Customer Service Library & Information Advisor – Library Stock Team Apprentice

Bath and North East Somerset Council; Bath; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 24,000; Full time

Job summary

A local authority in the UK is looking for an enthusiastic apprentice to join their Libraries and Information and Advice Services team. This 37-hour per week position involves assisting with library stock management, providing customer service, and promoting resources. Ideal candidates will have experience in customer service and be proficient in Microsoft Office. The role is physically demanding, requiring flexibility and teamwork.

Benefits

Flexible working arrangements

Comprehensive employee support

Qualifications

• Experience of working in a customer service environment.
• Proficient in the key Microsoft Office packages.
• Able to quickly master other software tools.

Responsibilities

• Assist in managing library stock and resources.
• Help customers with library services.
• Promote library stock through events and outreach.

Skills

Customer service experience

Proficient in Microsoft Office

Able to work unsupervised

Job description

About the Role

This position is 37 hours per week, Monday‑Friday, though there may be some work outside normal opening hours. It is expected to be a 2‑year apprenticeship.

• You’ll work across all of our Libraries and Information and Advice Services in Bath, Keynsham and Midsomer Norton, our Mobile Library, and the Community‑Run Libraries.
• You’ll assist the Stock Team in all aspects of managing our library stock from shelving and weeding to using our library management system and helping with purchasing and disposal.
• You’ll be hands‑on, supporting our front‑facing teams with books and other stock and resources across all libraries in B&NES.
• You’ll work with the Stock Team to maintain and manage our digital library and online resources, as well as our small, special and rare collections, including some conservation care.
• You’ll regularly work with the front‑facing teams, helping customers with both library and council services, either in person or on the telephone, delivering services and information and providing great customer service.
• You’ll work with our marketing team to help promote library stock and resources through displays, events, and outreach activities – reaching both current users and non‑users.
• The role requires a degree of physicality in handling and moving library stock by hand, on trolleys and in crates that may be heavy or awkward. The post holder will be required to spend several hours at a time on their feet.
• The role requires regular working at multiple locations across B&NES including the Mobile Library, and the successful candidate must be able to transport themselves to all locations on any day.

About You

• You’ll be motivated, positive, pro‑active and hands‑on.
• You’ll want to learn and develop your skills and experience.
• You’ll be collaborative and enjoy working as part of a service‑wide team.
• You’ll be customer‑focused to always provide the best possible service.
• You’ll be flexible in your approach to daily tasks to best support the Teams.

Skills & Experience

• Experience of working in a customer service environment.
• Able to work unsupervised and deliver tasks to deadlines.
• Proficient in the key Microsoft Office packages (Word, Outlook, Teams, Excel, PowerPoint). Able to quickly master other software tools.

Contact

If you are interested in this post and require more details or just to chat through the role and what’s involved, please contact Claire Harding, Stock Logistics Officer by email at: [e-mail] or by telephone on 01225 396299.

Interview Date: TBC

No Agencies Please

Please note that this advert may close earlier than the stated closing date due to high demand. We advise all interested candidates to apply as soon as possible.

Additional Information

Please note, BANES Council operates a policy of prior consideration for roles for any individual on the Council’s at‑risk register (redeployee). If a redeployee expresses an interest in this role and they meet the essential criteria, they will be considered ahead of external applicants.

About Bath and North East Somerset Council

Working at Bath and North East Somerset provides an opportunity to contribute to your community and make a positive impact on the lives of residents. Our values shape how we work to deliver public services, and how we communicate with the residents we serve. We care about the best outcomes for local people, through our public services.

Why Bath and North East Somerset Council?

We offer a wide range of benefits, to ensure that you are paid fairly for your work, have the flexibility to enjoy a great work/life balance, and have the support you need. Go to https://jobsandcareers.bathnes.gov.uk/why-work-us/our-benefits.

We have one overriding purpose to improve people’s lives. Find out more about our values at https://jobsandcareers.bathnes.gov.uk/why-work-us/our-values.

We aspire to have a diverse and inclusive workplace and strongly encourage suitably qualified applicants from a wide range of backgrounds to apply and join us. Find out more on our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion at https://beta.bathnes.gov.uk/equality-and-diversity.

We are a Disability Confident Employer. Find out more at https://shorturl.at/ajrsW.

The Council is committed to having a diverse and inclusive workforce. Applications for job‑share, part‑time and flexible working arrangements are welcomed and will be considered in line with business needs.

Safeguarding Statement

The Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable groups and expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment. As part of this commitment, anyone working in a post with children or vulnerable groups will be expected to undertake an Enhanced DBS check with/without barred list checks.