Library Assistant

LB RICHMOND UPON THAMES & LB WANDSWORTH; Teddington; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

A local library authority in Teddington is seeking a friendly Library Assistant to support its vibrant community libraries. You will be responsible for assisting visitors, maintaining library resources, and facilitating events. Ideal candidates should have prior customer service experience and excellent communication skills. This role offers flexible working patterns, including weekend duties, and a comprehensive benefits package, including generous leave and pension options.

Benefits

40 days annual leave

Flexible working

Generous pension plan

Qualifications

• Experience in a high-pressure customer service environment.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively.
• Capability to manage multiple tasks with minimal supervision.

Responsibilities

• Assist with issuing and returning library items.
• Provide frontline customer service to visitors.
• Maintain and organize library resources.

Skills

Communication skills

Teamwork

IT proficiency

Customer service

Problem-solving

Resilience

Job description

Job Title: Library Assistant

Salary Range: £25,998 - £31,469 per annum pro rata (2025/26 pay award pending)

Type: Permanent, Full-time and Part-time

Locations: East Sheen Library, Richmond Library, Teddington Library

Other Essential Information: Please see below work pattern for each role.

Work Pattern: East Sheen Library / Richmond Library / Teddington Library: Permanent, Part-Time. Working every Sunday 1:15-5:15 pm.

Objective of Role

Our Vision: How Richmond upon Thames Libraries see the future.

"Communities within Richmond upon Thames will realize their potential through the personal, professional, social, and cultural development opportunities provided by their library service."

We operate a high-performing library service that is highly regarded by the community. As a Library Assistant, your role will be to support the delivery of this borough-wide service by ensuring excellent customer service and carrying out a range of administrative duties to facilitate day-to-day operations.

Modern public libraries are vibrant and inclusive spaces, open to all members of the community. Our staff must be resilient, confident, and resourceful to manage the often complex and challenging situations that can arise in such dynamic customer-facing environments.

Most of your work will involve frontline customer service, including issuing and returning items, maintaining and caring for resources, assisting with information searches and inquiries, supporting events, and helping visitors access the full range of services offered by the library.

About the Role

Are you passionate about helping people and creating welcoming community spaces? Richmond upon Thames Libraries are looking for a friendly, confident, and resourceful Library Assistant to join our high-performing team.

Our libraries are vibrant, inclusive spaces that serve a wide range of community needs. As a Library Assistant, you’ll be at the heart of this service—providing excellent customer support, helping visitors access resources, and ensuring the smooth day-to-day running of the library.

Candidate Criteria

You should meet the following criteria:

• The ability to communicate clearly and with understanding when working with the public, including using the telephone, email, and social media; as well as the confidence to deal with challenging situations calmly and effectively.

Daily Duties

• Shelving and tidying stock, promoting books, and assisting customers in selecting titles, ensuring collections are well-organized, attractive, and accessible.
• Supporting the delivery of a wide range of reading events, including weekly Rhyme Times and author talks.
• Using a variety of IT systems and services confidently and effectively.
• Responding to inquiries from customers and colleagues, both in person and over the phone.

You will be required to work at any of the 12 libraries within the borough, 3 of which are open on Sundays. You must be able to travel to and undertake duties at any library, occasionally at short notice.

Essential Qualifications, Skills, and Experience

• Experience working—either in a paid or voluntary capacity—in a high-pressure environment where high standards of service delivery are expected.
• The ability to contribute to an effective team.
• Experience responding to queries and resolving problems effectively.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously in a fast-paced setting with minimal supervision.
• Confidence and resilience to maintain composure and respond professionally in challenging situations involving service users.

Application Process

Closing Date: Sunday 10th August (midnight)

Shortlisting Date: w/c 11th August

Interview Date: TBC

Test/Presentation: A test to assess proficiency in Microsoft Office and information retrieval will be part of the selection process.

We may close this vacancy early once a sufficient number of applications are received. Please submit your application promptly to avoid disappointment.

Equality and Inclusion

Richmond & Wandsworth Better Service Partnership is committed to inclusive recruitment practices. We promote equality and diversity and value differences, recognizing that employees from various backgrounds contribute positively to our services.

We are proud to be a Disability Confident employer. If you require reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please inform us.

We are committed to safeguarding the welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable adults. Some positions may be exempt under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974, and appointment will be conditional upon a satisfactory DBS check.

Benefits

We offer a range of benefits designed to attract, develop, and reward our employees, including 40 days annual leave (including Bank Holidays), flexible working, and a generous pension plan.