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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Support library operations, assist users, and deliver engaging workshops.
- Company: GBS is a leading higher education provider with campuses across the UK.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days annual leave, flexible benefits, and a workplace pension scheme.
- Why this job: Join a vibrant team, enhance student learning, and make a real impact in education.
- Qualifications: Friendly, organised, and able to engage with diverse students; teaching experience preferred.
- Other info: Flexible hours, including evenings and weekends; not eligible for visa sponsorship.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 £ per year.
Overview
Join to apply for the Library Assistant – Leeds role at GBS.
Department: Provost
Location: Leeds (St. George\’s House)
Type of Contract: Permanent
About Us
GBS is a higher education provider offering a range of sector-relevant courses across ten campuses in London, Birmingham, Leeds and Manchester. Working in partnership with several of the UK’s leading higher education providers, we deliver vocational, undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in finance, accounting, business, construction, tourism, healthcare – and more.
The Role
The Library Assistant plays a vital role in the daily operations of the library, providing hands-on support to ensure a seamless and efficient experience for all users. This position includes delivering 30-to-60-minute library-in-the-classroom workshops to students in collaboration with lecturers, facilitating book and laptop loans, managing study spaces, assisting students in locating and using library resources, and delivering general support to maintain a welcoming and functional library environment. This is a full-time position for 40 hours per week with shifts on weekdays, weekends and evenings until 8:00 pm. These hours are subject to change with future library needs so please apply if you are flexible to work these shift patterns. This role is not eligible for visa sponsorship!
Main Responsibilities
- Oversee the checkout and return process for library materials, including books, laptops, and other loanable resources.
- Maintain accurate records of loans, returns, and overdue items, ensuring compliance with library policies.
- Assist users in understanding borrowing policies and resolving loan-related issues, such as renewals or late fees.
- Monitor and manage study spaces to ensure they are clean, organised, and conducive to learning.
- Oversee the reservation system for study rooms and other library facilities, helping users book and access spaces as needed.
- Address and resolve any issues related to study space usage, promoting a respectful and collaborative environment.
- Be confident delivering engaging, interactive in-class library use sessions and provide guidance to students on locating books, articles, and other resources within the library or through digital platforms.
- Help users navigate library catalogues, databases, and other tools to access information effectively.
- Offer basic technical support for library equipment, including computers, printers, and photocopiers.
- Assist in shelving returned books and maintaining the organisation of library collections; conduct routine checks to ensure resources are correctly shelved and easily accessible.
- Report damaged or misplaced items and assist in basic inventory management tasks.
- Provide friendly and knowledgeable service to all library users, addressing inquiries and offering support in a timely manner; act as a first point of contact for visitors.
- Support library staff with administrative tasks, event preparation, or special projects as needed.
- Rotate between multiple campuses, providing consistent library services across all locations and work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends.
- Promote library services, resources, and events through user interactions and by distributing promotional materials; encourage exploration of workshops, digital tools and research support.
- Provide feedback to library management on user needs and suggestions to improve service delivery.
Requirements
About You
- Proven ability to deliver excellent front-line service.
- Friendly, approachable, and able to engage effectively with a diverse user base.
- Experience working with students in a classroom or instructional setting.
- Confidence in delivering 30-60 minute library-in-the-classroom sessions.
- Clear verbal and written communication, particularly in guiding students and explaining resources or policies.
- Ability to collaborate effectively with lecturers and other staff.
- Able to multitask and prioritise in a busy environment.
- Accuracy in maintaining records (e.g. loans, reservations, inventory).
- Ability to use standard digital tools (Microsoft Office, email, web browsers).
- Comfortable learning library systems and basic troubleshooting for equipment like printers and laptops.
- Willingness to work across different campuses and shifts, including evenings and weekends.
- Capable of working as part of a team, while also managing tasks independently.
- Attention to detail and accurate shelving, cataloguing, and maintenance of resources.
Desirable
- Familiarity with library management software (e.g. Koha, Alma, Sierra and FOLIO) or cataloguing systems.
- Prior experience in a university, college or school library environment.
- Confidence assisting users with common tech issues (printers, logging into systems, using databases).
- Ability to promote services and events through posters, handouts, or informal marketing.
- Enthusiasm for supporting student learning and information literacy.
- Multilingual or cross-cultural experience, particularly with mature students and students who speak English as an additional language.
Other Information
What we offer
- 25 days annual leave, plus 8 public holidays
- 1-day extra leave per year of service, up to a maximum of 5 days
- Workplace pension scheme
- Tuition reimbursement for career development courses
- Flexible Benefits: Cycle to Work, Workplace Nursery, Techscheme and much more
- Perks@Work discounts platform, wellbeing centre and much more
- Reward and recognition programme
- £500 award employee referral scheme
- Discretionary annual performance bonus
GBS is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and providing a workplace free from discrimination or harassment. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and communities. We take our core values seriously and work hard to create an environment where everyone feels welcomed.
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Library Assistant - Leeds employer: GBS
Contact Detail:
GBS Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Library Assistant - Leeds
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the library's resources and services before your interview. Understanding how the library operates and the specific tools they use will show your genuine interest in the role and help you answer questions more effectively.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare to discuss your experience working with students or in instructional settings. Think of specific examples where you've successfully engaged with learners, as this will demonstrate your ability to deliver library-in-the-classroom sessions.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your flexibility and willingness to work varied shifts, including evenings and weekends. Be ready to explain how you can manage your time effectively to accommodate the library's needs across different campuses.
✨Tip Number 4
Highlight any familiarity you have with library management software or cataloguing systems. Even if you haven't used them directly, expressing a willingness to learn and adapt to new technologies can set you apart from other candidates.
We think you need these skills to ace Library Assistant - Leeds
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience, especially any roles where you've provided front-line service or worked in educational settings. Emphasise your ability to engage with diverse user groups and any experience you have with library systems.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your enthusiasm for the Library Assistant role and how your skills align with the responsibilities outlined in the job description. Mention specific experiences that demonstrate your ability to deliver engaging library sessions and support students effectively.
Showcase Communication Skills: Since clear verbal and written communication is crucial for this role, ensure your application reflects your ability to explain resources and policies clearly. You might include examples of how you've successfully communicated with students or colleagues in the past.
Highlight Flexibility: Given the requirement for flexible working hours, mention your willingness to work evenings and weekends. This shows that you are adaptable and ready to meet the needs of the library and its users.
How to prepare for a job interview at GBS
✨Show Your Passion for Libraries
Make sure to express your enthusiasm for library services and supporting student learning. Share any personal experiences or stories that highlight your love for libraries and how you believe they contribute to education.
✨Prepare for Interactive Sessions
Since the role involves delivering library-in-the-classroom workshops, practice how you would engage students in a 30-60 minute session. Think about interactive activities or discussions that could make the session more engaging.
✨Demonstrate Your Customer Service Skills
Be ready to discuss examples of how you've provided excellent front-line service in previous roles. Highlight your ability to handle inquiries and resolve issues effectively, as this is crucial for the Library Assistant position.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Library Systems
If you have experience with library management software or cataloguing systems, be sure to mention it. If not, show your willingness to learn and adapt to new technologies, as this will be important for managing loans and resources.
