At a Glance
- Tasks: Help your community access library services and run fun activities for all ages.
- Company: Join Suffolk County Council and be part of a supportive local team.
- Benefits: Enjoy up to 29 days leave, health benefits, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Opportunities for career growth and a vibrant work environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Great customer service skills and a passion for helping others.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 £ per year.
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Job Description
- Suffolk County Council
- Address: Chantry Library, Ipswich, Suffolk IP2 0QY. On-site working
- Salary: £25,185 per annum (pro rata)
- Hours: 9.25 hours per week (worked as bi-weekly Saturday 9.30am-1pm / 2-5pm and every Sunday 10am-4pm)
- Contract: Permanent
At Suffolk County Council we’re passionate about improving the future for our customers, our communities and the environment.
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.
What 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, 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. We would appreciate the opportunity to consider your application.
The team
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.
Empowering Everyone
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, as shown in our Workforce Equality Report.
For more information
Please contact Mark Girling for a casual conversation. You can reach them by calling 01473 927275 or emailing mark.girling@suffolklibraries.co.uk.
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 below (no more than 400 words per question). You should use the Supporting Statement template.
- Can you describe a time when you went above and beyond to help a customer? What was the situation and what was the outcome?
- How do you manage multiple tasks or responsibilities during a busy shift? Can you give an example?
- Can you share an experience where you had to deal with a difficult customer or situation? How did you maintain professionalism and resolve the issue?
- 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 supporting documents must be in either PDF or MS Word format.
We value authentic applications that showcase your genuine skills and experiences. Applications suspected of being generated by AI may be rejected. We encourage you to present your own work and ideas throughout the application process.
If you require any reasonable adjustments to the application process before the next selection stage, please contact our Recruitment Team by emailing recruitment@suffolk.gov.uk or calling 03456 014412. If you are invited to the next stage of selection, you will have another opportunity to request adjustments for the next stages of the process.
Closing date: 11.30pm, 13 November 2025.
Interview date: 24 November 2025.
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 (Disclosure and Barring Service) checks or police vetting will be required for relevant posts.
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 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
Plus lots more! If you want to know more about our benefits, values and equality commitments, please visit our Suffolk County Council careers website (careers.Suffolk.gov.uk).
Library and Information Advisor in Ipswich employer: Suffolk Jobs Direct
Suffolk County Council is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises community engagement and personal development. As a Library and Information Advisor, you will benefit from generous annual leave, a competitive pension scheme, and numerous opportunities for training and career advancement, all while making a meaningful impact in the lives of local residents. With flexible working options and a commitment to employee wellbeing, this role is perfect for those looking to grow in a fulfilling environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Library and Information Advisor in Ipswich
✨Get to Know the Company Culture
Before jumping into applications, it’s super helpful to understand the vibe at Suffolk Jobs Direct. Check out their social media, read reviews on sites like Glassdoor, and see how they engage with customers. It'll give you clues on their values and help tailor your conversation during interviews.
✨Join Customer Support Communities
Dive into online communities like those on Reddit or LinkedIn where customer support pros hang out. Participating in discussions or asking questions can make you more visible to potential recruiters and help you learn about job openings at companies like Suffolk Jobs Direct before they even post them.
✨Attend Job Fairs or Networking Events
Look out for local job fairs or events specifically for customer support roles. This is your chance to meet hiring managers face-to-face, and you might even get the opportunity to interview on the spot!
✨Show Off Your Skills with Customer Interactions
In the customer support world, showcasing your communication skills is key. Consider creating a short video introducing yourself or even doing a mock call to showcase your abilities. It's a memorable way to stand out, especially if you can share this during your interview process!
We think you need these skills to ace Library and Information Advisor in Ipswich
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Communication Skills:In customer support, clear communication is key. Make sure your CV highlights any experience you've had in customer-facing roles and your ability to resolve issues. Don't shy away from including specific examples of how you've gone above and beyond to help customers – this really shows your potential in the role.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Suffolk Jobs Direct:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Tell us why you want to work at Suffolk Jobs Direct specifically. Mention any unique aspects of our company that resonate with you and how your skills can enhance our customer support. This personal touch will set your application apart from the rest!
Highlight Any Relevant Tools or Tech Skills:If you've used customer support software like Zendesk or Freshdesk or have experience with CRM systems, make sure to mention these in your application. Being familiar with industry-standard tools can be a big plus for us when we’re reviewing applications, as it shows you can hit the ground running!
Demonstrate Your Problem-Solving Skills:Customer support roles often require a knack for problem-solving. In your application, share examples of past experiences where you've tackled tough situations or resolved conflicts effectively. This will give us a good sense of how you handle challenges—an essential skill for success at Suffolk Jobs Direct!
How to prepare for a job interview at Suffolk Jobs Direct
✨Show Off Your People Skills
In customer support, it's all about communicating effectively. Prepare to share instances from your past experiences where you handled difficult customers or resolved conflicts. We want to hear how you empathised and found the best solutions, so think of specific examples to back up your stories!
✨Know the Tools of the Trade
Familiarise yourself with common customer support tools like Zendesk or Freshdesk, and make sure to review how you’ve used any similar systems in the past. During the interview, being able to discuss your hands-on experience with software or ticketing systems can really set you apart from the competition, so don’t skip this prep!
✨Show Genuine Enthusiasm
As this is a full-time role, employers want someone who isn’t just looking for any job, but wants to grow within customer support. Make sure to express your enthusiasm for helping customers and your desire to develop your skills. Show them why you're passionate about this field!
✨Practice Common Scenarios
Be prepared for role-playing scenarios where you might have to reassess a solution with a frustrated customer or explain a complex process in simple terms. Practising these common scenarios can help us feel more confident and demonstrate our practical skills effectively during the interview.
