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- Tasks: Supervise reader services and staff during evenings and weekends at a historic library.
- Company: Bodleian Libraries, a prestigious institution in Oxford with a commitment to inclusivity.
- Benefits: 38 days annual leave, excellent pension scheme, childcare services, and travel discounts.
- Why this job: Join a collaborative team and make a real impact on readers' experiences.
- Qualifications: GCSEs in English and Maths, library experience, and strong communication skills.
- Other info: Flexible part-time role with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
The predicted salary is between 20000 - 30000 £ per year.
Bodleian Old Library and Radcliffe Camera, Broad Street, Oxford OX1 3BG
About the role
You will play a key role in supervising reader services, staff and library premises during evenings and weekends at the Bodleian Old Library and Radcliffe Camera. Working closely with the Reader Services Manager, you will act as a knowledgeable point of contact for readers and staff, handling complex enquiries and ensuring high-quality service delivery outside core weekday hours. You will supervise Library Assistants on duty, support the smooth running of reading rooms, contribute to staff training, and take responsibility for the building and services when acting up as the Reader Services Manager. This is a permanent, part-time post, working an average of 9.63 hours per week. The working pattern is one fixed weekday evening (Monday) per week, one Friday evening in four, and alternate Sundays. This role requires lifting and carrying books, pushing trolleys, and using ladders and kick stools to access shelving.
About You
You will have a good general education, with GCSEs in English and Mathematics at Grade C or above or equivalent experience. You will bring excellent interpersonal and communication skills, confidence in dealing with a wide range of readers and colleagues, and the ability to make sound decisions and remain calm under pressure. You will have experience of working in a library or similar customer-focused environment, supervising staff, and using library systems and IT applications. You will be flexible, reliable, and able to work evenings and weekends as part of a small, collaborative team.
What We Offer
As an employer, we genuinely care about our employees’ wellbeing and this is reflected in the range of benefits that we offer including:
- An excellent contributory pension scheme
- 38 days of annual leave (pro rata)
- A comprehensive range of childcare services
- Family leave schemes
- Cycle loan scheme
- Discounted bus travel and Season Ticket travel loans
More information is available at Diversity
Our staff and students come from all over the world, and we proudly promote a friendly and inclusive culture. Diversity is positively encouraged, through diverse groups and champions, as well as a number of family-friendly policies, such as support for staff returning from periods of extended absence, for example, shared parental leave.
Reader Services Supervisor (Evenings & Weekends) in Oxford employer: University of Oxford
Contact Detail:
University of Oxford Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Reader Services Supervisor (Evenings & Weekends) in Oxford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former staff at the Bodleian Old Library and Radcliffe Camera. A friendly chat can give us insider info on what they’re really looking for in a Reader Services Supervisor.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Prepare some examples of how you've handled complex enquiries or supervised staff in the past. We want to see how you shine under pressure, especially during those busy evenings and weekends.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to ask questions! When you get the chance, ask about the team dynamics and what a typical evening looks like. This shows we’re genuinely interested and helps us figure out if it’s the right fit.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step to connect with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Reader Services Supervisor (Evenings & Weekends) in Oxford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the Reader Services Supervisor role. We want to see how you can bring your unique flair to our team!
Show Off Your Communication Skills: Since this role involves dealing with a variety of readers and staff, it’s crucial to showcase your excellent interpersonal skills. Use examples from your past experiences to demonstrate how you’ve effectively communicated in a customer-focused environment.
Highlight Relevant Experience: Don’t forget to mention any previous library or supervisory experience you have. We’re looking for someone who can hit the ground running, so let us know how your background makes you a great fit for this position.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way to ensure we receive all your details correctly and gives you a chance to explore more about us and what we offer!
How to prepare for a job interview at University of Oxford
✨Know the Library Inside Out
Before your interview, make sure you’re familiar with the Bodleian Old Library and Radcliffe Camera. Understand their services, layout, and any recent changes. This will show your genuine interest and help you answer questions about how you would handle reader enquiries.
✨Showcase Your Supervisory Skills
Be ready to discuss your experience in supervising staff. Think of specific examples where you’ve successfully managed a team or resolved conflicts. Highlight your ability to train and support others, as this role involves leading Library Assistants.
✨Demonstrate Your Customer Service Savvy
Prepare to share instances where you’ve dealt with complex customer queries. Emphasise your communication skills and how you remain calm under pressure. This is crucial for ensuring high-quality service delivery during busy evenings and weekends.
✨Flexibility is Key
Since the role requires working evenings and weekends, be prepared to discuss your availability and willingness to adapt. Show that you’re reliable and can work collaboratively within a small team, which is essential for this part-time position.
