Library Assistant – Outstanding Secondary School – Barnet, London

Marchant Recruitment; Chipping Barnet; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 24,000; Full time

Job summary

Marchant Recruitment is seeking a Library Assistant for an Outstanding Secondary School in Barnet, North London. You will help manage the school library, assist students and staff with resources, and promote literacy in a busy educational environment.

The role involves issuing/returning books, cataloging, shelving, and supporting reading initiatives. Candidates should be organised, patient and enjoy working with students across KS3–KS5 where applicable.

Qualifications

• Strong organisational and communication skills.
• Experience in a school, library, admin or customer-facing environment is beneficial.
• Confident using computers and maintaining records.

Responsibilities

• Issue and return books and resources; update library records.
• Help students and staff locate suitable reading materials.
• Maintain tidy shelves and an accessible catalogue; support displays and reading initiatives.

Skills

Organisation

Communication

Customer service

Job description

Library Assistant – Outstanding Secondary School – Barnet, London

Location: Barnet, North London

Start Date: ASAP

Contract Type: Full-Time, Permanent

Salary: Competitive, dependent on experience

School Information

An Outstanding Secondary School in Barnet is seeking a friendly, organised and enthusiastic Library Assistant to join its support staff team. The school is committed to providing a positive learning environment where students are encouraged to develop their literacy skills, broaden their knowledge and become confident independent learners.

The school library plays an important role in supporting students throughout their academic journey, offering a welcoming space for reading, research, revision and independent study. The successful candidate will help ensure that the library remains well organised, accessible and engaging for students across Key Stages 3 and 4, as well as those studying at Key Stage 5 where applicable.

The school values the contribution of its support staff and is looking for someone who can work effectively with teachers, students and colleagues to promote reading and make learning resources readily available.

The Role

The Library Assistant will support the day-to-day running of the school library, helping students and staff access books, educational materials and other learning resources. The successful candidate will be responsible for maintaining an orderly library environment and encouraging students to make effective use of the facilities.

Duties will include issuing and returning books, updating library records, organising shelves and maintaining an accurate catalogue of resources. The Library Assistant will help students locate suitable reading materials, assist with research enquiries and encourage positive reading habits.

The role will also involve monitoring the condition of books and other resources, reporting damaged items, assisting with stock checks and helping maintain attractive displays. The successful candidate may contribute to reading initiatives, literacy activities and themed events designed to encourage students to explore different genres and develop their interest in reading.

In addition, the Library Assistant will help maintain a calm and productive atmosphere, ensuring students follow library expectations and use the space appropriately. Working alongside teaching staff, they will support the preparation of resources for lessons and help students develop their confidence in locating and using information independently.

Requirements

The ideal candidate will have strong organisational and communication skills, alongside a genuine interest in books, literacy and education. Previous experience working in a school, library, administrative role or customer-facing environment would be advantageous, although candidates with transferable skills are encouraged to apply.

Applicants should be confident using computers and maintaining accurate records, with the ability to manage several tasks throughout the day. A patient, approachable manner is essential, as the successful candidate will work with students of different ages, abilities and reading interests.

The school is looking for someone who can work independently while contributing positively to a wider team. Reliability, attention to detail and the ability to encourage students to use the library responsibly will be particularly important.

What the School Offers

The successful candidate will join a supportive school community where literacy, academic progress and student wellbeing are valued. The position offers the opportunity to develop experience within an educational environment, work closely with teaching staff and contribute to initiatives that encourage students to become enthusiastic readers and independent learners.