Job description
Coventry City Council’s Library and Information Service is a public facing service operating for the benefit of local communities and the wider city.
Providing services from the central library and 16 local libraries (3 of which are community led) Coventry libraries provide a unique 'cradle-to-grave' service bringing individuals and communities together.
Public libraries acquire, organise and provide access to a range of information and reading resources to meet the diverse needs of a community. We actively support independent learning and encourage reader development, also providing information on areas such as:
- Local and national government services,
- Learning opportunities,
- Leisure activities, and
- Local community news and events
We also play an important role in providing access to computers and the internet for those who are digitally excluded.
The Library Service works in partnership with local, regional and national organisations to provide a full and wide-ranging service offer. Partners include:
- Arts Council England
- BBC
- Department for Culture, Media and Sport
- Libraries Connected
- Public Health England, and
- Reading Agency
Libraries are uniquely placed to change lives for the better. They are busy and vibrant open spaces, not only providing access to books but also helping people to help themselves and improve their opportunities. By providing practical support and guidance, libraries play a critical role in enabling and empowering people to realise their potential, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds.
What is the job role?We are looking for someone to join our team as a Library and Information Assistant to support the work of Coventry Library Service, in providing a safe welcoming space for visitors to relax, read, learn, use computers, attend and participate in events on site or online.
In your role you will be ensuring a good visitor experience and will be assisting by providing information and signposting.
The main day to day duties of the role include:
- Answering public enquiries on a range of topics
- Answering queries and assisting visitors access Library stock in its many formats
- Maintain the welcoming atmosphere of our library spaces:- including keeping library spaces clean and tidy, creating eye catching displays and stock promotions
- Actively promote Coventry Library Service through face to face and online interaction. Encouraging positive involvement with the Service including providing information on things to do see and how to get involved in activities and events.
We are looking for someone with excellent customer service and communication skills, and a good knowledge of IT, who can also promote reading and participate in events.
The candidate may be requested within their working hours to travel to any Coventry Library location if needed as cover, sometimes at short notice.
Please note - only the Personal Statement in the Your Suitability for the Post section will be marked for shortlisting purposes. Candidates are asked to write a personal statement explaining their suitability for the post taking into account all the requirements on the Person Specification.
Stoke Library Timetable - 17.25 hours fixed term contract until 30th September 2023 Salary will be pro rata to the number of hours worked.
Monday 8.30-7pm
Thursday 5-7pm
Friday 4.30-7pm
Saturday 9-4pm (alternate)
For full details on the application process please read the attached document labelled 'Coventry City Council Application Process'.
Interview date Monday 6th March 2023
If you have any queries, please contact Rachel Speake on 024 7697 2679 .
About CoventryCoventry has a proud, innovative and creative spirit that throughout its history has seen communities come together to tackle problems and bring about real social change.
We are cutting-edge, challenging, youthful, vibrant and diverse.
At Coventry we are committed to excellence in everything we do. With around 4800 staff from a range of different backgrounds, our aim is to recruit and develop talented people who will focus on our customers, take responsibility, work together and find better ways of doing things.
To deliver the best services to our residents, we need the best people working for us to make a difference to our communities.
If you join us, we will provide a fantastic rewards and benefits package - to find out more please visit https://www.coventry.gov.uk/council-vacancies
Our ValuesIt’s great to know that you are interested in working with us at Coventry City Council. As a prospective employee, it is important that everyone who works for us is committed to our One Coventry values and shares our commitment to becoming a more diverse and inclusive organisation.
Our Values are: