Library Assistant Buckingham, England
Job description
The University of Buckingham has a unique atmosphere, unlike that of any other higher educational institution. Despite being the UK’s smallest university and the only independent university to hold a Royal Charter, Buckingham has staff from over 25 countries, making it a truly distinctive work environment. Whichever of our locations you find yourself working in, you will be sure to feel a part of our friendly community. Our size enables us to foster a very personalised, supportive, inclusive and collaborative environment, with lots of opportunity for development, something which we are very proud of.
The Corporate and Professional Services departments are the cornerstone of the University. They each provide essential and valuable support to both each other and the Academic departments, helping the University to function in the most efficient and productive way, ensuring that the students’ experience is second to none.
The University of Buckingham is looking to recruit a Library Assistant for our Buckingham campus to support our students, academics and other staff. The successful applicant will ideally have experience in Library work, be good at time management and confident working independently. Experience of working in a customer facing role is essential. The post also requires a working knowledge of Word, Excel, Outlook and Teams.
The Library Assistant will contribute to a wide range of activities that help support the University’s academic standards and enhance the students’ learning experience and promote the Library service. You will be required to work flexibly on a wide variety of tasks, including basic administration and finance, book ordering and processing, assisting with public events and exhibitions and social media posts.
You will work on our Issue Desks using the Workflows software to issue and return books. You will support library users with our self-issue machines. You will answer enquires in person, via email and telephone and provide advice and guidance on basic printing tasks and IT queries.
The role involves physical work such as shelving books and moving stock around the library. You will be required to assist with student inductions. You may be required to work an evening shift, weekend or on a Bank holiday.
You will report to the University Librarians and liaise with the Senior Library Assistant and help them in providing resources and services to the staff and students.
We know that sometimes people can be put off applying for a job if they think they can’t tick every box, but we are invested in our people and their development, so we encourage you to apply if you believe you have the majority of the skills and experience required and are keen to develop further!
What can we offer you?
We might be small, but we can still offer plenty of perks! In addition to an Aviva Pension scheme, we offer:
- Beautiful working environments across our campuses in Buckingham and Crewe, with plenty of space
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Christmas closure
- On-site gym and exercise classes
- On-site catering facilities
- University bookshop with staff discount (Buckingham)
- Free access to LinkedIn Learning courses
- Free on-site parking
- Excellent opportunities to network and continue learning across a variety of departments
- Nursery on-site at our Crewe campus
- Discount of courses for staff and their families
Informal enquiries may be made on Tel: +44 (0)1280 820369 or at email [email protected].
The closing date for applications is Monday 15th May 2023 and it is anticipated that interviews will be held on Friday 19th 2023.
Please note: if successful, any offer is subject to standard checks, including qualifications, eligibility to work in the UK on a permanent basis and DBS (if applicable)
Role Purpose
To work as part of the Library team to provide excellent customer service support to staff, students and other colleagues working within our libraries.
Provide assistance to library users in accessing and locating resources to support their learning.
Provide support to the Library services team and promote the Library service.
Skills & Experience
Experience and Knowledge
Education to minimum A level standard or equivalent
Enthusiastic and positive attitude with flexible approach
Previous Library experience desirable but not essential
Experience of working in a customer facing role essential
Able to deal with a variety of people in a professional manner
Good IT skills with Office 365, especially Word, Excel, Outlook and Teams
Manual handling and shelving
Communication
Excellent customer service skills
Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Ability to communicate confidently in a range of scenarios and at all levels
Liaison
Able to liaise with other professional services, departments and academic schools within the University and external organisations.
Able to assist students, academics and visitors to the University
Decision Making
Excellent organisational skills - able to prioritise workload
Initiative
Will need to use judgement on student’s loans, fines and other library related matters.
Suggest improvements in clerical processes
