SLLC 5671 - Library Assistant

South Lanarkshire Council; Rutherglen; On-site; GBP 19,000 - 20,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension scheme

AVC option

33 days annual leave

Public holidays - up to 10 days

Sick pay

Flexible working

Employee discounts

Job summary

South Lanarkshire Leisure and Culture SCIO is seeking a friendly Library Assistant to support daily library operations at Rutherglen Library. You will welcome visitors, assist with borrowing, digital services, and reading recommendations, creating a welcoming community hub.

The role focuses on customer service, reading engagement, and helping people access information, with 21 hours per week across specified days. The position may involve manual handling and events support.

Qualifications

• Experience working with the public in a customer‑focused environment.
• Good computer skills and evidence of digital literacy.
• Clear and confident communication skills.
• An enthusiastic, proactive attitude and a genuine interest in reading.
• Reliability, attention to detail, and accurate handling of cash.
• A positive, adaptable attitude and willingness to learn.

Responsibilities

• Provide a warm and helpful first point of contact for all library users.
• Assist customers with borrowing, returning, and reserving library materials.
• Offer guidance on digital resources, computers, printing, and online services.
• Support readers in choosing books and promote new or recommended titles.
• Encourage reading through reader-development activities, promotions, and events.
• Maintain tidy, attractive shelves and displays throughout the library.
• Handle enquiries in person, online, and by phone in a friendly, professional manner.
• Carry out cash handling for library transactions accurately.
• Contribute to library events, activities, and community programmes.

Skills

Customer service

Digital literacy

Communication skills

Reading enthusiasm

Cash handling

Adaptability

Job description

Description

Please ensure that you read the full advert text and do not submit a CV, as these will be disregarded as they do not form part of SLLC application process. If you require to submit additional information to support your application, please upload this under supporting documents. Internal applicants must apply via Opportunity Marketplace.

Job Description

Location: Rutherglen Library, 163 Main Street, Rutheglen

Number of posts: 1

Hours: 21 hours per week

Work Pattern: Monday, Wednesday 9am - 5pm (1hour unpaid break)

Work Pattern: Thursday 1pm - 8pm (30 minutes paid break)

Salary/Hourly Rate: £13.80 - £14.83 per hour

Duration: Fixed Term until 31 December 2027

Job Profile: Click here to view

Join our team and help make a difference in your community.

We are looking for a friendly, motivated, and customer‑focused Library Assistant to support the daily running of our library service and deliver an excellent experience for all visitors.

As a Library Assistant, you will be the welcoming face of the library—helping customers access our services, discover new books, use digital resources, and enjoy the library as a safe and inclusive community space. You’ll play an active role in creating a positive atmosphere, supporting events, and promoting a love of reading.

What You’ll Do

• Provide a warm and helpful first point of contact for all library users
• Assist customers with borrowing, returning, and reserving library materials
• Offer guidance on digital resources, computers, printing, and online services
• Support readers in choosing books and promote new or recommended titles
• Encourage reading through reader‑development activities, promotions, and events
• Maintain tidy, attractive shelves and displays throughout the library
• Handle enquiries in person, online, and by phone in a friendly, professional manner
• Carry out cash handling for library transactions accurately
• Contribute to library events, activities, and community programmes

We are looking for someone who can demonstrate a genuine enthusiasm for books, reading, and community engagement.

What You’ll Bring

• Experience working with the public in a customer‑focused environment
• Good computer skills and evidence of digital literacy
• Clear and confident communication skills
• An enthusiastic, proactive attitude and a genuine interest in reading
• Reliability, attention to detail, and accurate handling of cash
• A positive, adaptable attitude and willingness to learn

Why join us?

You’ll be part of a supportive team that values creativity, community, and lifelong learning. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys working with people, cares about access to information, and wants to contribute to a welcoming community service.

Please note this post will involve manual handling, including shelving and moving stock.

Overseas Criminal Records Check

An Overseas Criminal Records Check is required where applicants born outside the UK (Scotland, England, Wales and Northern Ireland) or who have lived or worked outside the UK for a continuous period of twelve months in the past 10 years.

Applicants are responsible for providing evidence of the Overseas Criminal Record Check. The check must be translated into English and should come from the police, judicial authority, government department or home embassy of the country or countries concerned. The check must include an official statement confirming that the applicant does not have any history of or pending criminal record proceedings. Checks may be carried out to authenticate the documents provided.

Equal Opportunities and Inclusion statement

South Lanarkshire Leisure and Culture is committed to fostering equality, diversity and inclusion in its workforce. Therefore, we welcome applications from all sectors of the community, including under‑represented groups within our workforce. We are keen to receive applications from candidates who have a disability, who are from a care experienced background, who are from a black, Asian or minority ethnic background, from a military service background and from those who are new Scots. As a Disability Confident employer, we guarantee an interview to all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria as outlined in the job profile for this position.

As proud holders of the UK Armed Forces Covenant Gold Award, South Lanarkshire Leisure and Culture is also committed to supporting members of the armed forces community, including service leavers, veterans, reservists and their families. In line with this commitment, service leavers, their close family members, veterans and reservists will be guaranteed an interview if they meet the essential criteria as outlined in the job profile.

Benefits

As an employee of South Lanarkshire Leisure and Culture SCIO, you would also receive a wide range of benefits including:

• Enrolment in award winning local government pension scheme
• To increase the value of their pension pot, employees can opt to join the Salary Sacrifice Shared Cost AVC scheme.
• Up to 33 days annual leave which will be calculated into hours on commencement of the role.
• Public holiday entitlement (up to 10 days)
• Occupational sick pay
• Family friendly policies - flexible working and leave, maternity/paternity leave, enhanced leave
• Employee Discounts – including discounts at the cinema
• Range of benefits to support you (Cycle to Work Scheme, Physiotherapy, Employee Assistance Program which offers practical and emotional support)