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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Support library operations, provide customer service, and ensure a safe environment.
- Company: Newcastle University, a diverse and inclusive workplace.
- Benefits: Generous holiday package, pension schemes, health initiatives, and professional development.
- Why this job: Join a vibrant community and make a difference in students' academic journeys.
- Qualifications: 5 GCSEs at Grade C or above; customer service experience preferred.
- Other info: Flexible hours with opportunities for growth and teamwork.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 36000 £ per year.
Closing Date: 17 October 2025
The Role
Newcastle University is a great place to work, with excellent benefits. We have a generous holiday package; plus the opportunity to buy more, great pension schemes and a number of health and wellbeing initiatives to support you.
The Role description: Library Attendants are essential to the running of the University libraries, working either during core Library service hours or during evening, overnight and weekend opening hours. You will provide excellent customer service, and ensure that the library is opened safely and securely during periods of limited staffing. You may be required to work at any of the Library sites, and duties will vary in emphasis depending on the shifts that are worked.
Previous experience of working in a customer focused service environment is essential. You will possess good interpersonal and customer care skills and the ability to work accurately and with attention to detail.
Mobility and physical fitness consistent with the need to push trolleys, carry parcels and move equipment is essential. You will also be required to undertake mandatory health and safety training relevant to the role.
There are two vacancies, both of which will require some bank holiday working:
Post 1
Hours: Midnight to 8 am, Monday to Wednesday (term time only, 31 weeks a year)
Post 2
Hours: 4.30 pm to 10 pm*, Monday to Wednesday and Saturdays.
*10pm finishes will be extended to Midnight during busy exam times and some Saturdays during summer vacation will not be required.
- To provide a reception service monitoring occupancy levels, operating the night door system, dealing with general and directional enquiries, keeping relevant records of these, as required, and referring more complex enquiries to Customer Services staff
- To provide assistance to customers in the use of a range of Library equipment, and to maintain this equipment as required, for example replenishing printers and photocopiers, and reporting faults as necessary
- To use the Library Management system to carry out a range of functions including both customer-facing and stock maintenance activities
- To empty book-bins and load trolleys, and to sort, shelve, tidy and retrieve library materials
- To ensure first aid duties are carried out including supporting the use of EVAC chairs, undertaking routine patrols and to carry out fire safety duties and safety checks, reporting defects, and testing fire alarms
- To contribute to overall building safety and security and responding to emergency situations, taking appropriate action to minimise damage or distress, e.g. assisting with emergency evacuations, dealing with floods
- To carry out incidental cleaning to ensure the good order of the Library, emptying waste bins, taking refuse to appropriate collection points, moving furniture and replenishing sanitary supplies
- Any other duties within the scope and general nature of the grade which may be required
The Person
Knowledge, Skills and Experience
- Good standard of literacy and numeracy
- Good communication, interpersonal and customer care skills
- Good IT skills, including experience of using packages in the MS Office suite, and ability to use search engines
- Awareness of the range of library services and resources
- Ability to work accurately and with attention to detail
- Ability to work as part of a team and independently
- Experience of working in a customer focused service, and an appreciation of the importance of maintaining a clean and tidy environment
- Capable of pushing trolleys, carrying books and furniture, and of working at height
Attributes and Behaviours
- Is factually correct and gives consistent information
- Clear and concise; gets the message across to others
- Willing to help others and share workloads
- Keeps other team members up to date with progress
- Works in a planned and structured way
- Ensures that all activities are completed on time to meet set standards
- Uses own and others’ time effectively;
- Pays attention to detail
- Strives to deliver high quality results
- Is enthusiastic in getting the job done on time
Qualifications
- 5 GCSE passes at Grade C or above, or equivalent
Newcastle University is a global University where everyone is treated with dignity and respect. As a University of Sanctuary, we aim to provide a welcoming place of safety for all, offering opportunities to people fleeing violence and persecution.
We are committed to being a fully inclusive university which actively recruits, supports and retains colleagues from all sectors of society. We value diversity as well as celebrate, support and thrive on the contributions of all of our employees and the communities they represent. We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer and encourage applications from individuals who can complement our existing teams, we believe that success is built on having teams whose backgrounds and experiences reflect the diversity of our university and student population.
At Newcastle University we hold a silverAthena Swan award in recognition of our good employment practices for the advancement of gender equality. We also hold a Race Equality Charter Bronze award in recognition of our work towards tackling race inequality in higher education REC. We are a Disability Confident employer and will offer an interview to disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role as part of the offer and interview scheme.
In addition, we are a member of the Euraxess initiative supporting researchers in Europe.
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Library Attendant employer: Newcastle University
Contact Detail:
Newcastle University Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Library Attendant
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the library environment! Visit the Newcastle University libraries, chat with current staff, and soak up the atmosphere. This will help you understand what they value in a Library Attendant and give you some great talking points during your interview.
✨Tip Number 2
Brush up on your customer service skills! Since you'll be dealing with students and staff, practice how to handle inquiries and provide assistance. Think about examples from your past experiences that showcase your ability to deliver excellent service.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your teamwork skills! Library work often involves collaborating with others, so be ready to discuss how you've worked effectively in a team before. Highlight any experiences where you’ve helped out colleagues or contributed to a positive work environment.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you're serious about the role. Don’t forget to tailor your application to reflect the specific skills and experiences mentioned in the job description!
We think you need these skills to ace Library Attendant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences match the Library Attendant role. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what we're looking for.
Show Off Your Customer Service Skills: Since this role is all about providing excellent customer service, share specific examples of how you've excelled in similar environments. We want to see your interpersonal skills shine through!
Be Detail-Oriented: Attention to detail is key for this position. Double-check your application for any typos or errors, and ensure that all your information is accurate and well-presented. We appreciate a polished application!
Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Newcastle University
✨Know the Role Inside Out
Make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of a Library Attendant. Familiarise yourself with tasks like customer service, equipment maintenance, and safety protocols. This will help you answer questions confidently and show that you're genuinely interested in the position.
✨Show Off Your Customer Service Skills
Since previous experience in a customer-focused environment is essential, prepare examples from your past roles where you provided excellent service. Think about how you handled difficult situations or went above and beyond for customers, as this will demonstrate your suitability for the role.
✨Demonstrate Teamwork and Independence
Library Attendants need to work well both as part of a team and independently. Be ready to discuss times when you've successfully collaborated with others, as well as instances where you took initiative on your own. This balance is key to showing you can thrive in the library environment.
✨Prepare for Practical Scenarios
Given the physical demands of the job, be prepared for questions or scenarios that assess your mobility and fitness. You might be asked how you'd handle moving equipment or managing emergency situations, so think through your responses and any relevant experiences you have.