent

Workplace category: Workplace based

What we’re looking for:

• Someone flexible, outgoing, practical, and positive
• Strong front-line customer service skills
• Someone passionate about music of any genre, and ideally the ability to read music
• A background working in libraries, arts administration or events management would be beneficial, but not essential

Hours

Monday – Off

Tuesday – 9.15-6.00

Thursday – 9.15-7.30

Friday – 9.15-5.30

Saturdays (alternate) – 9.15-4

This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act and as part of this selection process the successful applicant will be required to obtain a standard Disclosure & Barring Service check.

The City of London Corporation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

The City of London Corporation is currently undergoing a programme to ensure that our pay and reward practices are competitive and equitable across the whole organisation, to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to thrive in the work that we do.

In addition to a competitive salary and membership of the excellent Local Government Pension Scheme, you can look forward to an all-round package of life‑improving benefits and offers – from interest‑free season ticket and bicycle loans to discounts on health and wellbeing, arts and culture.

For further information or for an informal chat about the role, please contact: Charlotte Jones, Email: don.gov.uk

Closing date 23:59pm on 27 April 2026.

Interviews will be held on 1 & 2 June 2026.

Apply

To apply online please click the Apply online button below. Alternatively, please contact (24 hr answerphone) quoting reference number OCCS1202 if you experience any difficulties. A minicom service for the hearing impaired is available.

The City of London Corporation is committed to Equal Opportunities and welcomes applications from all sections of the community. We reserve the right to close the advert earlier should we receive a high number of applications.

Because our roles are so varied, we don’t have a ‘one size fits all’ policy for workplace attendance. How many days a week you’ll be required to attend your workplace will depend on the requirements of your role. It’s important that you understand the requirements before applying to ensure you are able to meet them. We are committed to considering requests to work flexibly and job share. Requests will be considered by the recruiting manager in line with our policies and business needs.

For more information on our categories for workplace attendance, please view our guide here. We will be reviewing this policy and approach at regular intervals to ensure we’re meeting our attendance needs.