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- Tasks: Support staff and customers in finding resources and promoting library activities.
- Company: Join Sheffield Libraries, a community-focused organisation dedicated to making a difference.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working options, generous holiday entitlement, and enhanced pay for Saturday shifts.
- Why this job: Engage with diverse communities while fostering a love for reading and learning.
- Qualifications: Strong IT skills, experience with the public, and a commitment to equality are essential.
- Other info: Roles are temporary until 31/07/2026, with opportunities for under-represented groups.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 £ per year.
This job is brought to you by Jobs/Redefined, the UK\’s leading over-50s age inclusive jobs board.
Join our team as a Library & Archive Assistant
Do you love books, people, and making a difference in your community?
We\’re looking for new Senior Library & Archive Assistants here at Sheffield Libraries. If you\’re passionate about reading, supervising and supporting staff, confident with IT, and enjoy working with people of all ages and all walks of life, then we\’d love to hear from you.
What you\’ll be doing & what we\’re looking for
You\’ll join our friendly, customer-focused team delivering a wide range of services and activities across Sheffield. This includes:
- Helping staff and customers find books, resources and information
- To assist in the promotion of reader development initiatives
- Supporting people using library computers and self-service facilities
- To Supervise individuals, allocate tasks and give instruction to ensure the effective day to day delivery of the library service
- Supporting staff in delivering engaging activities, such as Baby Rhyme Times and reading groups
- Promoting library collections through displays and events
- Assisting with day-to-day administration and financial processes
In this role, you\’ll be engaging with people from all communities and helping reducing barriers to access to information.
We\’re looking for people with:
- Ability to plan, organise, prioritise workloads and meet deadlines
- Strong IT and communication skills
- Experience working with the public
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team
- Have a commitment to equality & personal development
- Willingness to work evenings, Saturdays, and at times across city locations
Available roles
We are recruiting for the following positions. While you\’ll spend most of your time at your main library, you may be expected to provide cover across other libraries where required. Both roles are temporary until 31/07/2026.
- 1 x 34-hour role, based at Parson Cross Library
- 1 x 37-hour role, based at The Central Library
Please clearly state which role(s) you are interested in on your application.
Working Pattern
All roles include regular Saturday working, and Central Library requires evening cover for 8pm closure:
- 34-hour roles – every Saturday
- 37-hour role – every other Saturday and every other Wednesday evening until 8.15pm
Saturday working attracts an enhanced pay.
Enquiries should be directed to Alexis Filby, Collections and Development Officer, via email at alexis.filby@sheffield.gov.uk
We are investing in our workforce and are promoting opportunities to our under-represented groups. We value equality, diversity and inclusion and are focused on increasing the diversity of our workforce, particularly the number of Black, Asian, Minority Ethnic, Disabled and LGBTQ+ people, so that our teams reflect the communities in the city we serve. We are also supporting staff with unpaid caring responsibilities to work flexibly.
It is a great time to join us and we welcome your application.
Under the Disability Confident Scheme, disabled applicants, who meet the essential criteria of this job, are guaranteed an interview.
Full-time employees work 37 hours for 52 weeks of the year and we offer a generous holiday entitlement. We are open to discussions about a wide range of flexible working opportunities which benefit you and the Council, including reduced hour contracts, working part time or as a job share.
If you are appointed to this role, your starting salary will be at the bottom of the grade. If you provide payslip evidence that your basic pay is greater than the bottom of the grade, we will consider starting you at the point of minimum advantage within the grade.
Equality of pay is extremely important to us. All roles at Sheffield City Council are going through an evaluation process which may result in changes to some pay arrangements from 2026. Find out more here New job evaluation process to be introduced at Sheffield City Council | Sheffield City Council
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Senior Library and Archive Assistant employer: Sheffield City Council HQ
Contact Detail:
Sheffield City Council HQ Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Library and Archive Assistant
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific services and activities offered at Sheffield Libraries. Understanding their current initiatives, such as reader development programmes or community events, will help you demonstrate your enthusiasm and knowledge during any interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current library staff or volunteers to gain insights into the role and the team dynamics. This can provide you with valuable information that you can use to tailor your approach and show how you would fit into their culture.
✨Tip Number 3
Highlight your experience in supervising or supporting teams in previous roles. Be prepared to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully managed tasks or led projects, as this will be crucial for the supervisory aspects of the position.
✨Tip Number 4
Demonstrate your commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion by sharing any relevant experiences or initiatives you've been involved in. This aligns with Sheffield Libraries' values and shows that you are a good fit for their mission.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Library and Archive Assistant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in library services, customer engagement, and IT skills. Use keywords from the job description to demonstrate that you meet the specific requirements for the Senior Library and Archive Assistant role.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for reading and community service. Mention specific examples of how you've supported staff or engaged with the public in previous roles, and express your enthusiasm for promoting library initiatives.
Highlight Your Teamwork Skills: Since the role involves supervising staff and working as part of a team, emphasise your ability to collaborate effectively. Provide examples of past experiences where you successfully worked with others to achieve common goals.
Show Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion: Given the emphasis on equality and diversity in the job description, include a statement in your application about your commitment to these values. Share any relevant experiences that demonstrate your dedication to creating an inclusive environment.
How to prepare for a job interview at Sheffield City Council HQ
✨Show Your Passion for Libraries
Make sure to express your love for books and libraries during the interview. Share personal experiences that highlight your enthusiasm for reading and community engagement, as this role is all about making a difference.
✨Demonstrate Your IT Skills
Since strong IT skills are essential for this position, be prepared to discuss your experience with library systems and self-service technologies. You might even want to mention specific software or tools you’ve used in previous roles.
✨Highlight Your Supervisory Experience
As a Senior Library and Archive Assistant, you'll be supervising staff. Be ready to provide examples of how you've successfully managed teams or projects in the past, showcasing your leadership and organisational skills.
✨Emphasise Your Commitment to Diversity
Given the emphasis on equality and inclusion in the job description, it’s important to convey your understanding and commitment to these values. Share any relevant experiences where you’ve worked with diverse communities or promoted inclusivity.
