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.
- Other info: Part-time roles available across multiple libraries; apply for specific vacancies.
- 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.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
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.
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.
- 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’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 in Bristol employer: South Gloucestershire Council
South Gloucestershire Council is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work environment where employees can thrive. With generous annual leave, employee wellbeing support, and a commitment to professional development, staff are empowered to make a meaningful impact in their communities while enjoying a healthy work-life balance. The diverse team fosters collaboration and creativity, making it a rewarding place to work for those passionate about community service.
Contact Details:
South Gloucestershire Council Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Library Assistant - various locations across the authority in Bristol
✨Connect with Local Educational Institutions
Get involved with universities and colleges in your area, especially those that offer adult continuing education programmes. Attend open days or even guest lectures to network with faculty members and find out about potential job openings before they even get advertised.
✨Leverage Professional Education Networks
Join professional networks focused on adult education, such as the Adult Learning Australia or the International Society for Technology in Education. These communities often have job boards or can point you towards opportunities at places like South Gloucestershire Council just waiting for the right candidate!
✨Showcase Your Passion for Lifelong Learning
In your interviews, share your own experiences and thoughts on lifelong learning. Highlight any courses or workshops you've taken recently to demonstrate your commitment to personal development and the importance of education. This is a big plus for roles in this field!
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don't forget to check out our careers page at South Gloucestershire Council. Applying directly through our website not only makes your application stand out but also shows you're genuinely interested in joining us. We love seeing candidates who take that extra step.
We think you need these skills to ace Library Assistant - various locations across the authority in Bristol
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Experience in Education:When crafting your CV for the Library Assistant - various locations across the authority role, make sure to emphasise any relevant experience in adult or continuing education. This could be teaching credentials, training sessions you've facilitated, or programmes you’ve developed. The more specific you can be about your contributions and outcomes, the better!
Showcase Your Interpersonal Skills:In the adult continuing education sector, strong communication and interpersonal skills are key. Use your cover letter to share specific examples of how you’ve worked with diverse groups or handled different learning styles. Let us see how you've engaged learners—you’re selling your teaching style here!
Connect Your Passion to Our Mission:At South Gloucestershire Council, we value candidates who resonate with our mission to empower lifelong learners. Make sure your cover letter reflects your passion for adult education and your alignment with our goals. A genuine connection can really make your application stand out!
Keep it Professional Yet Personable:While it’s important to maintain professionalism in your application, don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through. We’re looking for someone who can connect with our learners, so a friendly, approachable tone can help convey that vibe in your written materials. Apply through our website and let us see the real you!
How to prepare for a job interview at South Gloucestershire Council
✨Showcase Your Passion for Lifelong Learning
When interviewing for a role in adult continuing education at South Gloucestershire Council, it's super important to highlight your passion for lifelong learning. Share personal anecdotes or experiences that demonstrate your commitment to education and how you've fostered a love for learning in others – this is something hiring managers love to see!
✨Prepare for Adult Education Methodologies
Be ready to dive into your knowledge of andragogy and educational theories during the interview. Expect questions about how you would adapt your teaching styles for adult learners – think about specific strategies you’ve used in the past and be prepared to discuss how they positively impacted your students.
✨Discuss Your Experience with Diverse Learners
At South Gloucestershire Council, you’ll likely encounter a diverse range of adult learners, so don’t shy away from discussing your experience with different demographics. Be prepared to share your successes in engaging learners from varied backgrounds, and how your approach has adapted to meet their unique needs.
✨Demonstrate Your Ability to Collaborate
Given that this is a full-time role, teamwork will be essential. Be ready to talk about your experiences working in collaborative settings, whether it be with fellow educators, administrators, or community partners. Highlight specific projects where your collaborative efforts contributed to successful educational outcomes.