Library Manager (Band 5) - Knowledge and Libraries - 279 University Hospitals Sussex NHS Founda[...]

University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust; Haywards Heath; On-site; GBP 31,000 - 38,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent healthcare organization in Haywards Heath is seeking a Library Manager to oversee operations and support for library users. The ideal candidate will manage staff, deliver training, and ensure high-quality services. A Bachelor's degree in library science and relevant experience is required. This full-time position offers a competitive salary and opportunities for professional development.

Benefits

Extensive wellbeing program

Flexible working options

Professional development opportunities

Qualifications

• Experience in a library or information service.
• Strong admin and organizational skills with excellent written and spoken English.
• Experience in providing training and support.

Responsibilities

• Line management of Library Assistants and Senior Library Assistants.
• Oversee quality of customer service at the inquiry desk.
• Deliver core library services and support to staff and students.

Skills

Customer service

Organizational skills

Communication

IT troubleshooting

Education

Bachelor's degree in library/information science

Chartered Member of CILIP (or working towards)

Tools

Library management system

Microsoft Office

Job description

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Employer 279 University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust Employer type NHS Site Princess Royal Hospital Town Haywards Heath Salary £31,049 - £37,796 per annum pro rata Salary period Yearly Closing 16/10/2025 23:59

About our Trust

At UHSussex we’re proud to be at the heart of the NHS. As one of the UK’s largest acute Trusts , we’re a leading example of the excellence, the ambition and the values that have embodied the NHS for over 70 years.

Our hard-working, talented and dedicated people work together towards a common goal – to always put our Patient First . In fact our mission is summed up by our ‘where better never stops’ motto and you will play a part in driving us forwards and in improving the lives of patients across Sussex.

At UHSussex, diversity is our strength, and we want you to feel included to help us always put the Patient First. Your uniqueness and experiences will be part of our creative and innovative community where everyone is encouraged to succeed. We have a range of Staff Networks to help break down barriers, and can offer a buddy to help new members settle in. We’re proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2) and a Veteran Aware Trust.

We treat our patients and staff with the same compassion and empathy we expect for ourselves. We’re here for them when they need us, and we go above and beyond to meet their needs. This can be seen in our wellbeing programme for staff which is extensive and designed to support you when you need it, including where possible, flexible working to support work life balance - because we know that to look after others we must first look after ourselves.

As a university trust and a leader in healthcare research, we value learning, teaching and training so that we can be the best that we can be. From the moment you start with us and throughout your career we will help you to grow and develop. We hope that in choosing UHSussex you are choosing a long and happy career where you will be able to see the difference you make and feel valued for all that you do.

As part of our commitment to access for all, please see the different ways you can access the application form:

We look forward to receiving your application and the start of your journey with UHSussex.

Job overview

A vacancy has arisen for the permanent post of Library Manager at our Library at Princess Royal Hospital in East Sussex. The Library Manager is responsible for the day-to-day operation of Knowledge and Library Services from the library, including proactive frontline support for library users and the line management of all library assistants at this site.

The library is used by all levels of clinical and non-clinical members as well as students on placement within the local health economy.

Main duties of the job

Please refer to the job description for full details.

Line management of all Library Assistants and Senior Library Assistants based at the Princess Royal Hospital, including supervision, appraisals, and ongoing professional support.

Overseeing the quality of enquiry desk customer service and ensuring the library is a well-maintained, accessible, and engaging space.

Delivering core library services and providing support to staff and students.

Undertaking in-depth evidence searches to support clinical practice, research, and decision-making.

Designing and delivering training sessions in information skills to library members.

Contributing to the Trust’s current awareness service to keep staff up to date with relevant developments.

Administering and maintaining access to a wide range of information resources.

Working for our organisation

At UHSussex (UHSx), diversity is our strength, & we want you to feel included to help us always put the Patient First. Your uniqueness & experiences will be part of our creative and innovative community where everyone is encouraged to succeed. We have a range of Staff Networks to help break down barriers, & can offer a buddy to help new members settle in. We’re proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2) & a Veteran Aware Trust.

