At a Glance
- Tasks: Support library management and deliver top-notch customer service across various locations.
- Company: Join a community-focused library service in East Sussex.
- Benefits: Flexible hours, travel costs covered, and diverse benefits to support your career.
- Other info: Great opportunity for growth in a dynamic library environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community while developing valuable skills.
- Qualifications: Strong customer service skills and a passion for learning.
If you have a passion for supporting others to deliver quality customer service, and a keenness to learn about our libraries, we would like to hear from you!
As an Assistant Library Manager, you will be responsible for supporting the day-to-day management of libraries and the delivery of quality customer service. Your duties will include:
- Line management of Library Assistants
- Administrating rotas and annual leave
- Banking library income
- Resolving building issues
- Staff training and induction
- Supporting the librarian team with school class visits, events and stocktakes
The role is varied and challenging and presents a great opportunity to build on existing skills. It supports both staff and customers across a variety of East Sussex Libraries, from village centres to busy towns. Success in the role relies on a range of transferable skills and does not require specific experience of working in libraries. The ability to be flexible is essential, as you will be required to work at several different libraries, for which travel costs from your base are covered.
We are looking for candidates who:
- Have good customer service and communication skills
- Have ICT skills and an interest in further development
- Have experience in staff training and management
- Are self-motivated and able to prioritise their workload
- Are able to defuse and resolve incidents
- Are keen to develop services and input into business planning
- Have a full driving license or can demonstrate how they will travel to all libraries
Work rota: There are two vacant posts. Please indicate on your supporting statement which role you are applying for - you are welcome to apply for both.
One post is full-time and includes working every other Saturday, for which a day off in the week is given. This post is based at Bexhill Library.
Week 1:
- Monday: 9.00 – 5.00
- Tuesday: 9.00 – 5.00
- Wednesday: 9.00 – 4.00
- Thursday: 9.00 – 6.00
- Friday: 9.00 – 5.00
- Saturday: OFF
Week 2:
- Monday: 9.00 – 5.00
- Tuesday: OFF
- Wednesday: 9.00 – 4.00
- Thursday: 9.00 – 5.00
- Friday: 9.00 – 5.00
- Saturday: 9.00 – 5.00
One role is 18.5 hours and includes working every other Saturday. This post is based at Eastbourne Library.
Week 1:
- Monday: OFF
- Tuesday: OFF
- Wednesday: 9.00 – 1.00
- Thursday: 9.00 – 6.00
- Friday: 9.00 – 5.00
- Saturday: OFF
Week 2:
- Monday: OFF
- Tuesday: OFF
- Wednesday: 9.00 – 1.00
- Thursday: OFF
- Friday: 9.00 – 5.00
- Saturday: 9.00 – 5.00
Please download the Job Description and Person Specification for more information. To apply for either role, please follow the ‘Apply Now’ button above and upload your CV and a Supporting Statement. We will be using your Supporting Statement to shortlist so please be sure to address how you meet all the criteria in the person specification, drawing on any relevant work/life experience, education, or personal interests. Your supporting statement should be no more than 2000 words long and must also describe how you would travel to other libraries when required.
For guidance on how to write an application see our how to apply page and our statement on the use of AI. Interviews will be carried out in person and held at Eastbourne Library, date to be confirmed. Candidates who meet certain criteria are given priority when we shortlist. See our priority status page for details.
For an informal discussion, please contact Michele Brooker or Ella Pullen, on 01273 336254 / 01424 726250. We offer a diverse range of benefits to help and support you during your employment. More information can be found on our benefits page.
For work that makes a difference, choose East Sussex.
Assistant Library Manager employer: East Sussex County Council
East Sussex Libraries is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that values customer service and employee development. With opportunities for staff training and management, as well as the flexibility to work across various locations, employees can grow their skills while making a meaningful impact in their communities. The diverse range of benefits and the chance to engage with a variety of library services make this role both rewarding and fulfilling.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Library Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the libraries in East Sussex! Familiarise yourself with their services and community needs. This will not only help you during interviews but also show your genuine interest in the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your customer service skills! Think of scenarios where you might need to resolve issues or support staff. Being able to demonstrate these skills in real-life examples will make you stand out.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t forget to highlight your flexibility! Since the role requires working at different libraries, share any past experiences where you adapted to new environments or schedules.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Make sure your supporting statement is tailored to the job description and showcases how you meet the criteria.
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Library Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Supporting Statement:Make sure to customise your supporting statement for the Assistant Library Manager role. Highlight how your skills and experiences align with the job description, especially in customer service and staff management.
Show Your Passion:Let us see your enthusiasm for libraries and customer service! Share any relevant experiences or interests that demonstrate your commitment to supporting others and improving services.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your supporting statement focused and within the 2000-word limit. Use clear language and structure your points well so we can easily see how you meet the criteria outlined in the person specification.
Don’t Forget Travel Plans:Since the role involves working at different libraries, make sure to explain how you plan to travel between them. This shows us that you're prepared and flexible, which is key for this position!
How to prepare for a job interview at East Sussex County Council
✨Know Your Libraries
Before the interview, take some time to research the libraries in East Sussex. Familiarise yourself with their services, events, and community involvement. This will show your genuine interest in the role and help you answer questions about how you can contribute.
✨Highlight Customer Service Skills
Since the role focuses on delivering quality customer service, prepare examples from your past experiences where you've excelled in this area. Think of specific situations where you resolved issues or improved customer satisfaction, as these stories will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Demonstrate Flexibility
The job requires working at various libraries, so be ready to discuss your flexibility and adaptability. Share instances where you've successfully managed changing circumstances or worked in different environments, showcasing your ability to thrive in diverse settings.
✨Craft a Strong Supporting Statement
Your supporting statement is crucial for shortlisting, so make sure it clearly addresses the criteria in the person specification. Use it to highlight relevant experiences, skills, and how you plan to travel between libraries. Keep it concise but impactful!
