Senior Library Assistant (Open Research Support) in Oxford

The Bodleian Social Science Library supports learning, teaching and research across a wide range of social science disciplines, working closely with students, researchers and academic staff. You will join a collaborative and reader‑focused team, contributing to both frontline library services and the Bodleian Libraries’ expanding Open Research support.

You will manage and maintain serial publications for the Social Science Library, including paid subscriptions, legal deposit material and donations, ensuring accurate records and excellent access for readers. You will work closely with suppliers, the Bodleian eResources team and colleagues across Bodleian Libraries, and you will support the planned transition from print to electronic formats. You will also contribute to Open Research activities, providing administrative and advisory support to researchers, assisting with deposits to the Oxford Research Archive, responding to enquiries as part of the Open Research Enquiry Team, and supporting Open Research events and training.

Alongside this, you will undertake regular issue and enquiry desk duties, acting as a first point of contact for readers and providing a high standard of customer service. At times you will be responsible for the supervision and security of the library, and you will participate in rotas covering evening, opening‑up and occasional weekend duties. This is a full‑time post, working 36.5 hours per week. The role supports working from home for up to one day per week, subject to operational requirements.

You will be educated to GCSE standard in English and Maths, or have equivalent experience, and you will have experience of working in a library environment using a library management system. You will bring excellent IT skills, with confidence using web‑based systems and Microsoft Office applications, and you will have an appreciation of the academic research process and researcher information needs, including experience of using e‑journals and other online resources.

You will be able to work effectively both as part of a team and independently, with a high level of accuracy and attention to detail. You will be motivated, enthusiastic and committed to delivering excellent customer service, with the ability to adapt to changing demands and work calmly under pressure. Experience of acquisitions or serials work, knowledge of Open Access and institutional repositories, and experience of promoting services 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

We are committed to ensuring that our 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.

You will be required to upload your CV and a supporting statement as part of your online application. Your supporting statement should list each of the essential and desirable selection criteria, as listed in the job description, and explain how you meet each one. Both documents must be submitted to be considered.

We aim to provide a supportive working environment and are happy to discuss training and professional development opportunities. Only applications received online by 12.00 midday (GMT) on Monday 23rd February 2026 can be considered. Interviews are expected to take place on Tuesday 10th March 2026.