At a Glance
- Tasks: Help your community access library services and run engaging activities for all ages.
- Company: Join Suffolk County Council, a supportive team dedicated to inclusivity and community service.
- Benefits: Enjoy up to 29 days leave, a pension scheme, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Be part of a friendly team that values diversity and personal growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while developing your skills in a vibrant environment.
- Qualifications: Customer service experience and a passion for helping others, especially children.
The predicted salary is between 25185 - 25185 £ per year.
Suffolk County Council
Address: Moreton Hall Library, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk IP32 7EE - On-site working
Salary: £25,185 per annum (pro rata for part time)
Hours: 7.5 hours per week to be worked Thursday 8.30am - 12.30pm and Saturday 9.30am - 1pm
Contract: Permanent
Your role and responsibilities
As a Library and Information Advisor, you'll be at the heart of your local community, helping people of all ages access the services, support and inspiration that libraries offer.
On a typical day, you might:
- deliver excellent customer service to a wide range of visitors, including children, families and older adults
- support customers with using library services, from borrowing books to navigating digital resources
- run and support activities such as children's story time, crafts, and community events
- help customers with IT queries, including using mobile devices, email, and social media
- work closely with volunteers and community groups to raise the library's profile and deliver outreach services
- carry out core library tasks such as shelving, stock management, taking payments, and creating displays.
This is a physically active role that involves bending and lifting. It is also a lone working post and as such you'll be expected to open and close the library buildings.
You will need
- can deliver great customer service to people of all ages
- communicates effectively and builds positive, supportive relationships with customers, colleagues, and the wider community
- is confident engaging with young people and enthusiastic about delivering activities like children's crafts and story sessions
- is IT literate and comfortable using the internet, Microsoft Teams, social media, email, mobile devices and apps - and can guide others in using them too
- works well as part of a team and is happy to support colleagues
- is willing to learn and carry out the full range of library procedures, including shelving, lending, self-service support, taking payments, stock work, displays, and rearranging the library space when needed.
If you've worked in a customer-facing role, enjoy helping people, and have experience working with children, we'd love to hear from you. An interest in books and computers is a big plus.
Equality and diversity
We welcome applications from all individuals, especially those from groups that are currently underrepresented in the organisation.
This authority is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. DBS checks or police vetting will be required for relevant posts.
Benefits
- up to 29 days annual leave entitlement (pro rata), plus UK bank holidays and two paid volunteering days
- membership of a competitive Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)
- travel, lifestyle, health and wellbeing benefits
- performance-related annual pay progression, in addition to an annual cost-of-living pay increase
- training and encouragement to expand your knowledge
- a variety of career development opportunities across our organisation
- diverse and active staff networks
- flexible working options, with the right to request flexible working from your first day
Contact: Christopher Rhenius for a casual conversation. You can contact them by emailing: christopher.rhenius@suffolk.gov.uk
Library and Information Advisor in Bury St Edmunds employer: Suffolk County Council
Suffolk County Council is an excellent employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work environment where you can make a meaningful impact in your local community as a Library and Information Advisor. With generous benefits such as up to 29 days of annual leave, a competitive pension scheme, and numerous career development opportunities, you'll find a workplace that values your growth and well-being. Join a passionate team dedicated to fostering a welcoming library space for all ages, while enjoying the flexibility and support needed to thrive in your role.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Library and Information Advisor in Bury St Edmunds
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the library and its community! Before your interview, visit the library, chat with staff, and understand the services they offer. This will help you connect better during the interview and show your genuine interest.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those tricky questions! Think about your past experiences in customer service and how you've engaged with children or community events. Practise your answers so you can share real examples that highlight your skills.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your IT skills! Be ready to discuss how you've helped others with tech issues or used digital resources in your previous roles. This is key for the Library and Information Advisor position, so make it shine!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the time to follow the application process closely.
We think you need these skills to ace Library and Information Advisor in Bury St Edmunds
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job and Person Profile:Before diving into your application, take a good look at the Job and Person Profile. It’s like your treasure map to understanding what we’re looking for in a Library and Information Advisor. Knowing the ins and outs will help you tailor your application to shine!
Craft Your Supporting Statement:When writing your supporting statement, make sure to answer the questions clearly and with real-life examples. We want to see how you’ve gone above and beyond for customers or engaged kids in activities. Keep it personal and genuine – that’s what we love!
Keep It Authentic:We value authenticity in applications, so steer clear of AI-generated content. Show us your personality and experiences! This is your chance to stand out, so let your true self shine through in your CV and supporting statement.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the easiest way to ensure your application gets to us without any hiccups. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need right there to help you along the way.
How to prepare for a job interview at Suffolk County Council
✨Know Your Community
As a Library and Information Advisor, you'll be engaging with a diverse range of visitors. Research the local community and its needs. Familiarise yourself with local events, schools, and groups to show your commitment to supporting them during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Customer Service Skills
Prepare specific examples of how you've delivered excellent customer service in the past. Think about times when you went above and beyond for a customer, especially in a library or community setting. This will demonstrate your ability to connect with people of all ages.
✨Engage with Activities
Since the role involves running activities like story time and crafts, come prepared with ideas for engaging children and families. Share any relevant experiences you've had in planning or leading similar events to highlight your enthusiasm and creativity.
✨Be IT Savvy
Brush up on your IT skills, especially those related to digital resources and social media. Be ready to discuss how you can assist others with technology, as this is a key part of the role. Mention any specific tools or platforms you're comfortable with to showcase your tech-savviness.
