Library and Information Advisor

Overview

Join to apply for the Library and Information Advisor role at Suffolk County Council.

Address: Ixworth Library, Ixworth, IP31 2HH – On-site

Salary: £25,185 per annum (pro rata)

Hours: 12.12 hours per week

Contract: Permanent

Closing date: 11:30pm, 26 October 2025

Interview date: Week commencing 27 October and/or week commencing 3 November 2025

We value safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults, and DBS checks or police vetting will be required for relevant posts.

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.

• 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.

You will need

We’re looking for someone who:

• 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, 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.

You can view a full list of requirements in the Job and Person Profile (Word). If you believe you can succeed in this role, apply. Even if you don’t meet all requirements, still apply.

Team and Equality

You’ll be joining a friendly, supportive team that’s passionate about making the library a welcoming and inclusive space for everyone. We work closely with volunteers, community groups, and schools to deliver a wide range of services and events. We welcome applications from all individuals, especially those from groups underrepresented in the organisation, as shown in our Workforce Equality Report.

How To Apply

Step 1 – Read the Job and Person Profile (JPP) (Word).

Step 2 – Click ‘Apply Now’ to start your online application.

Step 3 – Upload a supporting statement answering the following questions (no more than 400 words per question) using the Supporting Statement template.

• Describe a time when you went above and beyond to help a customer. What was the situation and outcome?
• Give an example of an activity or event you’ve run or supported for children. What did you do to keep them engaged?
• Tell us about a time you encountered a problem at work. How did you identify the issue and resolve it?
• Describe a time when you had to work alone and manage multiple tasks. How did you prioritise your workload?
• When working alone, how do you keep yourself updated on important information, developments or safety matters?

Step 4 – Upload a CV (without name and personal details). Please note: Without a supporting statement and CV, your interest will not be progressed. Any documents must be in PDF or MS Word format.

We value authentic applications and may reject AI-generated submissions. If you require reasonable adjustments to the application process, contact our Recruitment Team at recruitment@suffolk.gov.uk or 03456 014412. If invited to the next stage, you can request adjustments for subsequent stages.

This authority is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults.

Benefits

In return, you’ll enjoy:

• 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 knowledge
• A variety of career development opportunities across the organisation
• Diverse and active staff networks
• Flexible working options, with the right to request flexible working from day one

For more information about benefits, values and equality commitments please visit the Suffolk County Council careers website (careers.Suffolk.gov.uk).

Note: This listing includes references to related roles in the area, which may be similar to this opening.