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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage libraries and deliver services that meet community needs.
- Company: Join South Gloucestershire Council, a team making a real difference.
- Benefits: Generous leave, wellbeing support, and staff discounts.
- Why this job: Shape communities and promote health and wellbeing through libraries.
- Qualifications: Relevant degree or experience in library management and strong interpersonal skills.
- Other info: Flexible working environment with excellent training and career development opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 43200 £ per year.
As a Group Librarian, you will manage a small group of libraries to deliver their services. Liaising with local communities, you will ensure that the libraries are meeting local information, reading, wellbeing, cultural and educational needs. You will advocate for libraries and have a good understanding of the role that public libraries play in supporting the health and wellbeing needs of people in all areas of society.
What You Will Be Doing
- Working closely with the Library Supervisors at Thornbury and Downend libraries, you will ensure you're delivering high quality services across these locations.
- Develop health and wellbeing activities and initiatives, promoting and delivering these in libraries.
- Build and develop relationships within the community and your group of libraries.
What We Need From You
- Hold or be working towards a relevant degree or postgraduate qualification such as a Master’s in Library and Information Science, or have equivalent relevant professional experience.
- Experience of staff management, including supervising, motivating and developing a team.
- Understanding of health and wellbeing in public libraries, and the ability to develop this within the service.
- Strong interpersonal skills to persuade, influence and build relationships with employees and customers.
- Good IT and digital skills, alongside the ability to use a range of software packages.
What You Need To Know
- Your salary is pro-rata to hours worked.
- You will belong to a team delivering the services from Downend and Thornbury libraries although you will be expected to work in other libraries as and when required.
- As part of your normal working week you will be required to work approximately one Saturday morning in four.
Interviews
Interviews will be held on 16 February 2026.
How a Career At South Gloucestershire Council Is Different
- As part of our benefits package, you will receive generous annual leave (pro rata), employee wellbeing support and you will have access to a range of staff discounts, including eye tests, travel, shopping and leisure activities.
- We recognise that our diverse team of skilled and dedicated people make us a great place to work. We welcome applications from everyone and ensure that individuals are selected, promoted and developed on the basis of their merits and abilities.
- We know our team work best when they have balance in their lives, and we offer genuine flexibility to help them achieve that work/life balance.
- We value our staff as individuals, investing in their careers and we are recognised for the quality, breadth and depth of our training and development offer, which helps make the greatest long-term difference in work.
- Our teams at South Gloucestershire Council are making a real difference to the lives of people who live, work and learn here.
- We’re building and shaping communities which people are proud of.
- We’re planning for the future; building and improving the roads, railways, schools, green spaces, and houses.
- We’re providing essential services across our communities to ensure they are safe and well maintained.
- We’ve achieved a great deal, but we need talented and dedicated people to ensure we continue to make a difference.
- We’re making a difference, be part of it!
Group Librarian employer: South Gloucestershire Council
Contact Detail:
South Gloucestershire Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Group Librarian
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the libraries you're applying for! Visit Thornbury and Downend libraries, chat with staff, and understand their community needs. This will help you tailor your approach and show that you're genuinely interested.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current librarians or library supervisors on LinkedIn. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have. Building these relationships can give you insider knowledge and make you stand out.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by thinking about how you can advocate for health and wellbeing in libraries. Have some ideas ready to share, showing that you’re proactive and passionate about making a difference in the community.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the time to engage with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Group Librarian
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Libraries: When writing your application, let your love for libraries shine through! Share any experiences you've had that highlight your commitment to promoting reading, wellbeing, and community engagement. We want to see how you can advocate for libraries just like we do!
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to match the job description. Highlight your relevant qualifications and experiences, especially in staff management and community relationships. We’re looking for someone who understands the unique role of public libraries, so make that clear!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon where possible. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see your skills and experiences at a glance.
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, so why not get started today?
How to prepare for a job interview at South Gloucestershire Council
✨Know Your Libraries
Before the interview, take some time to research Thornbury and Downend libraries. Understand their services, community engagement initiatives, and any health and wellbeing activities they currently offer. This will show your genuine interest and help you discuss how you can contribute to their goals.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Be prepared to discuss your experience in staff management. Think of specific examples where you've motivated or developed a team. Highlight your interpersonal skills and how you've built relationships with both employees and customers in previous roles.
✨Demonstrate Your Community Focus
Think about how public libraries can support health and wellbeing in the community. Prepare ideas for potential initiatives or activities you could develop. This will demonstrate your understanding of the role libraries play and your proactive approach to community engagement.
✨Brush Up on IT Skills
Since good IT and digital skills are essential for this role, be ready to discuss your proficiency with various software packages. If you have experience with library management systems or digital resources, make sure to mention them during the interview.
