Band 3 - Library and Knowledge Services Assistant, Corporate

The Methodist Church in Britain; Watford, St Albans; On-site; GBP 23,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

West Hertfordshire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust is seeking a Library Assistant (Band 3) to work in the Library and Knowledge Services team at Watford General Hospital. You will assist NHS staff, manage memberships, catalogue new items, track loans and promote library services.

The role includes occasional support for the library at St Albans City Hospital, with standard Monday–Friday hours (9am–5pm). Prior NHS library experience is advantageous.

Qualifications

• GCSE at grade A to C, including Maths and English, or equivalent.
• Experience with organising events and activities is desirable.
• Understanding data protection and copyright legislation is beneficial.

Responsibilities

• Operate the enquiries desk to help NHS staff find the information, resource or service they need.
• Search databases, systems and schemes for required books or articles.
• Obtain copies of publications and get them to the person who requested them.
• Identify users' information needs and supply information in the most relevant format.
• Process new membership registrations on the library system.
• Track loans and notify users when books are overdue.
• Classify and catalogue new books on the library system.
• Shelve books and keep collections tidy.
• Record usage data for library services.
• Train library users in the information resources available.
• Promote library services and create promotional content.
• Work closely with the Library and Knowledge Services team and educational departments such as Medical Education, Learning and Development and Simulation.

Education

GCSE A to C including Maths and English, or equivalent

Tools

Library Management System

MS Office

ICT

Job description

This Band 3 post sits in the Library and Knowledge Services team at West Hertfordshire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, based at the library at Watford General Hospital. The work is finding books and articles for NHS staff, running the enquiries desk and handling library admin such as membership registrations and overdue reminders. Hours are Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm, with occasional support for the library at St Albans City Hospital. Visa sponsorship is not available, so the right to work must already be held.

What the job involves

• Operate the enquiries desk to help NHS staff find the information, resource or service they need
• Search databases, systems and schemes for required books or articles
• Obtain copies of publications and get them to the person who requested them
• Identify users' information needs and supply information in the most relevant format
• Process new membership registrations on the library system
• Track loans and notify users when books are overdue
• Classify and catalogue new books on the library system
• Shelve books and keep collections tidy
• Record usage data for library services
• Train library users in the information resources available
• Promote library services and create promotional content
• Work closely with the Library and Knowledge Services team and educational departments such as Medical Education, Learning and Development and Simulation

What’s required

Qualifications

• GCSE at grade A to C, including Maths and English, or equivalent

Experience

• Organising events and activities
• Working knowledge of range of work procedures and practices
• Basic understanding of relevant legislation such as data protection and copyright

Skills & knowledge

• Good understanding of ICT
• Proficient at intermediate level in databases and all MS Office packages
• Reasonable knowledge of office management processes
• Troubleshooting and problem-solving skills
• Good customer service skills
• Clear communication, attention to detail and flexibility in a team

Nice to have

• Level 3 Library, Information and Archive Services Assistant apprenticeship
• Working within a hospital or similar environment, including NHS experience
• Knowledge and use of library-specific software and hardware, including a Library Management System
• Knowledge and use of health databases and internet resources
• Experience of working in a library or training administration environment
• Creating publicity material
• Working in a busy administrative role
• Maintaining databases

What’s offered

• Variety of flexible working options
• Trust-funded Level 3 library apprenticeship for successful applicants who do not already hold it or an equivalent