At a Glance
- Tasks: Help improve library services and support student needs through creative activities.
- Company: University of Birmingham, dedicated to student employment and community support.
- Benefits: Earn £13.45 per hour, gain valuable experience, and enhance your CV.
- Other info: Flexible hours around your studies with potential for role extension.
- Why this job: Make a real difference for fellow students while developing transferable skills.
- Qualifications: Must be a registered student at the University of Birmingham; no prior library experience needed.
The predicted salary is between 13.45 - 13.45 £ per hour.
Post title: Library Shaper
College/Division: Academic Services
School/Department: Libraries and Learning Resources
Full time/Part time: Part time
Duration of the Post: 14/09/2026 – 04/12/2026
Grade: 2
Hourly rate: £13.45 per hour plus holiday entitlement
Number of positions available: 25
Closing Date: 21/08/2026 at 23:55
Please note that this vacancy may be taken down early depending on the number of applications received. We advise you to submit your application promptly.
About the role:
Library and Learning Resources Services (L&LR) provides several different services to students including study spaces, academic skills support, access to learning resources, and digital tools. Library Shapers work with L&LR to evaluate, promote and co-create these services to best meet user needs, and thus have a unique opportunity to help make a difference for the student community whilst gaining a wide range of transferrable skills, useful for the CV.
What you’ll do:
- Supporting open day and welcome week activity
- User testing systems and processes
- Co-creating resources to support students with their skills development
- Support with gathering user opinions and survey data
- Participating in focus groups and User Experience (UX) activities
- Preparing communications for print and social media
- Presenting on reels for Instagram
- Providing insights for various L&LR working groups, including Green Impact, and Assistive Technology
- Providing feedback and ideas which will be used to inform future library service delivery and provision
Some tasks will be time specific, and some will be self-scheduled. Library Shapers work as part of a wider group and tasks may involve working both collaboratively and/or independently. In addition, they will work alongside Library staff to develop ideas and evaluate existing services. A member of L&LR will provide support and be a key contact for all work undertaken.
Who we’re looking for:
- You must be a registered taught student at the University of Birmingham, and can be any level of study between UG1 (first year undergraduate) and PGT (taught postgraduate).
- Reflective learners, able to communicate ideas and feedback, both verbally and in writing
- Self-motivated and able to commit to completing tasks
- Enthusiastic about helping us improve L&LR for all students
- Organised with time management skills
- Able to demonstrate problem solving skills
- Can work constructively with group members and library staff
- Able to treat everyone with dignity and respect, supporting equality and valuing diversity
- No prior library experience is required—we welcome fresh perspectives!
Further details:
This role does not have fixed hours, but you’ll be expected to be involved in 2 to 3 activities equating to approximately 10hrs per term. Library Shapers will also be required to attend an initial in-person briefing session on either Tuesday 15th Sept or Wednesday 16th Sept. While the initial contract will be for the fall term and end in December, this role may be extended through the 2026-2027 academic year (subject to termly review).
For any informal queries, please contact Claire Browne (c.k.browne@bham.ac.uk).
The University of Birmingham restricts all students to working up to 20 hours per week during term time for a maximum of 13 consecutive weeks. If your application is successful and your course does not follow the usual academic term timetable (e.g. PGT, PGR or PhD student), you and your supervisor must formally agree vacation periods if this role exceeds 20 hours per week. In addition to this, please be aware if you are an international student you will be required to apply to the Registry for the appropriate authorised absence. You are only eligible to apply to this role if you are a current University of Birmingham student. If you are not a University of Birmingham student your application will not be considered.
To work you will need to carry out a right to work check. These checks will need to be completed prior to work commencing.
Regarding the use of AI in applications, we review hundreds of applications and shortlist candidates based on their unique perspective, motivations and potential. Cover letters generated through, or edited by, AI tools (e.g. ChatGPT or CoPilot) are easy to identify. They produce generic answers and will not score highly enough to progress. You may use AI tools for research, but all written content in your application must be your own work. Authenticity and originality are key to standing out in this process.
Due to the high volume of applications we receive, we’re unable to contact all applicants individually. You can check the progress of your application by logging into the Worklink jobs portal using the same email address you used to apply. If you haven’t heard back within six weeks of the closing date, please assume your application has been unsuccessful.
