TEACHING & ENGAGEMENT LIBRARIAN

Buckinghamshire New University; Sunderland; Hybrid; GBP 33,000 - 38,000; Full time

Job summary

A modern university in the UK is seeking a Teaching and Engagement Librarian to enhance information and digital literacy across the campus. The role includes planning engaging teaching, supporting library users, and collaborating with academic staff. The ideal candidate will have a relevant degree or experience in librarianship, strong digital skills, and a commitment to customer service. The position offers a permanent contract with a competitive salary and various benefits including hybrid working and generous leave entitlements.

Benefits

Generous holiday entitlement

Hybrid working opportunities

Training & development support

Contributory pension scheme

Discounted gym membership

Staff discounts with retailers

Qualifications

• Experience working in a library with effective management of enquiries.
• Knowledge of current trends in UK HE libraries.
• Practical experience in planning and delivering effective information literacy skills teaching.

Responsibilities

• Plan and deliver engaging library induction and teaching.
• Support library users in accessing resources.
• Lead engagement activities to increase library profile.

Skills

Digitally able and proficient in Microsoft tools

Ability to plan, organise and prioritise own workload

Excellent oral and written communication skills

Education

Relevant degree or significant relevant experience

Evidence of continuing professional development

Job description

Location: High Wycombe
Contract Type: Permanent
Salary Range: £33,951 - £37,694
Hours per week: 37
Closing Date: 23/01/2026
Reference No: 1923

Teaching and Engagement Librarian

Buckinghamshire New University (BNU) is an ambitious, modern university that values innovation, inclusion and high‑quality student experience. We are looking for a student‑focused Teaching and Engagement Librarian to enhance information and digital literacy across the campus.

What We Offer

• Generous holiday entitlement (30 days per annum, plus bank holidays & closure days)
• Hybrid working (dependent on business needs)
• Training & development support opportunities
• Contributory pension scheme
• Discounted gym membership for on‑site gym
• Range of staff discounts with major retailers

Job Purpose

You will work collaboratively with colleagues to design and deliver engaging and impactful information and digital literacy programmes to all members of the University, contributing directly to student and staff success. As Teaching and Engagement Librarian you will be a key liaison point between the directorate and colleges, representing Library and Archives at college and programme meetings, and supporting cross‑institutional projects.

Main Duties & Responsibilities

• Plan and deliver engaging and accessible library induction, information and digital literacy teaching to all levels of the BNU community, including face‑to‑face, blended and distance learning and production of asynchronous learning materials.
• Support all library users in their use of the Library’s resources, spaces and services, including managing complex subject enquiries.
• Consult with the academic community to share a mutual understanding of strategic and operational priorities and engage in effective liaison to support current teaching, research and learning activities, including supporting quality assurance processes.
• Lead engagement and outreach activities using a range of communication channels to increase the profile of Library and Archives beyond physical spaces.
• Develop methods to understand the needs of customers to inform decision making, budget setting and planning strategic priorities for the directorate.
• Prepare reports, gather, collate and analyse information to provide feedback from formal or informal mechanisms (e.g., NSS, committee meetings).
• Prepare, implement and monitor action plans in collaboration with colleagues across the University, in agreement with the line manager.
• Assist the Library and Archives Management team to implement changes in policy or practice, including proactive advocacy with colleges (e.g., reading list guidance).
• Work with the Content and Digital Environment team to carry out regular reviews of content and subscriptions in line with current teaching and learning needs.
• Contribute to the Library’s evening and weekend staffing rota.
• Work regularly at other BNU campuses as needed.
• Comply with relevant legislative and other requirements (e.g., Data Protection Act 2018, GDPR, Health and Safety, UKVI, Equality and Diversity).
• Carry out other duties temporarily or on a continuing basis as reasonably required.
• Supervise team members, providing motivation, direction, feedback, and ensuring adequate staffing cover.

Person Specification – Essential Criteria

Application (A), Test (T), Interview (I) markers indicate the stage for each criterion.

Education, Qualifications & Training

• Relevant degree (e.g., librarianship, information management, teaching) or significant relevant experience (A/I)
• Evidence of continuing professional development relevant to the post (A/I)

Knowledge & Experience

• Delivering an excellent customer experience (A/I)
• Experience working in a library including effective management of enquiries (A/T/I)
• Demonstrate a commitment to continuous development and improvement of services, collections and resources (A/I)
• Knowledge of current trends in UK HE libraries, including new and emerging technologies (A/I)
• Practical experience planning and delivering effective information literacy skills teaching (A/T/I)
• Experience of literature searching using appropriate resources and supporting others (A/I)
• Experience actively working as part of a team to deliver a shared objective, project or task (A/I)

Skills

• Digitally able and proficient in Microsoft tools (A/I)
• Ability to plan, organise and prioritise own workload and work effectively under pressure to meet deadlines (A/I)
• Ability to exercise initiative and solve problems (A/I)
• Ability to collate and analyse qualitative and quantitative data to identify trends and inform data‑driven decision making (A/T/I)
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, including the ability to present complex information to varied audiences (A/T/I)

Special Requirements

• Evening and weekend working on a rota basis (A/I)
• Ability to travel to all sites as required (A/I)

Behavioural Indicators

• Delivering excellent service – Building genuine, open long‑term relationships to drive up customer service standards.
• Engaging with the wider context – Enhancing contribution to the University through understanding of its values, students, customers and stakeholders.
• Developing self and others – Supporting and encouraging others to develop professional knowledge, skills and behaviours.

BNU is proud to have a diverse community and a strong track record of diversity, equity and inclusion. We are committed to promoting an inclusive and diverse workplace and encourage applications from under‑represented groups. We offer reasonable adjustments and support during the recruitment process. BNU is a Disability‑Confident employer.

Applications should be submitted online. If you are successful in securing an interview, you will be required to provide proof of eligibility to work in the UK.