Reader Assistant

SOAS University of London; Greater London; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 29,000; Full time

Job summary

SOAS University of London is seeking a Reader Assistant for its library, focusing on providing excellent customer service and support during evening and weekend shifts. The role offers a salary between £26,382 and £28,049 per annum, along with generous holiday and pension benefits.

Benefits

30 days holiday plus bank holidays

Generous employer pension contribution

Cycle to Work Scheme

Enhanced Maternity, Paternity and Adoption Pay

Childcare voucher scheme

Qualifications

• Experience in customer service is preferred.
• Ability to work evening shifts and weekends.
• Strong attention to detail and willingness to learn.

Responsibilities

• Provide excellent customer service to library users.
• Support the effective delivery of library services.
• Cover evening shifts and weekends as required.

Skills

Customer service focus

Attention to detail

Strong work ethic

Willingness to learn

Job description

Job title: Reader Assistant

Department: Library

Contract Type: On Campus, Permanent

Grade: 4

Salary: Salary £26,382 – £28,049 per annum (including London Allowance)

Location: SOAS Campus, Bloomsbury, London

Hours: 28 per week predominantly evening shifts to 11.30pm and weekends

SOAS University of London is the leading Higher Education institution in Europe specialising in the study of Asia, Africa and the Near and Middle East. SOAS University of London is positioned to play a leading role in reimagining higher education globally, with a new strategic plan in place as the basis for the renewal and revitalisation of the University which commits SOAS to both student responsiveness and research intensity. SOAS is moving towards a new model of international partnerships which is responsive to the transnational character of our global challenges.

About The Department

As the UK’s National Research Library for Africa and Asia, SOAS Library is one of the world's most important academic libraries for the study of Asia, Africa and the Near and Middle East and holds a unique collection of print and online materials relating to Africa and Asia, including significant special and heritage collections. The library attracts scholars from all over the world to consult its holdings and further their research. It houses over 1.3 million volumes at the SOAS campus in central London, together with a major collection of archives, manuscripts, rare books and special collections, an expanding Digital Library and a growing network of electronic resources. SOAS library is one of only five National Research Libraries in the UK.

About The Role

Our team of Reader Assistants at SOAS Library cover evening shifts to 11.30pm and weekends. The Reader Assistants provide excellent customer service and support the effective delivery of Library services to researchers, students and visitors.

We are looking for someone with a customer service focus, excellent attention to detail as well as a strong work ethic and a willingness to learn.

In return we offer 30 days holiday plus bank holidays and additional School closure days (pro rata); a generous employer pension contribution; several loan schemes including season ticket and IT equipment; Cycle to Work Scheme; enhanced Maternity, Paternity and Adoption Pay provisions, childcare voucher scheme and financial support for childcare

You can find further information on the key criteria for the role in the Job Description and Person Specification, along with a full list of duties and responsibilities, which can be found on the SOAS website.

Closing date: Wednesday 21st May 2025

Completed applications must be received by 23:59 on the closing date to be considered.

Interviews will provisionally be Wednesday 4th June 2025

Further information

For an informal discussion regarding the role, please contact Amma Poku, on [e-mail]

If you have any questions or require any assistance with regard to the application process, please contact HR Contact Form | SOAS.

'Successful candidates will need to demonstrate their eligibility to work in the UK or have limited leave to remain in the UK and associated right to work for the duration of their employment with SOAS, in accordance with the Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006'. for the duration of their contract.

For information on how and why SOAS processes personal data about its job applicants, please read our Job Applicant Notice.

We are not able to offer sponsorship for candidates who do not currently possess the right to work in the UK.

We would particularly welcome applications from candidates from working class, first generation Higher Education, Black, Asian, other minority ethnic and underrepresented groups from within the UK and beyond. All appointment decisions will be made on merit, following a fair and competitive process.

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