At a Glance
- Tasks: Assist customers, answer enquiries, and support library events every Saturday.
- Company: Join a community-focused library that supports diverse needs and promotes learning.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible hours, travel cost coverage, and comprehensive training.
- Other info: In-person interviews at Battle Library; apply with a CV and supporting statement.
- Why this job: Make a positive impact while gaining valuable experience in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Good communication skills and a willingness to learn; no prior library experience needed.
If you have a passion for customer service and a keenness to learn about our libraries, we would like to hear from you!
The modern library is more than an opportunity to borrow a free book. We are open to all members of the community, who visit our libraries with a wide range of needs such as getting online, job-seeking, health and well-being, and national and local information. We also work in partnership with a number of different organisations, some based in our buildings and others visiting to hold sessions.
As a Library Assistant, your duties will include staffing the customer counter, answering a wide range of enquiries, and maintaining our service provision. You will perform routine tasks such as answering phone calls, issuing items to customers, cash handling, and organising files. You will also be required to support library events, such as children’s events over the summer, and weekly events, such as Rhymetimes and Storytimes.
Key to the Library Assistant role is being able to signpost people to what they are seeking. Knowledge and experience of working in a library is not essential as full training will be provided. The ability to be flexible is essential, as you will be required to work at other libraries in East Sussex, 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
Work well in a team
Are self-motivated
Can undertake manual handling tasks
Work rota: Every Saturday 10am – 5pm
Please download the Job Description and Person Specification for more information.
To apply for the role, please click the apply now button and upload your CV with a supporting statement. We will be using your supporting statement to shortlist, so please be sure to address how you meet all of the essential criteria listed in the job description. You may draw upon any relevant work/life experience, education, or personal interests to do so. 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.
In-person interviews will be held at Battle Library within 2 weeks of the closing date.
Candidates who meet certain criteria are given priority when we shortlist. See our priority status page for details.
For an informal discussion, please contact Ella Pullen, Library Manager, on 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!
Saturday Library Assistant - Battle employer: East Sussex County Council
Join our team as a Saturday Library Assistant in Battle, where your passion for customer service will thrive in a supportive and community-focused environment. We offer comprehensive training, flexible working opportunities across East Sussex libraries, and a commitment to employee development, ensuring you grow alongside us while making a meaningful impact in the lives of our patrons. With a strong emphasis on teamwork and a diverse range of benefits, we are dedicated to creating a rewarding workplace that values your contributions.
Contact Details:
East Sussex County Council Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Saturday Library Assistant - Battle
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the services offered by the library and the community it serves. Understanding the various needs of library users will help you demonstrate your customer service skills during the interview.
✨Tip Number 2
Reach out to current or former library assistants to gain insights into their experiences. This can provide you with valuable information on what to expect and how to excel in the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your flexibility and willingness to travel to different libraries. Highlight any previous experiences where you've adapted to new environments or worked in varied locations.
✨Tip Number 4
Think about examples from your past that showcase your teamwork and communication skills. Be ready to share these during the interview to illustrate how you can contribute positively to the library team.
We think you need these skills to ace Saturday Library Assistant - Battle
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role:Read the job description thoroughly to understand the key responsibilities and requirements of the Library Assistant position. This will help you tailor your application to highlight relevant skills and experiences.
Craft Your Supporting Statement:Your supporting statement is crucial for shortlisting. Address each essential criterion listed in the job description, using specific examples from your work/life experience, education, or personal interests to demonstrate how you meet these criteria.
Highlight Customer Service Skills:Since the role emphasises customer service, make sure to showcase your communication skills and any previous experience in customer-facing roles. Mention how you can assist library users with their diverse needs.
Plan Your Travel:As travel to other libraries is required, include a brief explanation in your supporting statement about how you would manage this. This shows your flexibility and willingness to adapt to the job's demands.
How to prepare for a job interview at East Sussex County Council
✨Show Your Passion for Customer Service
Make sure to express your enthusiasm for helping others during the interview. Share any relevant experiences where you provided excellent customer service, as this is a key aspect of the Library Assistant role.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Library Services
Take some time to learn about the various services and events offered by the library. Being knowledgeable about what the library provides will help you answer questions confidently and demonstrate your interest in the position.
✨Prepare Your Supporting Statement
Your supporting statement is crucial for shortlisting. Address how you meet the essential criteria listed in the job description, and don’t hesitate to include relevant work or life experiences that showcase your skills.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Flexibility
Since the role requires working at different libraries, be prepared to discuss your availability and willingness to travel. Highlight any previous experiences where you adapted to new environments or schedules.