We treat our patients & staff with the same compassion & empathy we expect for ourselves. We’re here for them when they need us, and we go above & beyond to meet their needs. This can be seen in our wellbeing programme for staff which is extensive & designed to support you when you need it, including where possible, flexible working to support work life balance - because we know that to look after others we must first look after ourselves.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

The post holder will operate within a team of skilled professional librarians and will receive appropriate levels of training, support and supervision.

They will work closely with library managers based at other hospital sites within University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust to ensure a consistent quality of service on all sites and to coordinate cross-site cover as required. The post holder will report to the Senior Librarian (Learning and Teaching).

This post is based at Princess Royal Hospital but occasional travel to other sites within the Trust will be required.

Person specification

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree (or higher) in library/information science, a related degree, or equivalent experience
• Chartered Member of CILIP or working towards chartership or other equivalent professional association

Experience

• Experience in a library or information service.
• Experience in a customer care environment
• Strong admin and organisational skills. Excellent written and spoken English, including report writing
• Familiarity with Microsoft Office or equivalent
• Extensive library experience in a supervisory capacity or equivalent demonstrable knowledge and skills
• Experience of using a library management system Experience of electronic resources in a library or information context.
• Experience in searching online databases and/or internet
• Experience in providing training, presentations and support.
• Experience of stock selection and review.
• Experience of policy development.
• Experience of ordering materials within a budget
• Experience of line managing and supervising staff including undertaking staff appraisals
• Experience in a health library
• Experience of using web software
• Knowledge of medical terminology
• Experience of using online procurement ordering systems

Skills

• Able to trouble shoot basic IT problems.
• Competent and consistent approach to data entry.
• Able to hold regular staff meetings
• Able to plan and oversee services in accordance to service specifications
• Able to provide and cascade excellent customer service
• Able to identify staff training needs and deliver training
• Able to work equitably with all health grades and professions
• Able to discover library users’ information needs.
• Able to communicate with sensitivity and tact with other members of own team
• Generally, work with the supervisor/ manager close by/available.
• Manage own workload and plan workload and rotas for library assistants
• Work independently and use own initiative.
• Organising information; indexing, cataloguing, classification and abstracting skills

Equality and Diversity

• Evidence of having championed diversity in previous roles (as appropriate to role).
• Evidence of having undertaken own development to improve understanding of equalities issues

Important information for applicants:

A Note on AI Use in Applications
We value the individuality and authenticity that each candidate brings to the application process. While AI tools are increasingly accessible, we strongly discourage their use in completing your application. Your responses should reflect your own voice, experiences, and motivations—elements that are essential to a fair and accurate evaluation.
Applications that rely heavily on AI-generated content may misrepresent your abilities and could result in your application being rejected. We encourage you to take the time to present your genuine self, as this helps us better understand your potential and ensures a transparent selection process.

Closing Adverts Early: In the event of exceptional interest, we may close adverts earlier than specified.

Some of our adverts are capped for a limited number of applications; therefore, the advert will close once the cap has been reached. We therefore encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible if you are interested in the position to prevent you from missing out on applying for the opportunity.

Flexible Working: If you would like to explore potential options regarding flexible working please speak with the appropriate recruiting/line manager.

DBS Checks: As part of our commitment to a safe working environment, we undertake a Disclosure and Barring Service check on all new employees where the role is eligible for a criminal record check . We make offers in line with the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1975.

Skilled Worker Visa: Applications for Skilled Worker sponsorship are welcome for the roles that meet the Visa and Immigrations eligibility criteria. For further information please visit the gov.uk website searching for Skilled Worker. It is your responsibility as the applicant to ensure that you meet this criteria.

UHSussex reserves the right to close the role early if we receive a high volume of applications

Further Information

For help with the application process for Nursing vacancies, please email [e-mail].

For help with the application process for Non-Nursing vacancies, please email [e-mail].

Employer certification / accreditation badges

Name Rosy Bennett Job title Senior Librarian (Learning & Teaching) Email address [e-mail] Telephone number 01903 285025 Additional information

ext 5128

Library staffed Monday – Friday 9am – 5pm