Library Assistant

University of York Mumbai; Mumbai; On-site; INR 350,000 - 520,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of York Mumbai in Powai invites applications for the Library Assistant role within the Chief Academic Services Office (CASO). The successful candidate will support library operations, access to print and digital resources, and research support services on our growing international campus in Mumbai.

Responsibilities include cataloguing, circulation, subscriptions management, user assistance, and promoting reading culture and knowledge sharing across a diverse academic community.

Qualifications

• Master's Degree in Library and Information Science from a recognized university.
• 2–3 years' professional experience in an academic or research library setting.
• Awareness of digital libraries, information literacy, and scholarly communication, with a user‑focused service mindset.

Responsibilities

• Assist with acquisition, classification, cataloguing, shelving, and organization of print, electronic, and multimedia resources.
• Manage circulation activities (issue, return, renewal, reservations, overdue records).
• Assist in stock verification, weeding and annual library inventory.
• Maintain accuracy of the library catalogue, discovery systems, and institutional repository.

Skills

LMS management

Cataloguing & metadata

Databases & e-journals

Microsoft 365

Organization & planning

Communication

Patron service

Education

Master's Degree in Library and Information Science

Tools

Koha

LibSys

SOUL

Job description

University of York Mumbai | Powai, Mumbai | Full-time

About the University

The University of York exists for public good, combining academic excellence with social purpose. As a world-leading institution and a member of the prestigious Russell Group, we combine outstanding research and teaching with purposeful community engagement. The University of York's global reputation rests on its outstanding achievements in teaching and research and is one of only four universities in the UK - alongside Oxford, Cambridge and Imperial College London - which is both in the top ten in the UK for the quality of its research and has a gold ranking for the quality of its teaching.

The University of York Mumbai marks a significant new chapter in the global development of the University of York, a Russell Group institution recognised for academic excellence and public purpose. Located in Powai, North-Central Mumbai — at the heart of one of India’s most dynamic economic regions — the campus will bring York’s academic standards, student-centred ethos and global outlook to Maharashtra.

Opening to students in the academic year 2026/27, the University will offer undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in Computer Science (including AI and Cybersecurity), Business, Economics and the Business of Creative Industries — disciplines aligned to the future of work and global mobility.

As a founding professional services colleague, you will contribute to building systems, culture, and operational excellence from the ground up. This is an opportunity to help shape a new, research-led international campus by supporting high standards, enabling academic success, and creating an exceptional student and staff experience. We are seeking individuals who combine professional expertise with sound judgement, adaptability, and a commitment to excellence.

About the Role

The role sits within the Chief Academic Services Office (CASO), which oversees student services and external engagement—including industry and research partnerships, careers and placement, library services, and student wellbeing. The Library Assistant supports the Librarian in the effective delivery of library operations, resource management, and patron services. The role helps ensure students, faculty, and researchers have seamless access to high-quality print and digital resources, library systems, and learning spaces. It also supports research, information literacy, collection development, and scholarly communication, contributing to an enriching academic and research environment.

Key Responsibilities

Library Operations

• Assist with the acquisition, classification, cataloguing, shelving, and organization of print, electronic, and multimedia resources.
• Manage circulation activities, including issue, return, renewal, reservations, and overdue records.
• Assist in stock verification, weeding, and annual library inventory.
• Maintain the accuracy and accessibility of the library catalogue, discovery systems, and institutional repository.

Collections and Resource Management

• Support the Librarian in liaising with publishers, vendors, and online content providers to resolve access, licensing, and supply issues.
• Assist in coordinating print and electronic resource subscriptions, monitor database and learning platform usage, and support collection development in collaboration with faculty.

Library Services, Research Support, and Outreach

• Staff the enquiry desk, respond to queries from students, faculty, and researchers, and resolve or elevate user issues as appropriate.
• Provide first-line support for library systems and electronic resource access.
• Assist users with database searching, citation tools, referencing, and researcher support services.
• Assist in library orientation programmes and promote library services through various communication channels.
• Support reading culture initiatives, research awareness programmes, academic events, and knowledge-sharing activities.
• Assist with plagiarism detection, bibliometric analysis, and researcher profile management (e.g., ORCID and Google Scholar).

Accreditation, Compliance, and Reporting

• Ensure compliance with relevant UK / Indian / International Standards (as applicable)
• Maintain library statistics and records to support audits, accreditation, and quality assurance processes.
• Support copyright compliance, licensing administration, and related documentation.

Person Specification

Qualifications

• Master's Degree in Library and Information Science from a recognized university

Experience

• 2–3 years' professional experience in an academic, research or similar library setting
• Experience delivering user-focused service in a library or similar environment
• Awareness of emerging trends in digital libraries, research support services, information literacy, and scholarly communication.

Skills

• Proficiency in Library Management Systems (LMS) such as Koha, LibSys, SOUL, or equivalent.
• Sound knowledge of cataloguing, classification standards, and metadata standards.
• Working knowledge of databases, e-journals, remote access, and digital information resources.
• Proficiency in Microsoft 365 and other digital productivity tools.
• Strong organizational, communication, patron service, and problem-solving skills with the ability to work effectively in a collaborative academic environment.

Committed to a Diverse and Inclusive Future

We welcome applications from talented individuals of all backgrounds, irrespective of caste, religion, gender, sexual orientation, disability, age, or any other characteristic. We are committed to creating a workplace that reflects the rich diversity of India and the world, and where everyone has an equal opportunity to contribute to our shared success.

Selection Process

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. The usual turnaround time is approximately two weeks. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted as the process progresses.