Library Assistant in Kidlington

Library Assistant in Kidlington

Kidlington Full-Time No home office possible
Go Premium
E

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Welcome readers, assist with enquiries, and manage library materials.
  • Company: Join the Bodleian Libraries, a hub for diverse learners.
  • Benefits: 38 days annual leave, pension scheme, and childcare services.
  • Why this job: Be part of a friendly team and support students in their learning journey.
  • Qualifications: Good communication skills and basic IT knowledge required.
  • Other info: Flexible working options and opportunities for professional development.

The Continuing Education Library is part of the Bodleian Libraries and supports part time learners across a wide range of programmes. You will join a small, friendly team providing services to a diverse community of students and visitors. You will welcome readers to the Library, respond to enquiries and help them access both print and online materials. You will support the full range of reader services tasks including issuing, returning and renewing items, assisting users with IT equipment, and providing guidance on library procedures. You will also work with library materials by shelving accurately, processing new books and journals and helping with stock management projects. A key part of the role involves working with reading lists, checking stock requirements, preparing scans and using the Oxford Reading Lists Online (ORLO) system to make readings available. You may occasionally work at other library locations and will sometimes be the only staff member on duty. The role also involves lifting and carrying books and pushing trolleys.

Both posts are permanent part-time and the following posts are available:

  • Post 1 – 15 hours per week (0.41 FTE) across Mondays and Tuesdays from 09:00 to 17:00.
  • Post 2 – 19 hours per week (0.52 FTE) across Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 08:55 to 14:10.

About You

You will be an effective communicator with a good standard of spoken and written English and the ability to engage confidently and courteously with readers, colleagues and the public. You will have an awareness of good customer care and be committed to providing a high-quality service. You will have good general IT skills, including use of email, the internet and Microsoft Office, and the ability to learn new systems. You will be reliable and able to prioritise tasks under pressure, carrying out routine work with accuracy and care. You will enjoy working as part of a team and will have the ability to lift and move books. Experience of library or customer service work and familiarity with library databases and online resources would be an advantage.

Benefits

  • An excellent contributory pension scheme
  • 38 days of annual leave
  • A comprehensive range of childcare services
  • Family leave schemes
  • Cycle loan scheme
  • Discounted bus travel and Season Ticket travel loans

Diversity

The University of Oxford’s staff and students come from all over the world, and they proudly promote a friendly and inclusive culture. Diversity is positively encouraged, through diverse groups and champions, as well as a number of family-friendly policies, such as the right to apply for flexible working and support for staff returning from periods of extended absence, for example, shared parental leave. The University of Oxford is committed to ensuring that the recruitment processes are inclusive and accessible. If you require the job description or any other materials in an alternative format, or if you would like to request any adjustments to support you through the application or interview process, please contact the recruitment team at recruitment@glam.ox.ac.uk.

How To Apply

You will be required to upload your CV and a supporting evidence form using the attached template as part of your online application. Your supporting evidence form should list each of the essential and desirable selection criteria, as listed in the job description, and explain how you meet each one. CVs alone will not be considered. We aim to provide a supportive working environment and are happy to discuss training and professional development opportunities. The Chair of this recruitment panel will be Angela Carritt, Continuing Education Librarian, who can be contacted with enquiries relating to the role (angela.carritt@bodleian.ox.ac.uk). General queries about the recruitment and application process should be directed to the Recruitment team within the Human Resources department (recruitment@glam.ox.ac.uk). Only applications received online by 12.00 midday on Tuesday 16 December 2025 can be considered. Interviews are expected to take place between 20 and 23 January 2026.

Library Assistant in Kidlington employer: Experience Oxfordshire

The University of Oxford offers a vibrant and inclusive work environment, making it an excellent employer for those seeking meaningful roles like the Library Assistant. With a strong commitment to employee growth, you will benefit from extensive training opportunities, a generous pension scheme, and 38 days of annual leave, all while being part of a friendly team dedicated to supporting diverse learners. Located in the historic city of Oxford, you will enjoy a unique cultural experience alongside your professional development.
E

Contact Detail:

Experience Oxfordshire Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🀫

We think this is how you could land Library Assistant in Kidlington

✨Tip Number 1

Get to know the library and its services before your interview. Familiarise yourself with the Oxford Reading Lists Online (ORLO) system and other resources. This will show that you're genuinely interested and ready to hit the ground running!

✨Tip Number 2

Practice your communication skills! Since you'll be engaging with a diverse community, it’s crucial to convey information clearly and courteously. Try role-playing common library scenarios with a friend to boost your confidence.

✨Tip Number 3

Show off your IT skills! Brush up on Microsoft Office and any library databases you can find. Being tech-savvy is a big plus, so don’t hesitate to mention any relevant experience during your interview.

✨Tip Number 4

Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us. Don’t miss out on this opportunity!

We think you need these skills to ace Library Assistant in Kidlington

Effective Communication
Customer Care
General IT Skills
Microsoft Office
Library Databases Familiarity
Online Resources Knowledge
Task Prioritisation
Attention to Detail
Teamwork
Ability to Lift and Move Books
Enquiry Response
Reader Services Support
Stock Management
Oxford Reading Lists Online (ORLO) System Usage

Some tips for your application 🫑

Read the Job Description Carefully: Before you start your application, take a good look at the job description. We want to see how you fit into the role of Library Assistant, so make sure you understand what’s required and how your skills match up!

Tailor Your Supporting Evidence Form: When filling out your supporting evidence form, be specific! We’re looking for clear examples of how you meet each of the essential and desirable criteria. This is your chance to shine, so don’t hold back!

Keep It Professional but Friendly: While we love a friendly vibe, remember to keep your tone professional in your written application. Show us your personality, but also demonstrate that you can communicate effectively with readers and colleagues.

Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the easiest way for us to receive your CV and supporting evidence form. Plus, it ensures you’re following the correct process to be considered for the role.

How to prepare for a job interview at Experience Oxfordshire

✨Know Your Library Stuff

Familiarise yourself with the library's services and resources. Understand how to assist users with both print and online materials, as well as the Oxford Reading Lists Online (ORLO) system. This knowledge will show your enthusiasm for the role and help you answer questions confidently.

✨Show Off Your Customer Service Skills

Prepare examples of how you've provided excellent customer service in the past. Think about times when you engaged with diverse groups or resolved issues effectively. This will demonstrate your commitment to high-quality service, which is key for this position.

✨Practice Your Communication

Since effective communication is crucial, practice speaking clearly and courteously. You might even want to role-play common scenarios you could encounter in the library, like helping someone with IT equipment or answering enquiries. This will help you feel more at ease during the interview.

✨Be Ready to Discuss Teamwork

Think about your experiences working in a team. Be prepared to share how you contribute to a positive team environment and handle pressure. Highlighting your ability to work collaboratively will resonate well with the friendly team dynamic they’re looking for.

Library Assistant in Kidlington
Experience Oxfordshire
Location: Kidlington
Go Premium

Land your dream job quicker with Premium

You’re marked as a top applicant with our partner companies
Individual CV and cover letter feedback including tailoring to specific job roles
Be among the first applications for new jobs with our AI application
1:1 support and career advice from our career coaches
Go Premium

Money-back if you don't land a job in 6-months

E
Similar positions in other companies
UK’s top job board for Gen Z
discover-jobs-cta
Discover now
>