Librarian

Can you inspire a love of reading and learning in children, young people and families, and demonstrate libraries as an inclusive safe space? As a Librarian in the Children and Communities Team, you will help shape how our youngest residents and local communities engage with books, stories and wider library services across Richmond upon Thames. You will be part of a creative, values-driven team with a shared purpose: to promote reading, support learning and strengthen communities through inclusive and engaging library services.

Working collaboratively, you will use new technologies and emerging research to engage a diverse range of stakeholders and deliver impactful local and national programmes for our communities. For you, this is an opportunity to combine professional expertise with passion and creativity. Whether your background is in libraries, publishing, education or community engagement, you'll be able to see the direct impact of your work through evidence based feedback from the communities and families you serve.

About the role

You will deliver a range of engaging events and activities, including:

• Early years' literacy programmes (e.g. Bookstart)
• Reading campaigns (e.g. Summer Reading Challenge, National Year of Reading)

You will create, deliver and participate in an ongoing programme of creative and cultural events and activities to engage new audiences and provide opportunities for people to come together for shared experiences. You will provide targeted library outreach services to adults, children and young people who face barriers to accessing library services.

You will contribute to the development of a well-trained, knowledgeable and resilient workforce by supporting the delivery of staff training and learning activities. Working alongside colleagues, you will help ensure library staff are confident and skilled in using library systems, accessing and promoting printed and digital resources, supporting reading and learning, and delivering high-quality events and activities for the community.

You will evaluate, select and assist in the management of library resources, including eResources (eBooks and eAudiobooks) and children's/young people's fiction and non-fiction. You will help raise the profile of the library service through engaging marketing activity, including printed, digital and social media campaigns that connect with diverse audiences.

The working hours are 36 hours a week, timetabled as alternate long and short weeks; working two Saturdays in four and up to one late night a week. The role includes occasional Sunday and additional evening working as required. A flexible approach to fulfilling the needs of the service is necessary. You will be based in Richmond but will be required to travel to other libraries and locations around Richmond upon Thames as necessary. The post requires the ability to undertake physical tasks, including standing for extended periods and lifting and moving heavy objects. Appointment of the successful candidate is dependent upon the completion of an enhanced DBS check.

Skills

• Experience of providing training and/or delivery of one or more of the following: information and IT skills; reader development; the successful delivery of reading or learning programmes; event/festival management and promotion.
• Ability to communicate effectively with staff, customers and groups of people in order to answer complex enquiries, undertake research, and to deliver talks and training.
• Ability to confidently use ICT equipment, including PCs, laptops, tablets, smart phones, printers, scanners and projectors.
• Ability to organise and promote events and activities, carrying out multiple tasks and prioritising workloads to meet tight deadlines.
• Ability to work as part of a team to deliver successful outcomes.