Senior Library Assistant (Library Services & Administrative Support)

Gardens, Libraries and Museums (GLAM), University of Oxford; Oxford; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 25,000; Part time

Job summary

A prominent academic institution in Oxford is seeking a dedicated individual for a part-time front-line reader services position. Responsibilities include welcoming visitors, managing enquiries, and supervising library staff. Ideal candidates will have strong customer service and communication skills, as well as the ability to work under pressure. This role offers various benefits and aims to provide a supportive environment for personal and professional development.

Benefits

Contributory pension scheme

38 days of annual leave

Comprehensive childcare services

Cycle loan scheme

Discounted bus travel

Qualifications

• Strong customer focus and communication skills.
• Ability to work under pressure and manage workload.
• Punctuality and accuracy.

Responsibilities

• Welcome readers and visitors to the library.
• Supervise the library assistant on duty.
• Respond to enquiries and ensure security during opening hours.

Skills

Customer focus

Communication skills

IT skills

Teamwork

Education

GCSE level or equivalent

Job description

About the role
You will welcome readers and visitors, respond to routine and ad hoc enquiries, direct library users to appropriate services and collections, and provide security during opening hours through invigilation. You will carry out a full range of other duties associated with front-line reader services, including issuing, returning and renewing library material and equipment, administering reserve collections and room bookings, and act as the first port of call for any problems arising from these transactions. You will supervise the library assistant on duty, ensuring they understand and adhere to established library workflows and service standards, assist with identifying their training needs, and occasionally deliver ad hoc training sessions.

This is a permanent part-time post, working 18.25 hours per week, Mon – Wed: 8:55am - 16:00pm

About You
You will be educated to GCSE level or equivalent, have a strong customer focus and communication skills, and be able to work under pressure. You will be expected to manage and prioritise your workload on a day-to-day basis under general guidance of the Library Manager. Punctuality and accuracy, good team work and IT skills are also essential.

What We Offer
As an employer, we genuinely care about our employees’ wellbeing and this is reflected in the range of benefits that we offer including:
• An excellent contributory pension scheme
• 38 days of annual leave
• A comprehensive range of childcare services
• Family leave schemes
• Cycle loan scheme
• Discounted bus travel and Season Ticket travel loans

More information is available at https://hr.admin.ox.ac.uk/staff-benefits

Diversity
Our staff and students come from all over the world, and we proudly promote a friendly and inclusive culture. Diversity is positively encouraged, through diverse groups and champions, as well as a number of family-friendly policies, such as the right to apply for flexible working and support for staff returning from periods of extended absence, for example, shared parental leave.

We are committed to ensuring that our recruitment processes are inclusive and accessible. If you require the job description or any other materials in an alternative format, or if you would like to request any adjustments to support you through the application or interview process, please contact the recruitment team at [e-mail].

How to apply
You will be required to upload your CV and a supporting evidence form using the attached template as part of your online application. Your supporting evidence form should list each of the essential and desirable selection criteria, as listed in the job description, and explain how you meet each one. CVs alone will not be considered.

We aim to provide a supportive working environment and are happy to discuss training and professional development opportunities. The Chair of this recruitment panel will be Marija Babic, Library Manager who can be contacted with enquiries relating to the role ([e-mail]). General queries about the recruitment and application process should be directed to the Recruitment team within our Human Resources department ([e-mail]).

Only applications received online by 12.00 midday (BST) on Tuesday 26 August 2025 can be considered. Interviews are expected to take place on Thursday 18 and Friday 19 of September 2025.