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- Tasks: Support library services, assist with user enquiries, and contribute to communications projects.
- Company: Join the University of Edinburgh, a world-leading research institution committed to diversity and inclusion.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous leave, flexible working options, and access to online learning.
- Why this job: Gain hands-on experience in a dynamic library team while making a positive impact on underrepresented communities.
- Qualifications: Must be from an ethnic minority background, with strong communication skills and good IT proficiency.
- Other info: This is a 12-month traineeship with opportunities for hybrid working and personal development.
The predicted salary is between 21700 - 24500 £ per year.
The University of Edinburgh is offering a traineeship aimed at people from an ethnic minority background who are interested in pursuing a career in the information and library profession and have a strong desire to learn. This 12-month fixed term traineeship is an excellent opportunity for aspiring library professionals to join a friendly and welcoming Library team and aims to provide an individual with the experience required to undertake a postgraduate qualification in library or information studies.
The UK library profession currently identifies as 92% white, and we’ve created this opportunity to help underrepresented individuals get a head start in their library career. It’s an exciting opportunity to be part of a dynamic team and to get first-hand experience of delivering a wide range of high-quality services in a large and diverse academic library. This post is advertised under Section 158 of the Equality Act 2010.
The traineeship is full-time (35 hours per week) but we will consider requests for part-time working. The working pattern will allow some hybrid working, with the individual required to work in person on-campus in Edinburgh for particular assignments. While it is a broad-ranging traineeship that will give the individual knowledge and experience of various aspects of service provision, there will be a focus on library services for medicine.
What We Can Offer You
- A competitive salary at Grade UE04: £25,733 - £28,381 per annum, pro-rata if part-time.
- A chance to gain authentic experience of academic library work, and make a clear contribution to delivery of library services.
- Generous annual leave allowance of 40 days per year (inclusive of festive closure days).
- Highly competitive defined-benefit pension scheme with a substantial employer contribution.
- A range of flexible working options to help prioritise work/life balance.
- A day of paid leave annually for your chosen volunteering activity.
- Access to excellent online learning and a Staff Scholarship fund.
- Varied staff discounts, family-friendly initiatives, support for staff wellbeing and more.
What The Job Involves
- Providing support for information skills development activities, such as assisting with inductions and teaching sessions, reviewing materials, and analysing feedback for quality improvement.
- Assisting with communications projects, including working with the Social Media team.
- Assisting with user enquiries received at in-person service points or via our online enquiry management systems.
- Contributing to the development of services in collaboration with colleagues, to improve our users’ experience of the Library.
A bit about you:
- Have not already participated in a graduate library traineeship programme.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, with an ability to sustain effective working relationships with diverse colleagues, partners and clients.
- Proven ability to work independently as well as in a team.
- Good IT skills including familiarity with Microsoft Office and web technologies.
- An accurate and methodical approach to work.
- Good organisational skills, with the ability to be flexible and to deal with problems as they arise.
- Proven ability to be proactive and show initiative.
- From an ethnic minority background.
Application Procedure
We welcome informal enquiries about the role – to find out more please email Marshall Dozier (College Lead, Library Academic Support) at marshall.dozier@ed.ac.uk. The University is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion. If you have the right skills for the job, we want to hear from you. We encourage applications from the right candidates regardless of age, gender identity, sex, disability, sexual orientation, religion, belief, or ethnicity.
Prior to any employment commencing, candidates will be required to evidence Right to Work in the UK. The University is unable to sponsor the employment of international workers in this role. International applicants will therefore be unable to apply for and secure a Skilled Worker visa. They will only be able to take up this role if they can demonstrate an alternative right to work in the UK.
Key dates to note
To apply, upload a CV and cover letter before 16th June 2025. Unless stated otherwise, the closing time for applications is 11:59pm GMT. If you are applying outside the UK, the closing time on our adverts automatically adjusts to your browser's local time zone. Interviews will be held week commencing 23rd June 2025 and will be in-person.
About Us
As a world-leading research-intensive University, we are here to address tomorrow's greatest challenges. Between now and 2030 we will do that with a values-led approach to teaching, research and innovation, and through the strength of our relationships, both locally and globally.
About The Team
The Library helps people to grow their knowledge and create new connections through open services, collections and environments, sparking ideas that change the world. Library & University Collections teams (approximately 200 staff) provide leadership and oversight for the University's library and museum collections and services, and lead the University's transition to Open Scholarship. Collections comprise over 2 million print volumes, 2 million e-books, 200,000 e-journals and 100 kilometres of Heritage Collections which include rare books, archives, artworks and musical instruments. Library & University Collections deliver highly-regarded services to support teaching, learning and research across the University and wider communities. Services and access to collections are provided online and onsite through the Main Library, site libraries, the Centre for Research Collections, award-winning makerspace services and St Cecilia's Hall Concert Room & Music Museum.
Graduate Library Trainee employer: The University of Edinburgh
Contact Detail:
The University of Edinburgh Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Graduate Library Trainee
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the University of Edinburgh's library services and their focus on diversity. Understanding their mission and values will help you align your passion for library work with their goals, making you a more appealing candidate.
✨Tip Number 2
Engage with current library professionals through networking events or online forums. This can provide you with insights into the role and help you build connections that may support your application process.
✨Tip Number 3
Consider volunteering or gaining experience in similar environments, such as community libraries or educational institutions. This hands-on experience will not only enhance your CV but also give you practical examples to discuss during interviews.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare for the interview by practising common questions related to library services and user engagement. Demonstrating your knowledge and enthusiasm for the field will set you apart from other candidates.
We think you need these skills to ace Graduate Library Trainee
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to understand the key responsibilities and requirements. Tailor your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the specific duties of the Graduate Library Trainee position.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that not only expresses your enthusiasm for the role but also demonstrates your understanding of the library profession. Mention any relevant experiences or skills, especially those related to communication and teamwork, as these are crucial for this position.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV, focus on any previous experience in libraries, customer service, or educational settings. Even if you haven't worked in a library before, include transferable skills such as organisation, IT proficiency, and problem-solving abilities.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your CV and cover letter for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which are important traits for a library professional.
How to prepare for a job interview at The University of Edinburgh
✨Research the University and Library Services
Before your interview, take some time to learn about the University of Edinburgh and its library services. Familiarise yourself with their mission, values, and any recent projects or initiatives. This will help you demonstrate your genuine interest in the role and show that you are proactive.
✨Prepare for Common Interview Questions
Think about the types of questions you might be asked during the interview, such as your motivation for applying, your understanding of library services, and how you handle teamwork. Practising your responses can help you feel more confident and articulate during the actual interview.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As strong communication skills are essential for this role, be prepared to demonstrate your ability to convey information clearly and effectively. You might be asked to explain a complex topic or describe how you would assist users with enquiries, so practice articulating your thoughts in a concise manner.
✨Emphasise Your Willingness to Learn
Since this is a traineeship aimed at individuals eager to learn, make sure to express your enthusiasm for gaining new skills and experiences. Share examples of how you've proactively sought out learning opportunities in the past, whether through coursework, volunteering, or personal projects.