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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Assist customers, manage library resources, and promote reading activities.
- Company: Join South Gloucestershire Council, a community-focused organisation making a real difference.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible hours, generous leave, and staff discounts on various services.
- Why this job: Be part of a vibrant team that enriches community life through libraries and events.
- Qualifications: Minimum three GCSEs including English and maths; strong customer service skills required.
- Other info: Part-time roles available across multiple libraries; apply for specific vacancies.
How You\’ll Make a Difference
South Gloucestershire libraries are vibrant, welcoming spaces in the heart of their communities, providing activities and events for adults and children, books in a range of formats, and free internet access.
As a Library Assistant, you will help customers to use the library facilities and IT resources, provide information and promote reading in the community.
We currently have a range of vacancies, please find these listed under the ‘what you need to know’ section below.
What You Will Be Doing
- Daily, you will provide library services to the community, assisting with requests and enquiries by searching information through a range of resources.
- You will use the library management system, self-service equipment and help customers use IT and information resources.
- It will be key for you to help keep the library tidy and in good order by sorting and shelving books and materials in sequence and assisting with promotions and displays. You will help prepare new materials and maintain existing stock.
- As part of a team, you will take part in a wide range of promotional activities and outreach work with all ages including active involvement in rhyme and story times, undertaking craft sessions, supporting reading groups, organising author events and making school visits.
- Regularly, you will need to undertake the physical aspects of the job including shelving and counter work, lifting and carrying books and other materials and unpacking and packing crates from our deliveries.
- As required, you will need to handle cash payments.
What We Need From You
- You must have a minimum of three GCSE\’s (grade C/level 4) or equivalent qualification including English and maths.
- Given the elements of the role, you must have strong customer service experience, particularly with children, the elderly and people with disabilities.
- It is essential that you understand equal opportunities in the delivery of services, this must include the ability to work with people of all ages and be able to communicate effectively with colleagues and customers.
- You should have experience of using ICT equipment, applications and the internet.
What You Need To Know
- You will belong to a team delivering the services from your specific library although you will be expected to work in other libraries as and when required.
- These are part-time roles, so salary will be pro-rated to hours worked.
Current vacancies
IMPORTANT – Please indicate the vacancy you are applying for under the application question (please tell us why you are interested in this role, including any relevant skills and experience that indicate you meet the role criteria).
- Patchway Library – 7 hours per week, every Tuesday 10am – 4:30pm and alternate Saturdays 9:30am – 12:30pm.
- Filton Library – 8.75 hours per week, every Wednesday 10am – 4:30pm and every Saturday alternating between Filton 9:45am – 1pm and Bradley Stoke 9:15am – 12:30pm.
- Filton Library- 3 hours per week, every Saturday 10am – 1pm.
- Yate Library – 16.5 hours per week, every Monday, Tuesday and Thursday 10am – 4pm and every second Saturday 9.30am – 12.30pm.
- Winterbourne Library – 13.5 hours per week, every Tuesday 10am – 3pm, Friday 9.45am – 4.15pm and Saturday 9.30am – 12.30pm.
- Casual hour posts.
Interviews will be held on Wednesday 27th August and Thursday 28th August 2025.
How a Career At South Gloucestershire Council Is Different
- As part of our benefits package, you will receivegenerous annual leave (pro rata), employeewellbeing supportand you will have access to a range ofstaff discounts, including eye tests, travel, shopping and leisure activities.
- We recognise that ourdiverse teamof 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 genuineflexibilityto help them achieve thatwork/life balance.
- We value our staff as individuals, investing in their careers and we are recognised for the quality, breadth and depth of ourtraining and developmentoffer, 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!
To view the full job description, please click this link: Library Assistant. #J-18808-Ljbffr
Library Assistant - various locations across the authority employer: South Gloucestershire Council
Contact Detail:
South Gloucestershire Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Library Assistant - various locations across the authority
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific library services and resources available at each location. Understanding what each library offers will help you engage more effectively during interviews and demonstrate your enthusiasm for the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Gain some hands-on experience by volunteering at local libraries or community centres. This will not only enhance your customer service skills but also show your commitment to promoting reading and community engagement, which is crucial for this role.
✨Tip Number 3
Network with current library staff or attend library events in your area. Building connections can provide you with insider knowledge about the application process and may even lead to a recommendation when applying for the position.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare for potential interview questions by thinking about scenarios where you've demonstrated strong customer service, especially with diverse age groups. Being able to share specific examples will make you stand out as a candidate who understands the community's needs.
We think you need these skills to ace Library Assistant - various locations across the authority
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Library Assistant position. This will help you tailor your application to highlight relevant skills and experiences.
Highlight Customer Service Experience: Since strong customer service experience is essential, make sure to provide specific examples of your past roles where you interacted with diverse groups, especially children and the elderly. This will demonstrate your suitability for the role.
Address the Application Question: In your application, clearly indicate which vacancy you are applying for and explain why you are interested in that specific role. Include any relevant skills and experiences that align with the job criteria.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application for any spelling or grammatical errors. A well-presented application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism.
How to prepare for a job interview at South Gloucestershire Council
✨Show Your Passion for Libraries
Make sure to express your enthusiasm for libraries and community engagement during the interview. Share any personal experiences or stories that highlight your love for reading, promoting literacy, or helping others in a library setting.
✨Demonstrate Customer Service Skills
Since strong customer service experience is essential, prepare examples of how you've successfully assisted customers in previous roles. Focus on your ability to communicate effectively with diverse groups, including children and the elderly.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Library Systems
Research the library management systems and self-service equipment commonly used in libraries. Being knowledgeable about these tools will show your readiness to assist customers and manage library resources efficiently.
✨Prepare for Physical Aspects of the Role
Be ready to discuss your ability to handle the physical demands of the job, such as shelving books and managing deliveries. Mention any relevant experience that demonstrates your capability to perform these tasks comfortably.
