Cairns Library Assistant

University of Oxford; Oxford; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 28,000; Part time

Job summary

The University of Oxford is seeking a part-time Library Assistant who is passionate about customer service to support library services in healthcare and academic environments. You'll engage with readers directly, assisting with queries and facilitating their research needs while working in a collaborative team atmosphere. The role requires strong communication skills and reliability, with responsibilities including managing queries and providing assistance with room bookings.

Benefits

Excellent contributory pension scheme

38 days of annual leave

Comprehensive childcare services

Family leave schemes

Cycle loan scheme

Discounted bus travel and Season Ticket travel loans

Qualifications

• Good knowledge of spoken and written English.
• Reliable, punctual, and able to prioritize tasks.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Responsibilities

• Support readers at the library desk.
• Find articles to support research.
• Register readers and answer a wide range of queries.

Skills

Excellent customer service skills

Effective communication

IT application skills

Education

GCSE level or equivalent

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Do you have excellent customer services skills and passionate about contributing to providing vital library services to those working within the healthcare and academic environments? Then we could be looking for you.

You will work on the front-line library desk, supporting our readers. You will find articles to support their research & studies, registering readers, answering a wide range of queries and helping with room bookings & providing excellent customer service at all times.

This is a part time, fixed term post until 31st March 2027.

Working hours will be: Monday & Tuesday: 9.40am to 2pm; Wednesday: 1pm to 6.05pm; Thursday & Fridays: 1pm to 5.05pm.

Unfortunately, due to the nature of this post, remote working will not be possible.

About You

You will have a good knowledge of spoken and written English and be educated to GCSE level or equivalent. You will be confident using general IT applications, including Microsoft Office. You will be able to communicate effectively, courteously, and confidently with colleagues, readers, and the public, and demonstrate excellent customer care. You will be reliable, punctual, be able to prioritise tasks and work under pressure, as well as carrying out routine tasks accurately. You will have the ability to work independently and as part of a 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
• 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 https://hr.admin.ox.ac.uk/staff-benefits

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 the right to apply for flexible working and support for staff returning from periods of extended absence, for example, shared parental leave.

We are committed to ensuring that our recruitment processes are inclusive and accessible. If you require the job description or any other materials in an alternative format, or if you would like to request any adjustments to support you through the application or interview process, please contact the recruitment team at [e-mail].

How to apply

You will be required to upload your CV and a supporting evidence form using the attached template as part of your online application. Your supporting evidence form should list each of the essential and desirable selection criteria, as listed in the job description, and explain how you meet each one. CVs alone will not be considered.

The Chair of this recruitment panel will be Sue Riley, Cairns Library & Customer Services Manager, who can be contacted with enquiries relating to the role ([e-mail]). General queries about the recruitment and application process should be directed to the Recruitment team within our Human Resources department ([e-mail]).

Only applications received online by 12.00 midday (BST) on Tuesday 15 July 2025 can be considered. Interviews are expected to take place on Thursday 31July 2025.

£26,948 to £27,838. Per annum, pro rata