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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Support library operations, assist students, and deliver engaging workshops.
- Company: GBS, a leading higher education provider with a focus on student success.
- Benefits: 25 days annual leave, flexible benefits, and tuition reimbursement for career development.
- Why this job: Make a difference in students' lives while gaining valuable experience in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Friendly, approachable, and able to engage effectively with diverse users.
- Other info: Flexible hours, evening and weekend shifts, and opportunities for growth.
Overview
Library Assistant – Manchester (Evening and weekends) – Permanent – Part Time (30 Hours)
Department: Provost
Location: Manchester
Type of Contract: Permanent – Part Time (30 Hours)
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.
Our Vision: Changing Lives through Education
The Role: The Library Assistant supports the daily operations of the library, delivering hands-on support to ensure a seamless and efficient experience for all users. This role 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. The evening and weekend role requires a commitment to working evenings and weekends and flexibility to accommodate this. This role is not eligible for visa sponsorship.
Responsibilities
- Circulation Services: Oversee the checkout and return process for library materials, including books, laptops, and other loanable resources; maintain accurate records; assist users with policy questions and renewals/late fees.
- Study Space Management: Monitor and manage study spaces; oversee the reservations system for study rooms and facilities; ensure spaces are clean, organised and conducive to learning; resolve issues as needed.
- Student Assistance: Deliver engaging, interactive in-class library sessions; guide students to locate books, articles and other resources; assist with library catalogues, databases and basic digital tools; provide basic technical support for equipment.
- Resource and Collection Maintenance: Shelving returned items; maintain accurate shelving and inventory; report damaged or misplaced items.
- General Library Support: Provide friendly service to all users; act as a first contact for visitors; support library staff with administrative tasks, events or special projects.
- Flexible Campus Coverage: Rotate between campuses; work evenings and weekends; adapt to different campus needs while maintaining service standards.
- Promoting Library Services: Raise awareness of services and events; distribute promotional materials; gather user feedback 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 classroom or instructional settings.
- Confidence delivering 30-60 minute library-in-the-classroom sessions.
- Clear verbal and written communication, especially 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; accurate record-keeping (loans, reservations, inventory).
- Ability to use standard digital tools (Microsoft Office, email, web browsers) and learn library systems; 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.
- 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.
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.
Note: This role is not eligible for visa sponsorship.
EEO Statement: GBS is an equal opportunity employer. We encourage applicants from all backgrounds to apply.
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Library Assistant - Manchester (Evening and weekends) employer: GBS
Contact Detail:
GBS Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Library Assistant - Manchester (Evening and weekends)
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the library and its resources inside out! Familiarise yourself with the layout, services, and tools available. This way, when you chat with potential employers, you can show off your knowledge and enthusiasm for the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Attend events or workshops related to libraries and education. Connect with current library staff or fellow job seekers on social media. You never know who might have a lead on a job or can give you insider tips!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your delivery skills! Since the role involves conducting library-in-the-classroom sessions, try rehearsing your presentation style with friends or family. Get comfortable explaining resources clearly and engagingly.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search. Don’t forget to follow up after applying to show your interest!
We think you need these skills to ace Library Assistant - Manchester (Evening and weekends)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Library Assistant role. Highlight your experience with students and any relevant skills that match the job description. We want to see how you can bring value to our library!
Show Your Passion: Let your enthusiasm for supporting student learning shine through in your application. Share any experiences that demonstrate your commitment to education and helping others, as this aligns perfectly with our vision at GBS.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to explain your qualifications and experiences, making it easy for us to see why you’d be a great fit for the team.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application directly through our website. This ensures that your application gets to the right people quickly and efficiently, so don’t miss out on this opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at GBS
✨Know the Role Inside Out
Before your interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the Library Assistant role. Familiarise yourself with the responsibilities like managing study spaces and delivering library sessions. This will help you answer questions confidently and show that you're genuinely interested in the position.
✨Showcase Your People Skills
As a Library Assistant, you'll be interacting with a diverse range of users. Prepare examples of how you've provided excellent front-line service in the past. Think about times when you’ve helped students or resolved issues effectively, as this will demonstrate your ability to engage with others.
✨Prepare for Practical Scenarios
Expect some situational questions during the interview. Be ready to discuss how you would handle specific scenarios, like assisting a student with tech issues or managing a busy study space. Practising these responses can help you feel more at ease and show your problem-solving skills.
✨Highlight Your Flexibility
This role requires working evenings and weekends, so be prepared to discuss your availability and willingness to adapt. Share any previous experiences where you’ve successfully managed flexible schedules or worked across different environments, as this will reassure them of your commitment.