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- Tasks: Supervise library services, support staff, and ensure excellent customer care.
- Company: Join a prestigious library with a commitment to inclusivity and diversity.
- Benefits: 38 days annual leave, pension scheme, childcare services, and travel discounts.
- Why this job: Make a difference in the community while gaining valuable leadership experience.
- Qualifications: Strong communication skills and experience in supervising teams.
- Other info: Flexible working options and a friendly, diverse workplace culture.
The predicted salary is between 20000 - 25000 £ per year.
About the role
The Reader Services Department supports physical and virtual library services across the Bodleian Old Library, Radcliffe Camera and Gladstone Link, providing access to world‑class humanities collections and study spaces.
Responsibilities
- Supervise evening and weekend library services, acting as a key point of contact for readers and staff.
- Induct new readers and support Library Assistants in delivering core services.
- Maintain high standards of customer care and operational efficiency.
- Oversee circulation activities, support the Live Chat service, and assist with management of rotas.
- Supervise Library Assistants, provide guidance and training, and ensure tasks such as shelving and statistics gathering are completed accurately and on time.
Working patterns and hours
This is a permanent, part‑time post, working an average of 9.63 hours per week. There are two posts available, as described:
- Post 1: One fixed weekday (Monday) 4.45 pm – 9.15 pm, one Friday night, and alternate Sundays 10.45 am – 7.15 pm.
- Post 2: One fixed weekday (Wednesday) 4.45 pm – 9.15 pm, one Friday night, and alternate Sundays 10.45 am – 7.15 pm.
About You
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with a wide range of users.
- Proven experience supervising or guiding a small team, with the ability to motivate colleagues and provide clear instruction.
- Confidence in handling complex enquiries, making sound decisions, and prioritising tasks effectively.
- Comfortable using library systems, electronic resources and databases, and strong general IT skills.
- Willingness to undertake training, including emergency first aid; familiarity with systems such as SOLO or Alma would be advantageous.
What We Offer
- 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
Our staff and students come from all over the world, and we 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.
Reader Services Supervisor (Evenings & Weekends) – 2 posts in Oxford employer: Gardens, Libraries and Museums (GLAM), University of Oxford
Contact Detail:
Gardens, Libraries and Museums (GLAM), University of Oxford Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Reader Services Supervisor (Evenings & Weekends) – 2 posts in Oxford
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the library environment! Familiarise yourself with the Bodleian Old Library, Radcliffe Camera, and Gladstone Link. Understanding the space will help you engage better with readers and show your genuine interest in the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your communication skills! Since you'll be interacting with a diverse range of users, try role-playing different scenarios with friends or family. This will boost your confidence in handling complex enquiries and make you stand out during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your leadership skills! Think of examples from your past experiences where you've supervised or guided a team. Be ready to discuss how you motivated colleagues and ensured tasks were completed efficiently – this is key for the Reader Services Supervisor role.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We love seeing candidates who are genuinely interested in joining us. Make sure to highlight your relevant skills and experiences that align with the job description when you apply.
We think you need these skills to ace Reader Services Supervisor (Evenings & Weekends) – 2 posts in Oxford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the Reader Services Supervisor role. We want to see how you can bring your unique flair to our team!
Show Off Your Interpersonal Skills: Since this role involves engaging with a wide range of users, don’t forget to showcase your excellent communication skills. Share examples of how you've successfully interacted with others in previous roles.
Highlight Your Supervisory Experience: We’re looking for someone who can motivate and guide a small team. Be sure to mention any past experiences where you’ve supervised or trained others, and how you made a positive impact.
Apply Through Our Website: To make sure your application gets to us, apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure we see your application and get you one step closer to joining our fantastic team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Gardens, Libraries and Museums (GLAM), University of Oxford
✨Know the Role Inside Out
Before your interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of a Reader Services Supervisor. Familiarise yourself with the library services mentioned in the job description, like the Bodleian Old Library and Radcliffe Camera. This will help you demonstrate your enthusiasm and knowledge during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Since the role involves supervising Library Assistants, be prepared to discuss your previous experience in guiding teams. Think of specific examples where you've motivated colleagues or resolved conflicts. This will show that you can handle the supervisory aspect of the job effectively.
✨Prepare for Customer Interaction Scenarios
Given the emphasis on excellent customer care, think about how you would handle complex enquiries or difficult situations. Prepare a couple of scenarios from your past experiences where you successfully managed customer interactions, as this will highlight your interpersonal skills.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Library Systems
If you're not already familiar with systems like SOLO or Alma, take some time to learn about them. Even if you don’t have direct experience, showing that you’re willing to learn and adapt will impress the interviewers. Mention any relevant IT skills you possess that could be beneficial in this role.