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- Tasks: Assist customers with borrowing, returning, and locating books while promoting library events.
- Company: Join a community-focused library that values diversity and inclusion.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, generous leave, and flexible working options.
- Why this job: Share your love for books and make a positive impact in your community.
- Qualifications: NVQ Level 2 and experience in customer service required.
- Other info: Great opportunity for career growth in a supportive environment.
The predicted salary is between 20000 - 30000 £ per year.
Do you have a love of books? A passion for helping people and the community? We are looking for a part time friendly Library Assistant to help us deliver our libraries and public information services.
This is an exciting opportunity to share your interests and get involved in a variety of tasks from assisting customers with their enquiries to promoting library events and activities.
What is involved?
With strong communication and interpersonal skills, you will support customers with borrowing, returning, and locating books and other library materials, as well as providing guidance in the use of library equipment and resources. You will use IT systems to maintain accurate records and databases, and assist with banking and administrative tasks. As this is a customer-facing role, your ability to engage confidently and courteously with members of the public is essential. You will take pride in delivering exceptional customer service and ensuring every visitor has a positive library experience.
What will I need?
NVQ Level 2 in a related subject. Essential experience includes working with customers from diverse backgrounds in a customer-facing environment, using IT applications, and handling customer enquiries effectively. Please refer to the attached person specification for the full criteria.
Interviews
Interviews will be held week commencing 17th November 2025. We operate a guaranteed interview scheme for applicants that can show they meet all the essential criteria and have indicated they have a disability, are a looked after young person, care leaver or a veteran.
Our offer to you
We offer a competitive rewards package that includes attractive salaries, a generous annual leave entitlement of 27 days (rising to 32 after five years’ continuous local government service), membership of the excellent contributory career average Local Government Pension Scheme, and a range of flexible working arrangements including hybrid working (home and office) where applicable. Explore the full range of rewards and benefits on our website. Rewards and benefits are subject to individual terms and conditions.
Equality, diversity, and inclusion
We are a proud equal opportunities employer and believe a diverse workforce brings fresh ideas and drives service improvement. We welcome applications from everyone and make employment decisions based on skills and ability. As a Disability Confident Leader, we actively encourage applications from disabled people and offer support throughout the recruitment process.
How to apply
Please note, we do not accept CVs. All applications must be submitted online via the Northeast Jobs portal. Use the ‘Person Specification’ section of the form to clearly demonstrate how you meet the essential (and where possible, desirable) criteria. Applications that do not evidence the essential requirements will not be shortlisted. For guidance on completing your application, visit our website. If you require assistance when applying for this role, please contact our Recruitment Helpdesk on 03000 26 27 27, or via email RecruitmentREG@durham.gov.uk. All correspondence relating to your application will be sent from donotreply@northeastjobs.org.uk. Kindly check your spam/junk folder regularly to ensure you don’t miss any updates.
Contact Detail:
Connected Local Government Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Library Assistant
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the library and its services inside out! Familiarise yourself with the layout, popular books, and upcoming events. This way, when you chat with potential employers or during interviews, you can show off your enthusiasm and knowledge about the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your customer service skills! Since this role is all about helping people, think of scenarios where you might assist a visitor. Role-playing with a friend can help you feel more confident when it comes to engaging with the public.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t forget to showcase your IT skills! Brush up on any relevant software or systems you might use in the library. Being tech-savvy will definitely give you an edge, especially when it comes to maintaining records and databases.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Make sure to highlight how you meet the essential criteria in your application form, as this is key to getting shortlisted for an interview.
We think you need these skills to ace Library Assistant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Books: Let your love for books shine through in your application! Share any experiences you have with reading, recommending books, or even organising events. This will show us that you're not just looking for a job, but that you genuinely care about the library and its community.
Highlight Your Customer Service Skills: Since this role is all about helping people, make sure to emphasise your customer service experience. Talk about how you've successfully assisted customers in the past, especially in diverse environments. We want to see that you can engage confidently and courteously with everyone who walks through our doors.
Be Specific About Your IT Skills: We need someone who can handle IT systems like a pro! In your application, mention any relevant software or tools you've used before. This could be anything from library management systems to basic office applications. The more specific you are, the better we can see how you fit into our team.
Follow the Application Guidelines: Remember, we only accept applications through the Northeast Jobs portal, so make sure you submit yours there. Use the 'Person Specification' section wisely to demonstrate how you meet the essential criteria. If you need help, don’t hesitate to reach out to our Recruitment Helpdesk!
How to prepare for a job interview at Connected Local Government
✨Know Your Library Stuff
Brush up on your knowledge of library services and resources. Familiarise yourself with common queries customers might have, like how to locate books or use library equipment. This will show your passion for helping people and your commitment to providing excellent service.
✨Show Off Your Communication Skills
Since this role is all about engaging with the public, practice your communication skills. Think of examples from your past experiences where you’ve successfully assisted customers or resolved issues. Being able to articulate these stories will demonstrate your interpersonal skills effectively.
✨Be Ready for IT Questions
As you'll be using IT systems to maintain records, brush up on your IT skills. Be prepared to discuss any relevant software you've used in previous roles. If you can, mention specific examples of how you’ve used technology to improve customer service or streamline processes.
✨Emphasise Your Customer Service Experience
Highlight your experience working with diverse customers in a friendly manner. Prepare to share specific instances where you went above and beyond to ensure a positive experience for someone. This will resonate well with the interviewers looking for someone who takes pride in exceptional service.
