Library Assistant

Regent College London; Greater London; On-site; GBP 10,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is looking for a proactive Library Assistant to enhance the user experience in both physical and digital library environments. This role is vital for supporting students and staff in accessing a diverse range of academic resources, while also promoting library services through events and outreach initiatives. You'll play a key role in maintaining library collections and providing top-notch customer service at the help desk. If you're enthusiastic about library technologies and eager to contribute to a vibrant academic community, this opportunity is perfect for you!

Qualifications

• Experience in academic or research libraries is essential.
• Familiarity with library technologies and citation tools is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Assist users in accessing library resources and provide technical support.
• Maintain and update digital collections and ensure accurate cataloguing.

Skills

Organizational Skills

Communication Skills

Interpersonal Skills

Time Management

Technical Support

Customer Service

Flexibility

Enthusiasm for Learning

Education

Library-related qualification

Relevant experience

Tools

Microsoft Office

Library Management Systems

IT Software (e.g., Microsoft Teams, SharePoint)

Job description

Job title: Library Assistant

Reports to: Digital Library and E-Resources Manager

Responsible for: Physical library management

Overall purpose:

Regent College Library is the academic hub of Regent College London, providing a blend of physical and digital resources to support students and academic staff. Our mission is to foster learning, research, and innovation by delivering exceptional library services.

We are seeking a proactive and tech-savvy Library Assistant to join our team. This role involves supporting users, managing resources, and promoting a seamless experience in both physical and digital library environments. This role will be based in the physical library in our Fitzrovia campus.

General managerial duties and responsibilities:

User Services

• Assist students and staff in locating and accessing library resources, both physical and digital.
• Provide support for digital platforms, such as e-book collections, academic databases, and research repositories.
• Deliver front-line customer service at the help desk, responding to in-person and online queries.
• Offer technical assistance, including troubleshooting access issues for library systems and devices.

Resource Management

• Maintain and update digital collections, including assisting with metadata and ensuring records are accurate.
• Ensure the proper shelving and cataloguing of physical books, journals, and media.
• Assist in processing new acquisitions for both physical and electronic resources.

Academic Support

• Guide users in accessing academic resources, citation tools, and referencing systems.
• Support students and researchers with navigating online platforms, virtual learning environments, and library tools.
• Deliver short tutorials or one-on-one sessions on library technologies and resource usage.

Events and Outreach

• Assist in organizing library events, such as academic skills workshops, research showcases, and open days.
• Promote library services and resources through social media, email newsletters, and physical displays.
• Support outreach efforts to onboard new students and faculty to library systems and services.

Operational Support

• Contribute to library projects, including digitization efforts and the development of online resources.
• Monitor library spaces to ensure a welcoming and productive environment.
• Collect and report library usage statistics to inform service improvements.

Working Conditions:

• This role may involve evening and weekend shifts to support library opening hours.
• Physical tasks include shelving books and setting up spaces for events.

Person Specification

EXPERIENCE & PERSONAL QUALITIES

• Highly organised with excellent time management skills.
• Excellent written and spoken communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills.
• Self-motivated team player who is confident and flexible with the demonstrative ability to establish a strong rapport with colleagues.
• Enthusiasm for learning and promoting new library technologies.
• Experience working in an academic or research library.
• Knowledge of academic research practices, citation styles, and referencing tools (e.g., EndNote, Zotero).
• Familiarity with emerging trends in library technologies and open-access resources.
• Understanding of GDPR and copyright regulations as they apply to library services.

TECHNICAL KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Outlook, Excel and PowerPoint).
• Experienced in using IT software (i.e., Microsoft Teams, SharePoint, MS Project, databases).
• Ability to work under pressure and to tight deadlines.
• Ability to use and present numerical information clearly and accurately.
• Desirable: Experience using Library Management Systems (in particular Heritage).

EDUCATION & PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS

• A library-related qualification or relevant experience is preferred.

Seniority level

• Associate

Employment type

• Full-time

Job function

• Administrative and Education
• Industries: Higher Education