At a Glance
- 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.
- Other info: Roles are temporary until 31/07/2026, with opportunities for under-represented groups.
- 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.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 £ per year.
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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
#J-18808-LjbffrSenior Library and Archive Assistant in Sheffield employer: Sheffield City Council HQ
Sheffield Libraries is an excellent employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work environment where you can make a meaningful impact in the community. With a strong commitment to employee development, flexible working opportunities, and a focus on diversity, you'll find a rewarding career path as a Senior Library and Archive Assistant. Join our friendly team and enjoy generous holiday entitlements while engaging with diverse communities across Sheffield.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Library and Archive Assistant in Sheffield
✨Engage with Local Education Communities
Get involved with local adult education networks or associations; they can be goldmines for hearing about temporary roles. Join groups on Facebook or LinkedIn focused on adult continuing education, and don’t be shy to contribute—share your insights, and someone might just think of you when they hear about an opening!
✨Leverage Adult Learning Conferences
Look out for workshops and conferences specifically for adult educators. These are fantastic places to meet potential employers face-to-face and demonstrate your passion for the field. Plus, networking with other educators can lead to unexpected temp positions — you never know who’s looking for a helping hand!
✨Tap into Universities’ Career Services
If you’re near any universities offering adult education programmes, don’t forget to check out their career services. They often have job boards specifically for temporary roles and can connect you with alumni working in adult education. It’s like having a secret weapon in your job search!
✨Apply Directly Through Us
Don’t forget to apply directly through our website at Sheffield City Council HQ! We’re constantly on the lookout for passionate individuals like you to join us in the adult continuing education sector. Keep checking for new temp opportunities and put your best foot forward—we can't wait to see your application!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Library and Archive Assistant in Sheffield
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Experience in Adult Education:When putting together your application for the Senior Library and Archive Assistant at Sheffield City Council HQ, we want to see your experience in adult education really shine through. If you’ve worked with adult learners in any capacity, whether it’s teaching, tutoring, or even facilitating workshops, make sure to include specific examples in your CV and cover letter.
Focus on Adaptability and Communication Skills:In adult continuing education, communication is key. Tailor your application to show how adaptable you are in engaging diverse groups. Provide examples of how you've adjusted your teaching methods to accommodate different learning styles or backgrounds — it can really set you apart from other candidates!
Emphasise Your Availability and Flexibility:Since this is a temporary role, make it clear in your application when you’re available to start and how flexible you can be with your hours. Employers love candidates who can jump in easily! A brief note about your scheduling can work wonders in your cover letter.
Showcase Relevant Certifications or Training:If you've got any certificates in adult education, teaching, or even specialised training relevant to the course offerings at Sheffield City Council HQ, be sure to list them in your CV. This can boost your credibility and demonstrate your commitment to the field, making your application more appealing.
How to prepare for a job interview at Sheffield City Council HQ
✨Showcase Your Passion for Lifelong Learning
In the field of adult continuing education, it's crucial to convey your passion for lifelong learning and professional development. Share experiences from your own educational journey and how they’ve shaped your view on adult learning—this makes you relatable and can impress Sheffield City Council HQ.
✨Focus on Communication Skills
Teaching adults requires a particular set of communication skills. Brush up on your ability to explain concepts clearly and adapt your communication style to different learning levels. Be ready to demonstrate how you’ve handled diverse student groups or adapted materials in previous experiences.
✨Prepare Your Portfolio
For a temporary role, having a portfolio that demonstrates your teaching materials and approaches can really set you apart. Bring examples of curriculum plans, lesson outlines, or feedback from previous students to show how you can effectively engage learners at Sheffield City Council HQ.
✨Highlight Your Flexibility and Adaptability
Given that this is a temporary position, it’s vital to express your adaptability. Discuss how you’ve successfully stepped into roles or projects at short notice. This shows that you’re ready to hit the ground running and can adjust your teaching methods to suit different contexts and students.
