Assistant Librarian at Harrow School

Harrow School; London Borough of Harrow; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 30,000; Part time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a part-time Assistant Librarian to join a vibrant team. This role involves delivering exceptional library services, assisting visitors, managing book stock, and fostering a love for reading among students. With a commitment to excellence, the library is a hub of activity, supporting both academic and leisure pursuits. The ideal candidate will have a degree in library skills and a passion for literature, ready to inspire young minds and contribute to a rich educational environment. Join a community that values diversity and is dedicated to the welfare of its students.

Benefits

Automatic enrolment in pension scheme

Salary sacrifice savings scheme

Use of sports facilities

Subsidised club memberships

Free parking

Qualifications

• Excellent IT, customer care, and administrative skills required.
• Degree or equivalent in library skills with relevant experience.

Responsibilities

• Provide full library service, assist visitors, and manage book stock.
• Develop boys' information retrieval skills and support reading.

Skills

IT Skills

Customer Care

Administrative Skills

Library and Information Skills

Interest in Archives

Education

Degree in Library and Information Skills

Job description

Job Reference #
EDV/2025/HS/83113

Location
5 High Street, Harrow-on-the-Hill, Greater London, HA1 3HP

Contract Type
Permanent

Contract Term
Part-Time

Salary
Please contact the recruitment team for salary details.

Closing Date
11:59pm, 20th Apr 2025

Positions Available
1

About This Role
Contract summary:
Contract length: Permanent
Working schedule: Part time, 16 hours per week, 33 weeks per year (term time only)
Wednesday 09.00 - 13.30, Thursday 14.00 - 18.30, Friday 09.00 – 17.00, Saturdays on a rota 1 or 2 per term 08.30-12.30, Occasional evenings during public exams.

The role: We are seeking a part-time Assistant Librarian to join our small and busy team. You will offer a full library service from the front desk: welcoming visitors, assisting with enquiries, operating the library management system for loans/returns, and taking an active role in developing boys’ information retrieval skills. Managing the book stock is a key part of the role, as you catalogue new additions, maintain the condition of books, maintain strict order and number/label items. You will also have the opportunity to assist in the care and preservation of the Archive collections, where we hold many fascinating items that chart the history of our renowned School. There is a more detailed job description in the attachments to this advertisement.

The skills: The successful candidate will have excellent IT, customer care and administrative skills. You will have a degree or equivalent qualification in library and information skills coupled with experience in a similar environment and a keen interest in archives. Flexibility to carry out the varied aspects of the role is vital. This role will suit someone who has a passion for literature and is enthusiastic in encouraging and supporting reading through recommending books to boys or creating inspiring displays. You will have a positive approach to teamwork and an affinity with young people.

The Benefits Include:

• automatic enrolment in the School’s pension scheme
• salary sacrifice savings scheme
• use of the School’s sports facilities including the swimming pool, gym and running track
• subsidised membership of the tennis, golf, angling and social clubs.
• free parking

The environment: Harrow School is situated in Harrow on the Hill in north-west London and is one of the best-known schools in the world. Around 835 boys study at Harrow and live in the School’s 12 boarding houses. The Vaughan Library is housed in a beautiful George Gilbert Scott building and is both physically and academically at the centre of Harrow School life. It has over 450 visitors daily during term time and is, therefore, a busy place where pupils and staff enjoy exceptional resources that enhance both their academic and leisure interests. Library staff are key participants in the learning process of pupils.

Applications will be processed as they are received and we may interview suitable candidates before the closing date, therefore early application is advised.

Equality, diversity and inclusion are values that are important to us at Harrow. We believe in diversity of thought and actively welcome everyone regardless of their background to bring their valuable and relevant skills to our community.

The School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. All successful applicants must be willing to undergo enhanced child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with any past employer and the Disclosure and Barring Service, and it is an offence to apply for the role if the applicant is barred from engaging in regulated activity relevant to children. No member of staff will be able to start until these checks are complete and this process takes, on average, a month. Please plan accordingly.

Contact Details:
Recruitment Team
020 8872 8000
[e-mail]