Weekend Library Assistant (Part-Time, Term-Time Only)

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

Job summary

A prestigious academic institution in Oxford is seeking a part-time Library Assistant for the Bodleian Law Library. The role involves welcoming readers, handling enquiries, and supporting library operations during weekends. Candidates should be effective communicators with a strong commitment to customer service and IT literacy. This position offers 16.5 hours work per week during term-time and is open to individuals seeking job share. Benefits include an excellent pension scheme and 38 days of annual leave.

Benefits

Excellent contributory pension scheme

38 days of annual leave

Comprehensive childcare services

Family leave schemes

Cycle loan scheme

Discounted bus travel

Qualifications

• Excellent communication skills for engaging with readers and colleagues.
• Strong commitment to customer service and punctuality.
• Good IT literacy, especially with email and applications.

Responsibilities

• Welcome readers and provide front-line support.
• Administer library enquiry desk and respond to enquiries.
• Carry out circulation tasks and ensure smooth weekend operations.

Skills

Effective communication

Customer service commitment

Reliability

IT literacy

Task prioritization

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

About the role

The Bodleian Law Library is seeking a Library Assistant to join the term‑time weekend team that provides the library’s reading room services.

The Bodleian Law Library is one of the largest academic law libraries in the country and supports the Faculty of Law and the wider national and international legal community. It provides access to extensive collections across multiple jurisdictions and subject areas.

You will welcome readers and visitors, provide high quality front‑line support, and administer the library’s enquiry desk procedures. You will respond to enquiries in person, by phone and online, help readers locate material using catalogues and e‑resources, and assist with IT equipment including reader PCs. You will carry out a full range of circulation tasks, administer reserve items, support document supply activities, and ensure smooth weekend operations including opening and closing the library.

This is a permanent part‑time weekend, term‑time only post (weekends preceding Weeks 1–9 of Michaelmas and Hilary Terms, and Weeks 1–10 of Trinity Term), working 16.5 hours per week. The working pattern is Saturdays and Sundays from 09:45 to 19:00.

• Hilary Term: Sat, 17 January to Sun 15 March 2026 (9 weeks)
• Trinity Term: Sat 25 April to Sunday 28 June 2026 (10 weeks)

The dates of full term for subsequent years may be found in the Oxford University Calendar: https://www.ox.ac.uk/about/facts-and-figures/dates-of-term

This role requires lifting, moving and carrying books and journals.

We welcome applications from individuals looking for a job share. If this is of interest, please indicate in your application whether you are applying for either Saturday or Sunday hours.

About You

You will be an effective communicator who can engage confidently and courteously with readers and colleagues. You will have a strong commitment to excellent customer service, be reliable and punctual, and able to undertake routine tasks with accuracy. Good general IT literacy, including experience with email and applications such as Microsoft Office, is also essential. You will be able to prioritise tasks in a busy environment, work well as part of a team and handle confidential material sensitively.

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. The supporting evidence form lists each of the essential and desirable selection criteria, as listed in the job description – please 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 Hannah Chandler, Official Papers Librarian, 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]). Please note that during the Christmas holiday period, email inboxes are unlikely to be monitored.

Only applications received online by 12.00 midday (GMT) on Tuesday 6 January 2026 can be considered. Interviews are expected to take place on Wednesday 21 January 2026.