Library Assistant

Gardens, Libraries and Museums (GLAM), University of Oxford; Oxford; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading university library in Oxford is seeking an enthusiastic individual to provide high-quality library reader services. This permanent, full-time position demands strong customer service skills and good IT literacy. The candidate will support readers in using the library's resources. Benefits include a contributory pension scheme and 38 days of annual leave.

Benefits

Contributory pension scheme

38 days of annual leave

Comprehensive childcare services

Family leave schemes

Cycle loan scheme

Discounted bus travel

Qualifications

• Experience working in a library environment.
• Ability to communicate effectively.
• Commitment to high-quality service.

Responsibilities

• Deliver high-quality library reader services.
• Provide support for using libraries and collections.

Skills

Customer service focus

IT literacy

Teamwork

Tools

Library databases

Automated library management system

Job description

Overview

This is an exciting opportunity to join the team at the brand-new Humanities Library in the Bodleian Libraries, opening late September 2025. The Bodleian Humanities Library will hold collections in English language and literature, film studies, history of medicine, internet studies, music, philosophy, and theology and religion. The library will be accommodated in the University’s new Schwarzman Centre for the Humanities, which brings together seven faculties and two institutes, as well as providing a public exhibition space and performance venues.

We are looking for an enthusiastic, motivated and versatile person to deliver high-quality library reader services, who has a strong customer service focus and enjoyment of working with library users.

Your duties will include front-line reader services and essential support for readers in using the libraries and collections. This is a permanent, full-time post, working 36.5 hours per week.

Responsibilities

• Deliver high-quality library reader services and provide essential support for readers in using the libraries and collections.

About You

You will have a commitment to providing excellent quality service, as well as the ability to communicate effectively. You will be able to work well as part of a team, to work under pressure, and to undertake a range of routine tasks with care and accuracy.

You will have good general IT literacy, and knowledge of library databases and online resources. Previous experience of working in a library environment, and of using an automated library management system, will be an advantage. Relevant subject knowledge and language skills would be advantageous, see list in the job description.

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. The supporting evidence form lists each of the essential and desirable selection criteria, as listed in the job description - please explain how you meet each one. CVs alone will not be considered.

We aim to provide a supportive working environment and are happy to discuss training and professional development opportunities. The Chair of this recruitment panel will be Hilla Wait, Humanities Librarian and Philosophy & Theology Subject Librarian, 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 Wednesday 17 September 2025 can be considered. Interviews are expected to take place during week commencing 13 October 2025.