Library and Information Assistant

Coventry City Council; Coventry; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 24,000; Part time

Job summary

Coventry City Council's Library and Information Service in Willenhall, Coventry, is seeking a dedicated Library Assistant to provide a welcoming front-line library service. The role involves helping visitors, guiding use of computers, answering inquiries, and supporting events and activities on site.

This part-time, temporary post offers a supportive work environment with opportunities to engage with diverse community groups and promote reading resources while delivering high-quality information

Qualifications

• Temporary maternity cover Library Assistant post.
• Part-time, 34.5 hours per week at Willenhall Library, Coventry.
• Front‑line library service: welcoming visitors, information and signposting.

Responsibilities

• First point of contact for library visitors.
• Use library computer system and help people to use IT.
• Answer questions on a wide range of subjects.
• Participate in events and activities (e.g., rhyme times).
• Move books and promote displays.

Job description

Our Values

In line with our One Coventry Values, we want to ensure that our communities are represented across our workforce. A vital part of this is ensuring we are a truly inclusive organisation that encourages diversity in all respects, including diversity of thinking. We particularly welcome applicants from minority ethnic, LGBT+, disabled and neurodiverse communities to make a real difference to our residents so that equity and respect remains at the heart of everything we do.

Our Values

In line with our One Coventry Values, we want to ensure that our communities are represented across our workforce. A vital part of this is ensuring we are a truly inclusive organisation that encourages diversity in all respects, including diversity of thinking. We particularly welcome applicants from minority ethnic, LGBT+, disabled and neurodiverse communities to make a real difference to our residents so that equity and respect remains at the heart of everything we do.

Our Values are:

• Open and fair: We are fair, open, and transparent.
• Nurture and develop: We help and encourage everyone to be their best and do their best.
• Engage and empower: We talk and listen to others, working together as one.
• Create and innovate: We embrace new ways of working to continuously improve.
• Own and be accountable: We work together to deliver the best services for our residents.
• Value and respect: We put diversity and inclusion at the heart of all we do.

We value diverse perspectives and experiences and are striving to create a workplace culture that is inclusive, is accepting of all and is free from discrimination and bias.

Coventry City Council’s Library and Information Service is a public facing service operating for the benefit of local communities and the wider city.

Providing services from the central library and 16 local libraries (3 of which are community led) Coventry libraries provide a unique 'cradle-to-grave' service bringing individuals and communities together.

Public libraries acquire, organise and provide access to a range of information and reading resources to meet the diverse needs of a community. We actively support independent learning and encourage reader development, also providing information on areas such as:

• Local and national government services,
• Learning opportunities,
• Leisure activities, and
• Local community news and events

We also play an important role in providing access to computers and the internet for those who are digitally excluded.

The Library Service works in partnership with local, regional and national organisations to provide a full and wide-ranging service offer. Partners include:

• Arts Council England
• BBC
• Department for Culture, Media and Sport
• Libraries Connected
• Public Health England, and
• Reading Agency

Libraries are uniquely placed to change lives for the better. They are busy and vibrant open spaces, not only providing access to books but also helping people to help themselves and improve their opportunities. By providing practical support and guidance, libraries play a critical role in enabling and empowering people to realise their potential, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds.

What is the job role?

This is a temporary Maternity Cover Library Assistant post, providing the front-line library service.

We are looking for someone to join our team in providing a safe welcoming space for visitors to relax, read, learn, use computers, attend and participate in events on site or online.

In your role you will be ensuring a good visitor experience and providing information and signposting.

Main day to day duties of the role include:

• First point of contact for library visitors
• Using the library computer system and helping people to use IT
• Answering questions on a wide variety of subjects
• Participating in events and activities for example rhyme times
• Moving books around the library
• Promoting book displays

Hours and Place of work

This is a part-time, temporary post of 34.5 hours per week, at Willenhall Library, Coventry.

There will be 4 salary increments for weekend working.

• Monday 10 -7.00pm (9.25 hours including a paid break)
• Tuesday 9.45-1, 4-7pm (6.25 hours)
• Wednesday non-working
• Thursday 1.00-7.00pm (6 hours)