Saturday Library Assistant

West Sussex County Council; Littlehampton; On-site; GBP 24,000 - 25,000; Part time

Job summary

A local government authority in Littlehampton seeks a friendly and resourceful Library Assistant to provide excellent customer support. Working part-time on Saturdays, you will help visitors access resources and support a vibrant library environment. The ideal candidate possesses strong communication skills and digital proficiency, with a commitment to fostering a love for reading in the community. Benefits include 25 days of annual leave and a supportive work environment.

Benefits

25 days annual leave

Local government pension scheme

Employee Assistance Programme

Qualifications

• Experience working collaboratively within a team.
• Strong communication and customer service skills.
• Ability to manage library resources responsibly.

Responsibilities

• Provide customer support and guide visitors at the library.
• Organise and maintain library resources.
• Assist customers with basic enquiries.

Skills

Customer service

Digital skills

Communication

Team collaboration

Numeracy and literacy

Education

4 GCSEs including Maths and English

Job description

Overview

Are you looking for a role where you are not always sat behind a desk?

West Sussex Libraries are looking for a friendly, confident, and resourceful Library Assistant to join our high-performing team at Littlehampton Library. Our staff make great things happen in libraries every day - inspiring readers of all ages, helping people get online safely and bringing communities together.

As a Library Assistant, you will be at the centre of this service, providing excellent customer support, helping visitors access resources, and ensuring the smooth day-to-day running of the library.

Salary and Contract

Salary: £24,413 to £24,796 per annum, £2,639 to £2,680 (pro rata for part time)

Contract Type: Permanent

Working Pattern: Part-time (4 hours per week) 10:00am to 2:00pm Saturdays only.

Location: Littlehampton Library, Maltravers Road, Littlehampton, BN17 5NA

Interview Date: Wednesday 08 October 2025

About the Job

Littlehampton library is full of friendly staff on hand to welcome to this Carnegie Library near the town centre and seafront. Built in 1906, with some original features. and large attractive grounds.

We are looking for friendly, enthusiastic, and resourceful individuals who have exceptional digital skills and a genuine passion to make a difference to the local community.

It\'s not just about the books! We are looking for someone who understands the power of community and the importance of fostering a love for reading in people of all ages.

Library Assistants welcome everyone with a positive attitude and a resilient approach to every request. Providing excellent customer service is central to our library service, creating dynamic and engaging environments. Flexibility, creativity, and initiative are essential qualities for success.

Responsibilities

• Being the dedicated go-to person for customers at the library, passionately helping them with their questions and guiding them to other services.


• Organising and maintaining returned books and other library resources in alphabetical and numerical order.


• Using a variety of IT systems and services confidently and effectively including entering basic data into the library system, such as registering new members.


• Responding to basic enquiries from customers and colleagues, both in person and over the phone.


• Helping with reading recommendations.


• Maintaining, presenting, and processing book stock.

Story-time

The successful candidate will have the opportunity to lead engaging in person Story-time sessions. We are looking for a confident individual who will play a vital role in inspiring a love for reading. Listen to one of our online Story times, recorded by library staff: Storytime Online - YouTube

Requirements

• 4 GCSEs with 9-4 / A-C passes including Maths and English, or equivalent qualification/experience.


• Experience working collaboratively within a team to complete shared tasks.


• Digital skills to effectively assist customers, including navigating emails and accessing the library website, app, and eLibrary.


• Strong communication and customer service skills to engage effectively with the public.


• Capable of managing library resources responsibly and reporting any issues as needed.


• Excellent numeracy and literacy skills to organise resources alphabetically and numerically, as well as to process payments for books at the helpdesk.


• Able to meet set deadlines such as organising and shelving books in a timely manner.

For more information on the Key Skills as well as the Qualifications and/or experience required, please refer to the Job Description attached.

Rewards and Benefits

From access to our Employee Assistance Programme to training and development opportunities, we aim to create a supportive and dynamic working environment where employees can achieve their full potential, achieve a healthy work-life balance and are rewarded for the work they do.

We think libraries are great places to work, where you can make a difference to local communities every day. Find out more about the variety that comes with working in a library and hear first-hand from some of our library staff here: Library Jobs - West Sussex

You will benefit from 25 days annual leave (pro rata for part time) rising to 28 days (pro rata for part time) after 5 years\' service plus the opportunity to buy additional leave, an excellent local government pension scheme as well as a range of discounts giving our staff access to hundreds of offers.

For more information about the wide variety of benefits you can take advantage of please visit our Rewards and Benefits page.

Further Information

The reference number for this role is CPP01213.

Does this sound like the opportunity for you? Click apply below, upload your CV, and complete the application form, explaining how you meet the key skills in the attached job description and experience you can bring to the role. Please ensure all that any gaps in employment are covered in your CV.

Please ensure you have saved the job description attached to the main advert on our website as, once the job has closed, you may not have the opportunity to download again.

Struggling to apply? Book onto a Digital Support Session in a library near you to get help navigating our application form.

Safeguarding and equity statements can remain; but they are in text. We must keep legally required EEO statements. We\'ll preserve last two paragraphs about safeguarding, equity, guaranteed interview scheme, etc. We must convert:

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. This post is subject to 3 years referencing and a health check.

Equity, inclusion and accessibility is very important to West Sussex County Council. We welcome and encourage applications from everyone, as this helps us build a diverse and talented workforce, that reflects the communities we serve. We ensure our approach to recruitment is flexible and supportive to enable all applicants to be at their best and to ensure they have the best possible chance of success.

We operate a guaranteed interview scheme for applicants that have a disability, are a veteran or are a care leaver. More information can be found on our application help page.

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