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- Tasks: Support the Senior Librarian and provide excellent service to library visitors.
- Company: Reputable not-for-profit media group in Central London.
- Benefits: Competitive hourly rate, hybrid working, and valuable experience.
- Why this job: Gain hands-on experience in a vibrant library environment while making a difference.
- Qualifications: Experience in a library or public-facing role; passion for libraries essential.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth and involvement in exciting library events.
The predicted salary is between 15 - 20 £ per hour.
We are seeking a Library Assistant to start immediately for a few months. Due to the nature of the role, it is office based in Southbank, with a pay rate of £18-19 an hour (£31,554 if it was permanent).
Who will you be working for? Our client is a reputable not-for-profit media group located in Central London.
What will you be doing?
- Support the Senior Librarian in the provision of a proactive frontline service for all visitors to the library.
- Undertake general library duties, such as basic cataloguing, shelving, tidying, processing and other stock maintenance.
- Support the aims of the wider Library & Learning team.
- Fully participate in the rota allocation, including regular evening and weekend duties.
- Answer library enquiries within an agreed timeframe; handle the registration of library users and direct other researchers as appropriate; deal with user requests for materials and assistance as required; address any first line problems including IT and technical support for OPACS and scanning equipment.
- Carry out general library duties, including processing of new material, repairing or conserving older material, shelving, tidying, weeding, following missing book protocols.
- Process and supply materials from onsite and offsite storage and when necessary digitise material for delivery to the reading room or to remote users; contribute to the library usage statistics as required.
- Support metadata work by creating basic skeleton records of relevant library material in the library management system; contribute to cataloguing projects when necessary as part of CPD.
- Help with purchasing stock; checking publisher lists and passing on recommendations to acquisitions staff.
- Participate in student and researcher inductions, library tours and events; assist with the promotion of the library and collections both in venue and online.
About You:
- Previous experience in a library or similar environment.
- A demonstrable interest in pursuing a career in libraries and information management.
- Ability to deal in a positive and friendly manner with a wide range of users with different needs and expectations.
- Experience of working in a public facing role.
- Good organisational skills with the ability to prioritise and manage deadlines.
Library Assistant employer: Gordon Yates Recruitment Consultancy
Contact Detail:
Gordon Yates Recruitment Consultancy Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Library Assistant
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the library and information management field. Attend events or join online forums where you can meet people who might know about job openings or can give you insider tips.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on common library scenarios. Think about how you'd handle user enquiries or manage stock maintenance. Practising these responses will help you feel more confident when it’s your turn to shine!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of a follow-up! After an interview, drop a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation. It shows you're keen and keeps you fresh in their minds.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities that might be perfect for you. Plus, it’s a great way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people.
We think you need these skills to ace Library Assistant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your relevant experience in libraries or similar environments. We want to see how your skills match the role, so don’t be shy about showcasing your organisational skills and any public-facing roles you've had!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to express your passion for libraries and information management. Let us know why you’re excited about this role and how you can contribute to our team.
Showcase Your Skills: In your application, mention specific skills that relate to the job description, like cataloguing or handling library enquiries. We love seeing candidates who can demonstrate their ability to manage user requests and support library operations.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it makes the process smoother for everyone involved!
How to prepare for a job interview at Gordon Yates Recruitment Consultancy
✨Know Your Library Basics
Brush up on your library knowledge! Familiarise yourself with basic cataloguing, shelving techniques, and the general duties of a Library Assistant. This will show that you’re not just interested in the role but also understand what it entails.
✨Showcase Your People Skills
Since this role involves interacting with a diverse range of users, be ready to demonstrate your communication skills. Think of examples where you've successfully dealt with customer queries or resolved issues in a friendly manner.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Given the technical aspects of the job, like handling OPACS and scanning equipment, be prepared to discuss any relevant experience you have. If you’ve worked with library management systems before, highlight that!
✨Express Your Passion for Libraries
Let your enthusiasm for libraries and information management shine through. Share why you want to work in this field and how you can contribute to the library's goals. A genuine interest can set you apart from other candidates.
