At a Glance
- Tasks: Engage with customers, create social media content, and support library events.
- Company: Join the vibrant University Library and Collections team.
- Benefits: Flexible hours, valuable experience, and a chance to enhance your CV.
- Why this job: Make a difference in the community while gaining hands-on experience.
- Qualifications: Strong communication skills and a passion for customer service.
- Other info: Weekend shifts required; perfect for students looking for part-time work.
The predicted salary is between 1300 - 1800 Β£ per month.
The Customer Services Team is part of University Library and Collections. We provide front-line (face to face and virtual) customer, visitor and enquiry services across our department. This includes visitor services at our museums and visitor attractions: Palace Green Library, Oriental Museum and Durham Castle, as well as user services in our Libraries and study spaces 7 days a week, including 24/7 opening during part of the academic year.
Our Library Assistants are essential to the provision of our library services. They actively contribute to the frontline customer service provision, ensuring that all customers have a high-quality experience. Library Assistants are responsible for providing the specialist library services, including:
- planning, creating and posting engaging social media content;
- supporting special events, student focused campaigns and engagement activities;
- undertaking user experience (UX) planning and analysis;
- a highly responsive enquiry service both in person and online via our virtual enquiries desk;
- digitisation;
- online support;
- circulation operations, plus making appropriate referrals.
They support users in making full use of the Library, raising awareness of services and facilities. The Customer Services team work Monday to Sunday, including bank holidays, as part of a standard rota. The shift pattern for this role will include weekend working every week.
Library Assistant - Durham employer: Durham University
Contact Detail:
Durham University Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice π€«
We think this is how you could land Library Assistant - Durham
β¨Tip Number 1
Get to know the library and its services inside out! Familiarise yourself with the resources, events, and social media channels. This way, when you chat with potential employers, you can show off your knowledge and passion for the role.
β¨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Attend library events or workshops, and connect with current staff on LinkedIn. Building relationships can give you insider info about the job and even lead to recommendations.
β¨Tip Number 3
Practice your customer service skills! Whether itβs through volunteering or part-time work, showing that you can handle enquiries and provide excellent service will make you stand out in interviews.
β¨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! Itβs the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged with our services.
We think you need these skills to ace Library Assistant - Durham
Some tips for your application π«‘
Show Your Passion for Customer Service: When writing your application, let us see your enthusiasm for providing top-notch customer service. Share any relevant experiences where youβve gone above and beyond to help others, as this is key for a Library Assistant role.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the specific duties mentioned in the job description. We want to see how you can contribute to our team and enhance the library experience for our users.
Be Creative with Social Media Skills: Since part of the role involves creating engaging social media content, donβt hesitate to showcase any creative projects or campaigns youβve worked on. This will help us understand your ability to connect with our audience in a fun and engaging way.
Keep It Clear and Concise: While we love detail, make sure your application is easy to read and straight to the point. Use clear language and structure your thoughts well, so we can quickly grasp your qualifications and enthusiasm for the role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Durham University
β¨Know Your Customer Service Basics
Since the role is all about providing top-notch customer service, brush up on your customer service principles. Think about how you would handle different scenarios, like dealing with a difficult visitor or answering tricky enquiries. Be ready to share examples from your past experiences that highlight your skills in this area.
β¨Show Off Your Social Media Savvy
As a Library Assistant, you'll be creating engaging social media content. Familiarise yourself with the platforms the library uses and think of creative ideas you could bring to the table. During the interview, mention any relevant experience you have with social media management or content creation to demonstrate your fit for the role.
β¨Demonstrate Your UX Understanding
User experience is key in this role, so be prepared to discuss what good UX means to you. Think about how you can improve user interactions in a library setting. Bring examples of how you've contributed to enhancing user experiences in previous roles or projects, as this will show your proactive approach.
β¨Be Ready for Shift Patterns
This job involves working weekends and bank holidays, so make sure you're comfortable with that. During the interview, express your flexibility and willingness to work varied shifts. This shows that you're committed and ready to be part of the team, no matter the schedule.