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- Tasks: Assist in providing library services to adults and children, including issuing materials and supporting digital engagement.
- Company: Join a community-focused library service in Lewis & Harris.
- Benefits: Earn £15.12 per hour with flexible hours and a chance to work in a vibrant environment.
- Why this job: Make a difference in your community while sharing your love for books and learning.
- Qualifications: Basic understanding of library services and excellent communication skills required.
- Other info: Opportunity to work irregular hours and gain valuable experience in a supportive team.
Job Description
Relief Library Assistants, Lewis & Harris
£15.12 per hour, inclusive of £1.48 Distant Islands Allowance per hour
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Required for both Stornoway and Tarbert Libraries. The post holder will assist in providing a library and information service to adults and children. Duties will include providing a frontline library and information service to users; including the issuing and returning of library materials, reservations, facilitating computer bookings and providing assistance as needed; supporting customers in the use of e-resources and help to deliver digital engagement opportunities as required; maintaining the library in good order through the shelving of materials, shelf-tidying and the organisation and management of stock rotations, transfers and withdrawals; and undertaking a range of clerical and administrative tasks as required.
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You must have a basic understanding of the role of a library service and how it operates along with a keen interest in books and reading. It is essential you have excellent verbal communication and interpersonal skills along with the ability to deliver a high-quality level of customer services. You must have good database, word processing and layout software skills.
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You must be willing to work irregular hours, including evenings and Saturdays as required.
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This post is subject to membership of the Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Scheme as a legal requirement of a regulated role with Children (Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) scheme – mygov.scot).
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This post is on an as and when basis to cover absences of permanent staff. Salary for the above post is inclusive of Distant Islands Allowance.
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It is vital you read the job description and person specification, in your Experience statement please detail how you meet each of the essential criteria we ask for in the person specification.
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Interviews will be conducted in person, providing candidates with the chance to personally meet the team and experience our work environment.
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Closing Date: Monday 29 September 2025
Relief Library Assistants, Lewis & Harris - CNS05734 employer: Comhairle nan Eilean Siar
Contact Detail:
Comhairle nan Eilean Siar Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Relief Library Assistants, Lewis & Harris - CNS05734
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the library environment before your interview. Visit the Stornoway and Tarbert Libraries, chat with staff, and understand their services. This will help you show genuine interest and knowledge during your interview.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your communication skills! Since you'll be providing a frontline service, being able to engage with customers confidently is key. Try role-playing common library scenarios with friends or family to boost your confidence.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare some questions for the interview. Asking about the library's digital engagement opportunities or how they support e-resources shows you're proactive and genuinely interested in the role. Plus, it gives you a chance to connect with the team!
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step to engage with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Relief Library Assistants, Lewis & Harris - CNS05734
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Description Carefully: Before you start writing, make sure you fully understand the job description and person specification. This will help us see how your experience aligns with what we're looking for.
Tailor Your Experience Statement: In your experience statement, be specific about how you meet each of the essential criteria. Use examples from your past roles to show us your skills in action!
Show Your Passion for Libraries: Let your love for books and reading shine through! We want to see your enthusiasm for providing a great library service to our community.
Apply Through Our Website: Make sure to submit your application through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and get back to you quickly!
How to prepare for a job interview at Comhairle nan Eilean Siar
✨Know Your Library Basics
Make sure you brush up on the fundamental operations of a library service. Understand how issuing, returning, and reserving materials works, as well as the importance of e-resources. This knowledge will show your genuine interest in the role.
✨Show Off Your Communication Skills
Since excellent verbal communication is key for this position, practice articulating your thoughts clearly. You might even want to prepare a few examples of how you've successfully assisted customers in the past, especially in a library or similar setting.
✨Demonstrate Your Customer Service Savvy
Think about times when you've gone above and beyond for a customer. Be ready to share these experiences during the interview, highlighting your ability to deliver high-quality service, especially in challenging situations.
✨Be Ready for Irregular Hours
Since the role requires flexibility with hours, be prepared to discuss your availability openly. Show that you're willing to work evenings and weekends, and maybe even share how you manage your time effectively to accommodate such shifts.