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We’re looking to recruit a Library Assistant to join our Reader Services team, based in the Art, Archaeology and Ancient World Library (‘Art Library’) and Nizami Ganjavi Libraries.

The two libraries form part of Section 3 of the Humanities Libraries, which supports research, teaching and learning in modern and medieval European languages and literatures (Taylor Institution Library), archaeology, history of art and the ancient world (Art Library), and Asian & Middle Eastern studies (Nizami Ganjavi Library). We work co-operatively to provide services, so although you would be based primarily in the two libraries, you may work at the Taylorian at various times, and in exceptional circumstances, may be asked to provide cover at one of the other Humanities libraries.

As a Library Assistant, you will welcome and assist readers and visitors at the Issue/Enquiry Desks, helping with enquiries about the collections, services and facilities of the libraries. You will work with SOLO, the online library catalogue, and Alma, our library management system. Other duties will include fetching, scanning and re-shelving books, processing new material, and carrying out tasks in support of projects. You will also contribute to Bodleian Libraries central services such as Live Chat and ORLO (Oxford Reading Lists Online). You would be expected to manage and prioritise your own workload on a day-to-day basis, under general direction. You may be required to help train new staff members, and to act as a point of reference for Grade 2 Library Assistants. At all times, you will work towards providing excellent service to library users.

You will be educated to GCSE level or equivalent, with the ability to communicate effectively, confidently and courteously with readers, colleagues and the public. You will have experience of providing good service within a customer-facing environment. As your work will involve both PC-based tasks and supporting readers in using our online systems and resources, you will have strong general IT skills. You will also have the ability to work effectively as part of a team, and to work under pressure in a busy environment. Previous experience of working in a library is desirable, as is familiarity with/interest in one of the subjects or languages covered in our collections.

This is a permanent, full-time position, working 36.5 hours per week. It is expected that you will work 10:00-18:15 on Wednesdays during term time to cover later opening at the NGL (with usual working hours 08:45-17:00).

Within this role, there is a significant element of lifting, carrying and shelving books, pushing trolleys and using ladders and kick stools. You will need to be able to carry out these duties following safe manual handling practices, as instructed.

We provide a supportive working environment and are always happy to discuss training and professional development opportunities. The Chair of this recruitment panel will be Frank Egerton, who can be contacted with enquiries relating to the role ([email protected]). General queries about the recruitment and application process should be directed to the Recruitment team within our Human Resources department ([email protected]).

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.

You will be required to upload a supporting evidence form as part of your online application. Your supporting evidence form should list each of the essential and desirable selection criteria, as detailed in the job description, and explain how you meet each one. We will be unable to accept applications submitted without a CV and supporting evidence form.

Only applications received online before 12:00 midday (GMT) on Friday 22 September 2023 can be considered. Interviews are expected to take place on during the week commencing Monday 9 October 2023.