At a Glance
- Tasks: Help your community access library services and run engaging activities for all ages.
- Company: Suffolk County Council, dedicated to improving lives and the environment.
- Benefits: Permanent role with a competitive salary and supportive team environment.
- Other info: Join a friendly team committed to inclusivity and community engagement.
- Why this job: Make a meaningful impact while fostering a love for reading and technology.
- Qualifications: Great customer service skills and a passion for helping others.
The predicted salary is between 25185 - 25185 £ per year.
Suffolk County Council is passionate about improving the future for our customers, our communities and the environment. If you are too, join us as a Library and Information Advisor and make a huge and meaningful impact. Your innovation and drive will help us to continue improving and evolving. Our opportunities and support will enable you to make a difference and leave a positive, lasting legacy.
Your role and responsibilities:
- 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.
Your hours of work will be:
- Week 1: Monday 10-2 (4hrs), Tuesday 3.30-7.30 (4hrs), Wednesday 9-5 (7hrs), Thursday 9-2 (5hrs), Friday 8.30-5.00 (7.5hrs)
- Week 2: Monday 1.00-5.30 (4.5hrs), Tuesday 8.00-5.00 (8hrs), Wednesday 8.00-5.45 (8.75hrs), Friday 9.00-2.00 (5hrs), Saturday 8.00-5.00 (8hrs)
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’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. Our team values collaboration, creativity, and a shared commitment to helping people thrive.
We’re big believers in potential, possibility and the power of different ideas. We’re always searching for ways to encourage, respect and enable everyone to be the best they can be. We want to represent the diverse communities we serve. We welcome applications from all individuals, especially those from groups that are currently underrepresented in the organisation.
For more information, please contact Tracey Paris for a casual conversation at tracey.paris@suffolk.gov.uk.
How to apply:
- Step 1 – Read the Job and Person Profile (JPP).
- Step 2 – Click ‘Apply Now’ to start your online application.
- Step 3 - Upload a supporting statement answering specific questions.
- Step 4 - Upload a CV (without name and personal details).
Please note: Without a supporting statement and CV, your interest will not be progressed. We value authentic applications that showcase your genuine skills and experiences. Applications suspected of being generated by AI may be rejected.
If you require any reasonable adjustments to the application process before the next selection stage, please contact our Recruitment Team at recruitment@suffolk.gov.uk or call 03456 014412.
Closing date: 11.30pm 3 June 2026.
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.
Library and Information Advisor (Redeployment 23591) in Bury St Edmunds employer: Suffolk Jobs Direct
At Suffolk County Council, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that values innovation, community engagement, and personal growth. As a Library and Information Advisor in Bury St Edmunds, you'll be part of a supportive team dedicated to making a positive impact in the local community, with opportunities for professional development and a culture that celebrates diversity and collaboration. Join us to help shape the future of our libraries and empower individuals of all ages to thrive in a welcoming environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Library and Information Advisor (Redeployment 23591) in Bury St Edmunds
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the library and its community! Before your interview, spend some time in the library, chat with staff and visitors, and understand what makes it tick. This will help you connect better during your conversation.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your customer service skills! Think of examples where you've gone above and beyond for someone. Whether it’s helping a child with a craft or guiding an older adult through tech, these stories will make you stand out.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to demonstrate your IT skills! Brush up on common tech issues people face and how you’d help them. Being confident in this area is key, especially since you'll be supporting others with their digital queries.
✨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 genuine applications that reflect your personality and passion for the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Library and Information Advisor (Redeployment 23591) 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 roadmap 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 show us you’re the perfect fit!
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 engaged with children or tackled tech challenges. Keep it personal and authentic – that’s what we love to see!
Keep It Professional:While we love a friendly vibe, remember to maintain professionalism in your application. This includes using clear language and proper formatting. Show us you can communicate effectively, just like you would with our library visitors!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application. Plus, it ensures you follow all the steps correctly, so you don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity to join our team.
How to prepare for a job interview at Suffolk Jobs Direct
✨Know Your Community
Before the interview, take some time to research the local community and the library's role within it. Understanding the demographics and needs of the visitors will help you demonstrate your commitment to delivering excellent customer service.
✨Showcase Your Customer Service Skills
Prepare specific examples from your past experiences where you've successfully engaged with customers, especially children or families. Highlight how you maintained professionalism in challenging situations, as this will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Be Ready for Practical Scenarios
Expect to discuss how you would handle various library tasks, such as running a children's storytime or assisting someone with IT queries. Think through these scenarios beforehand so you can articulate your approach clearly during the interview.
✨Emphasise Teamwork and Collaboration
Since the role involves working closely with volunteers and community groups, be prepared to talk about your experience in team settings. Share examples that highlight your ability to collaborate effectively and support colleagues in achieving common goals.
