At a Glance
- Tasks: Promote library services and engage communities through events and activities.
- Company: Join a dynamic library team focused on community outreach and inclusivity.
- Benefits: Flexible working, 25 days annual leave, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Opportunity for professional growth and to champion inclusive library services.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community while developing valuable skills.
- Qualifications: A-Level or equivalent, with experience in public engagement and teamwork.
The predicted salary is between 10536 - 11408 £ per year.
Salary: £10.536 - £11,408 per annum for 15 hours per week. Fixed Term Maternity cover until 28 June 2027, 15 Hours per week. Flexible/Hybrid working available. 25 days annual leave (additional to bank holidays) (pro rata for part time).
Regretfully, we are unable to offer sponsorship for this role. We are only able to proceed with candidates who already have the right to work in the UK without the need for visa sponsorship.
Role summary
You will play a key role in promoting and developing library services across local communities—boosting awareness, participation and engagement. You’ll support staff and volunteers to deliver inclusive events and activities focused on reading, digital access, health and wellbeing, and support for children, young people and communities. Working with library teams, community groups and partners, you’ll help deliver projects, build relationships and identify opportunities to improve and promote services. You’ll coordinate volunteers, share good practice, support communication across teams and contribute to service improvements through monitoring and reporting. You’ll also champion volunteering and inclusive engagement, helping to ensure library services remain accessible, relevant and deliver a positive customer experience across the network.
What you’ll do - key responsibilities
- Lead and support engaging library events and activities that promote services and increase community participation.
- Work with teams and volunteers to deliver outreach services, including pop-up and home library provision.
- Plan and deliver training to build staff and volunteer confidence in new initiatives and services.
- Build strong partnerships with community groups, schools, businesses and council services.
- Promote library services through events, social media and local networks.
- Identify opportunities to grow services, including income generation and new community initiatives.
- Support the development of Friends Groups and strengthen local community links.
- Share good practice and embed new ways of working across library teams.
- Lead on key outreach priorities, including work with vulnerable adults, children and young people.
- Monitor performance, support delivery plans and report on service outcomes.
- Champion inclusive, welcoming services that put customer experience at the heart of everything.
What we’re looking for – knowledge, experience & skills
- Knowledge of technology and willingness to engage with new and emerging trends.
- Understanding of the needs and attributes of library users and community groups.
- Knowledge of community needs and ability to engage with diverse user groups.
- Awareness of equality, diversity and inclusion principles in service delivery.
- Experience working in a public or customer-facing environment.
- Experience engaging with stakeholders such as community groups, volunteers or partner organisations.
- Experience supporting or delivering activities, events or services to increase participation.
- Experience working collaboratively as part of a team.
- Minimum A-Level qualification (or equivalent knowledge) with commitment to continuous professional development.
- Ability to organise, prioritise and manage competing demands.
- Ability to manage deadlines and prioritise workload effectively.
- Flexible approach to supporting others, including volunteers.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, with ability to engage at all levels.
- Active listening skills and ability to seek clarification when needed.
- Ability to work collaboratively with public service providers and community/voluntary groups.
- Ability to build positive, proactive working relationships with colleagues and partners.
- Awareness of current trends in community engagement, outreach or public service delivery.
- Awareness of volunteer management principles and safeguarding responsibilities.
- Experience working within a library, public service or voluntary sector setting.
- Experience promoting services or initiatives through community engagement or social media.
- Ability to motivate and support others, including volunteers and team members.
- Ability to use a range of communication channels (including social media) to promote services.
Library Outreach Officer in Taunton employer: Somerset-Council-1
As a Library Outreach Officer, you will join a dynamic team dedicated to enhancing community engagement and promoting inclusive library services. Our flexible working arrangements, generous annual leave, and commitment to professional development create a supportive environment where you can thrive. With opportunities to lead impactful projects and collaborate with diverse community groups, this role offers a meaningful way to contribute to the well-being of your local area.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Library Outreach Officer in Taunton
✨Tip Number 1
Get your networking game on! Reach out to people in the library and community sectors. Attend local events, join relevant groups on social media, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself. You never know who might have a lead on that perfect Library Outreach Officer role!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your passion for libraries! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, share your ideas on how to engage communities and promote library services. They’ll love hearing your enthusiasm and innovative thoughts on outreach activities.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t forget to follow up! After any interviews or networking chats, drop a quick thank-you email. It’s a great way to remind them of your interest and keep you fresh in their minds. Plus, it shows you’re proactive and professional!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’ve got all the latest roles listed there, and it’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, you can easily keep track of your applications and find out more about our awesome team!
We think you need these skills to ace Library Outreach Officer in Taunton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the role of Library Outreach Officer. We want to see how you can contribute to promoting library services and engaging with the community!
Showcase Your Passion:Let your enthusiasm for libraries and community engagement shine through in your written application. We love candidates who are genuinely excited about making a difference and supporting diverse user groups.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to describe your experiences and achievements, so we can easily see how you fit the bill for this role.
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 Library Outreach Officer position.
How to prepare for a job interview at Somerset-Council-1
✨Know Your Community
Before the interview, take some time to research the local community and its needs. Understand the demographics, key community groups, and any recent initiatives that have been successful. This will help you demonstrate your knowledge of the area and how you can contribute to promoting library services effectively.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As a Library Outreach Officer, strong communication is key. Prepare examples of how you've successfully engaged with diverse groups in the past. Be ready to discuss your experience with social media and other communication channels, as well as how you’ve used them to promote events or services.
✨Highlight Your Teamwork Experience
This role involves working closely with staff, volunteers, and community partners. Think of specific instances where you collaborated with others to achieve a common goal. Emphasise your ability to build positive relationships and support team members, as this will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Prepare Questions About Inclusivity
Since championing inclusivity is a major part of the role, come prepared with thoughtful questions about how the library currently engages with underrepresented groups. This shows your commitment to diversity and your proactive approach to improving services for all community members.
