Saturday Library Assistants

West Sussex County Council; Horsham; On-site; GBP 12,000 - 17,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

25 days annual leave (pro rata)

Local government pension scheme

Employee discounts

Job summary

West Sussex Libraries are seeking a friendly Saturday Library Assistant for Horsham Library to deliver excellent customer service, help visitors access resources, and keep daily operations running smoothly.

You will assist with self-service, guide users, shelve stock, and support colleagues in a busy, welcoming branch. A commitment to inclusivity and community engagement is essential.

Qualifications

• 4 GCSEs with 9-4 / A-C passes including Maths and English.
• Experience working collaboratively within a team to complete shared tasks.
• Digital skills to assist customers, including navigating emails and the library website/eLibrary.
• Strong communication and customer service skills.
• Excellent numeracy and literacy to organise resources and process payments at the helpdesk.
• Able to meet deadlines such as shelving books promptly.

Responsibilities

• Accurately shelve, organise and maintain library stock so resources are easy to find.
• Deliver excellent customer service in person, by telephone and via email.
• Support customers in using self-service and library services.
• Input information into the library management system.
• Resolve routine customer queries with sound judgement and a proactive approach.
• Help create a safe, welcoming environment by reporting health and safety concerns.
• Collaborate with colleagues for smooth day-to-day library operations.

Skills

Customer service

Communication

Digital skills

Teamwork

Numeric literacy

Education

GCSEs including Maths and English

Tools

Library management system

Job description

Are you a friendly and approachable individual who enjoys engaging with people from a range of diverse ages and backgrounds? West Sussex Libraries are looking for a friendly, confident, and resourceful Library Assistant to join our high-performing team at Horsham 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 Saturday 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.

Key Responsibilities

• Accurately shelve, organise and maintain library stock, ensuring resources are easy to find and accessible to customers.
• Deliver excellent customer service, responding to enquiries in person, by telephone and via email.
• Support customers in using self-service system and provide guidance on library services and procedures.
• Input straightforward information into the library management system.
• Resolve routine customer queries confidently, using sound judgement and a proactive approach.
• Help create a safe, welcoming and inclusive environment by identifying and reporting health and safety concerns.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues to ensure the smooth day-to-day running of the library.

The variety of our work means that no two days are the same. We get huge job satisfaction from helping everyone who comes through our doors, and you could too! Saturday 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.

Qualifications

• 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.
• 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.

Horsham is a busy, friendly library in a spacious building on two floors, right in the town centre close to shops and services.

Step inside Horsham Library with our 360 degree tour. 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.

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 at West Sussex Libraries.

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.