Student Casual – Library Shaper – Libraries and Learning Resources – Grade 2 – 905411 in Birmingham employer: The University of Birmingham
The University of Birmingham is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth. With flexible working hours, generous holiday allowances, and a commitment to quality service, staff are empowered to thrive in a supportive environment while contributing to the university's mission of excellence.
Contact Details:
The University of Birmingham Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Student Casual – Library Shaper – Libraries and Learning Resources – Grade 2 – 905411 in Birmingham
✨Get Involved in Online Communities
Dive into online forums and communities centred around digital learning and education, like EdTech chats on Twitter or groups on LinkedIn. Engaging in discussions and sharing your insights can help build your visibility and credibility in the sector.
✨Attend EdTech Meetups and Workshops
Look for local meetups or workshops focused on digital education trends. Not only do they enable us to learn about the latest in the field, but they’re also great networking opportunities to meet potential employers like The University of Birmingham or other educators who might know about upcoming part-time roles.
✨Leverage Your University’s Resources
If you’re currently studying, make sure to tap into your university's career services. They often have connections with local businesses in the education space, plus they can help us uncover part-time job openings that aren't widely advertised.
✨Showcase Your Skills through Projects
Create a portfolio showcasing any relevant projects or experiences in digital learning. Whether it's designing a learning module or contributing to an e-learning platform, having tangible examples will catch the eye of hiring managers at The University of Birmingham.
We think you need these skills to ace Student Casual – Library Shaper – Libraries and Learning Resources – Grade 2 – 905411 in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Experience in Digital Learning:When applying for a role in digital learning like the Student Casual – Library Shaper – Libraries and Learning Resources – Grade 2 – 905411 at The University of Birmingham, make sure to showcase any prior experience you have in creating or managing online learning materials. We want to see how you've made an impact in previous roles, so don’t shy away from providing specific examples or projects you’ve worked on.
Showcase Relevant Skills and Tools:Mention any specific platforms or tools you’ve used in the digital learning space. For instance, if you're familiar with LMS (Learning Management Systems) or any authoring tools, include these in your CV. This demonstrates you’re not only passionate but also ready to hit the ground running at The University of Birmingham.
Express Your Passion for Education:In your cover letter, we really want to feel your enthusiasm for digital learning. Talk about your motivations for joining The University of Birmingham and how you hope to contribute to shaping the future of education. This is a part-time role, so highlighting your commitment and drive will go a long way!
Tailor Your CV to Stand Out:Adapt your CV specifically for the Student Casual – Library Shaper – Libraries and Learning Resources – Grade 2 – 905411 role by aligning your experiences and skills directly with the job description. Use strong action verbs and bullet points, focusing on your contributions in previous roles. We appreciate a clear, concise format that makes it easy for us at The University of Birmingham to see why you’re a perfect fit.
How to prepare for a job interview at The University of Birmingham
✨Showcase Your Digital Savvy
In the digital learning and education space, being tech-savvy is crucial. Make sure to highlight any experience you have with e-learning platforms, learning management systems, or educational software during your interview. Think about specific examples of how you’ve used these tools to enhance learning experiences – this will show The University of Birmingham you’re already familiar with the landscape!
✨Prepare to Discuss Educational Theories
Expect questions related to educational methodologies or theories that underpin digital learning. Brush up on concepts like constructivism or blended learning and be ready to discuss how these can apply to real-world scenarios. The interviewers at The University of Birmingham will appreciate your understanding of the educational principles that drive effective learning.
✨Flexibility & Adaptability are Key
As this is a part-time role, demonstrate how you can manage your time effectively and adapt to the dynamic demands of the position. Share examples from past experiences where you successfully balanced multiple tasks while contributing to team projects. This will reassure The University of Birmingham that you’re not just a candidate but a reliable team member who can juggle responsibilities.
✨Portfolio and Samples Matter
Even for a part-time gig, having a portfolio of your work can really set you apart. If you've designed any e-learning modules, created educational content, or implemented any successful teaching strategies, make sure you can present those. Being ready with tangible examples from your past work will help you make a stronger case to The University of Birmingham about what you bring to the table.
