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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Assist customers, manage library resources, and support community events.
- Company: Join Richmond upon Thames Libraries, a highly regarded service in the community.
- Benefits: Enjoy 40 days annual leave, flexible working, and a generous pension plan.
- Why this job: Be part of a vibrant team creating welcoming spaces for everyone.
- Qualifications: Experience in customer service and ability to handle challenging situations required.
- Other info: Work at various libraries and be ready for dynamic customer interactions.
The predicted salary is between 25998 - 31469 ÂŁ per year.
Job Title: Library Assistant
Salary Range: £25,998 – £31,469 per annum pro rata (2025/26 pay award pending)
Type: Permanent, Full-time and Part-time
Locations: East Sheen Library, Richmond Library, Teddington Library
Other Essential Information: Please see below work pattern for each role.
Work Pattern: East Sheen Library / Richmond Library / Teddington Library: Permanent, Part-Time. Working every Sunday 1:15-5:15 pm.
Objective of Role
Our Vision: How Richmond upon Thames Libraries see the future.
\”Communities within Richmond upon Thames will realize their potential through the personal, professional, social, and cultural development opportunities provided by their library service.\”
We operate a high-performing library service that is highly regarded by the community. As a Library Assistant, your role will be to support the delivery of this borough-wide service by ensuring excellent customer service and carrying out a range of administrative duties to facilitate day-to-day operations.
Modern public libraries are vibrant and inclusive spaces, open to all members of the community. Our staff must be resilient, confident, and resourceful to manage the often complex and challenging situations that can arise in such dynamic customer-facing environments.
Most of your work will involve frontline customer service, including issuing and returning items, maintaining and caring for resources, assisting with information searches and inquiries, supporting events, and helping visitors access the full range of services offered by the library.
About the Role
Are you passionate about helping people and creating welcoming community spaces? Richmond upon Thames Libraries are looking for a friendly, confident, and resourceful Library Assistant to join our high-performing team.
Our libraries are vibrant, inclusive spaces that serve a wide range of community needs. As a Library Assistant, you’ll be at the heart of this service—providing excellent customer support, helping visitors access resources, and ensuring the smooth day-to-day running of the library.
Candidate Criteria
You should meet the following criteria:
- The ability to communicate clearly and with understanding when working with the public, including using the telephone, email, and social media; as well as the confidence to deal with challenging situations calmly and effectively.
Daily Duties
- Shelving and tidying stock, promoting books, and assisting customers in selecting titles, ensuring collections are well-organized, attractive, and accessible.
- Supporting the delivery of a wide range of reading events, including weekly Rhyme Times and author talks.
- Using a variety of IT systems and services confidently and effectively.
- Responding to inquiries from customers and colleagues, both in person and over the phone.
You will be required to work at any of the 12 libraries within the borough, 3 of which are open on Sundays. You must be able to travel to and undertake duties at any library, occasionally at short notice.
Essential Qualifications, Skills, and Experience
- Experience working—either in a paid or voluntary capacity—in a high-pressure environment where high standards of service delivery are expected.
- The ability to contribute to an effective team.
- Experience responding to queries and resolving problems effectively.
- Ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously in a fast-paced setting with minimal supervision.
- Confidence and resilience to maintain composure and respond professionally in challenging situations involving service users.
Application Process
Closing Date: Sunday 10th August (midnight)
Shortlisting Date: w/c 11th August
Interview Date: TBC
Test/Presentation: A test to assess proficiency in Microsoft Office and information retrieval will be part of the selection process.
We may close this vacancy early once a sufficient number of applications are received. Please submit your application promptly to avoid disappointment.
Equality and Inclusion
Richmond & Wandsworth Better Service Partnership is committed to inclusive recruitment practices. We promote equality and diversity and value differences, recognizing that employees from various backgrounds contribute positively to our services.
We are proud to be a Disability Confident employer. If you require reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please inform us.
We are committed to safeguarding the welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable adults. Some positions may be exempt under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974, and appointment will be conditional upon a satisfactory DBS check.
Benefits
We offer a range of benefits designed to attract, develop, and reward our employees, including 40 days annual leave (including Bank Holidays), flexible working, and a generous pension plan.
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Library Assistant employer: LB RICHMOND UPON THAMES & LB WANDSWORTH
Contact Detail:
LB RICHMOND UPON THAMES & LB WANDSWORTH Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Library Assistant
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific libraries in Richmond upon Thames. Visit them if possible, and engage with staff to understand their operations and community engagement strategies. This will give you valuable insights to discuss during your interview.
✨Tip Number 2
Demonstrate your customer service skills by volunteering or working in similar environments. Highlight any experience where you've successfully managed challenging situations, as this is crucial for a Library Assistant role.
✨Tip Number 3
Brush up on your IT skills, particularly with Microsoft Office and information retrieval systems. Since a test will be part of the selection process, being proficient will help you stand out from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss how you can contribute to the library's community events. Think of ideas or past experiences that showcase your ability to engage with diverse groups and promote literacy and learning.
We think you need these skills to ace Library Assistant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to understand the responsibilities and requirements of a Library Assistant. Tailor your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the role.
Highlight Relevant Experience: Emphasise any previous experience in customer service or library settings. Mention specific examples where you managed multiple tasks, resolved queries, or worked effectively in a team.
Showcase Communication Skills: Demonstrate your ability to communicate clearly and effectively. Include examples of how you've handled challenging situations or provided excellent service to customers in the past.
Prepare for the Test: Since a test on Microsoft Office and information retrieval is part of the selection process, brush up on these skills. Familiarise yourself with common tasks and tools that may be assessed.
How to prepare for a job interview at LB RICHMOND UPON THAMES & LB WANDSWORTH
✨Show Your Passion for Community Service
Make sure to express your enthusiasm for helping people and creating welcoming spaces. Share any relevant experiences where you've contributed to community initiatives or supported others, as this aligns perfectly with the library's vision.
✨Demonstrate Strong Communication Skills
Prepare to showcase your ability to communicate clearly and effectively. Think of examples where you've successfully dealt with challenging situations or provided excellent customer service, as these skills are crucial for a Library Assistant.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Library Operations
Research the specific libraries you may be working at and understand their services and events. Being knowledgeable about the resources available will help you answer questions confidently during the interview.
✨Prepare for the Test/Presentation
Since there will be a test assessing your proficiency in Microsoft Office and information retrieval, brush up on these skills beforehand. Practising common tasks can help you feel more prepared and confident on the day.