At a Glance
- Tasks: Engage with customers, promote reading, and support IT learning in a vibrant library setting.
- Company: Join a community-focused library network in Derby, dedicated to improving literacy and wellbeing.
- Benefits: Enjoy professional development, discounts, and support for your wellbeing and career growth.
- Other info: Flexible hours with opportunities to work across various libraries in Derby.
- Why this job: Make a difference in your community while sharing your love for books and reading.
- Qualifications: GCSE English or equivalent, customer care skills, and a passion for reading.
The predicted salary is between 13 - 14 £ per hour.
Are you comfortable engaging with customers, communicating with a wide range of people, and working in a busy, customer-focused environment? Do you have a keen interest in books, reading and literacy? If so, we'd love to hear from you. We are looking for staff to join us as Relief Library Assistants within our network of libraries across the city. You will need to be able to travel to different locations in Derby, as sessions may be at any library in the city. There are no fixed or guaranteed working hours. You must be regularly available Monday to Saturday to work morning, afternoon and/or evening sessions. You must also be contactable by phone and/or email.
In all Derby’s libraries, the focus is on enthusing people about the library offer, promoting reading, providing internet access, improving literacy and improving wellbeing. As a Relief Library Assistant, good customer care and IT skills are essential, as is the confidence and ability to support customers using IT. You will also play a key role in ensuring that Derby’s libraries are well presented, safe, and welcoming to all.
Responsibilities- Working as part of a team of staff and volunteers to provide a high-quality professional service to customers and colleagues that drives service improvement
- Supporting and delivering initiatives on a range of key areas including literacy, well-being, IT learning sessions
- Supporting the delivery of campaigns, activities and events to increase library use, book borrowing and return visits
- Promoting the library confidently and effectively by being aware of the benefits of libraries and the positive impacts they have on the communities they serve
- Helping to make sure the building is a safe, accessible and welcoming environment
- Minimum Grade C GCSE English or equivalent
- An understanding of how libraries can contribute to improving people’s physical and mental wellbeing
- The skills to work in a busy environment and deal effectively with difficult people and confrontational situations
- The ability to be a positive, enthusiastic and flexible team player
- An enthusiasm for reading and able to talk about the benefits of reading
- Continued professional development opportunities & career conversations
- Team Derby Rewards – retail and leisure discounts
- Tusker Car Benefit Scheme
- Cycle2Work Scheme & free cycle training
- Employee Assistance Programme, Wellbeing Calendar and Support
- Access to our Equality Employee Networks – LGBTQ+, Disabled Employee Network & Carers and our Black, Asian & Minority Ethnic Employee Support Network and Neurodiversity Network
- Support for colleagues who are carers
We are a fair and inclusive employer and welcome applications from people from all backgrounds. We recruit for diversity and value difference. We are proud to be a Disability Confident Leader. If you are a disabled person, you have the choice to apply under our Guaranteed Interview Scheme so long as you demonstrate that you meet the essential requirements for the job.
Relief Library Assistant employer: Derby City Council
Join our vibrant team as a Relief Library Assistant in Derby, where your passion for reading and commitment to customer service will thrive in a supportive and inclusive environment. We offer flexible working hours across various libraries, along with professional development opportunities, employee rewards, and a strong focus on wellbeing and community engagement. Embrace the chance to make a meaningful impact while enjoying the benefits of being part of a diverse and dynamic workforce.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Relief Library Assistant
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the libraries in Derby! Familiarise yourself with their services and events. This way, when you chat with potential employers, you can show off your enthusiasm and knowledge about what they offer.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your customer service skills! Engage with friends or family as if they were library patrons. This will help you feel more confident when dealing with a variety of people in a busy environment.
✨Tip Number 3
Be flexible with your availability. Since this role requires working at different times, let them know you're open to morning, afternoon, and evening shifts. It shows you're committed and ready to jump in whenever needed!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Relief Library Assistant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Reading:Let us know how much you love books and reading! Share your favourite genres or authors, and maybe even a little story about how a book has impacted you. This will help us see your enthusiasm for the role.
Highlight Your Customer Service Skills:Since this role is all about engaging with customers, make sure to showcase any previous experience you have in customer service. Talk about how you've handled tricky situations or helped someone find what they needed.
Be Flexible and Available:We need someone who can work various shifts across different libraries. Make it clear in your application that you're available Monday to Saturday and can adapt to changing schedules. This shows us you're ready to jump in whenever needed!
Apply Through Our Website:To make sure your application gets to us quickly, apply directly through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and get back to you as soon as possible!
How to prepare for a job interview at Derby City Council
✨Know Your Libraries
Familiarise yourself with the libraries in Derby and their specific offerings. Understanding the unique services each library provides will help you engage confidently with customers and demonstrate your enthusiasm for promoting reading and literacy.
✨Showcase Your Customer Service Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully handled customer interactions in the past. Think about times when you’ve dealt with difficult situations or provided exceptional service, as this role heavily relies on good customer care.
✨Be Ready to Discuss IT Skills
Brush up on your IT skills and be prepared to discuss how you can assist customers with technology. Highlight any experience you have in teaching or supporting others with IT, as this is a key part of the role.
✨Demonstrate Your Passion for Reading
Express your love for books and reading during the interview. Be ready to talk about your favourite genres or authors, and how you believe reading can positively impact individuals and communities. This will show your genuine interest in the role.
