Library Assistant - Guildford and Horsley Libraries

The starting salary for this role is £15,541 per annum for working 27 hours per week (two week rota) based at Guildford and Horsley Libraries.

Please note that the attached rota is subject to temporary or long term revision, when required, to meet the needs of the library service, including occasionally covering until 7pm.

Surrey is one of the largest county councils in the UK and has over 50 libraries across the county. Our library teams deliver a range of services to all members of the public. Times have changed from when all that libraries offered was to lend books and access to a reference collection. Now, in addition to lending books and providing a range of online reference resources, we also hold computer classes, Rhymetimes and Storytimes, and various other events such as Minecraft sessions and Code Clubs. We are able to offer a range of services including library services for the elderly or disabled.

We are looking for a friendly and enthusiastic person, to help us promote and deliver a first-class library service for the people of Surrey.

Educated to GCSE level or equivalent, the successful applicant will have good computer skills, with the ability to support library customers with MS Office and other IT applications. Library Network Assistants also deliver children’s activities including Rhymetimes and Storytimes, and support other library events, for example author talks and IT sessions for customers. In the absence of a senior member of staff they take responsibility for the day to day delivery of the service, and the building. They also support weekend staff, volunteers and volunteer activities.

We are looking for the following key skills from potential applicants:

• Knowledge of using Microsoft Office packages
• Ability to use initiative and work under pressure with accuracy
• A basic understanding of working in a library
• Ability to manage time and workload
• Positive working attitude towards training and development

To be shortlisted to interview for this position your application will clearly evidence:

• Experience of working within a customer service environment
• An ability to work effectively under pressure in a busy multi-tasking environment, independently as well as part of a team
• An interest in, and an enthusiasm for, books and reading, information delivery, and virtual services
• Flexibility towards work patterns

If you thrive on variety, have excellent customer care and communication skills, and are willing to have a go at a wide range of tasks, you will find this an enjoyable and satisfying role.

Although based at Guildford Library, you will also work regularly at Horsley Library, which is in the same sub-cluster, and will travel to other locations to support the wider library network as required. There are no staff parking facilities at libraries in Surrey, however there are pay and display car parks close to most locations. If using public transport, please check what options are available for you to travel to individual locations, and when making your application, consider your travel costs and arrangements.

For more information about these libraries please visit our website.

At Surrey, our values and behaviours are just as important as our skills and abilities. They shape who we are as an organisation. Find out more about the values we follow.

The job advert closes at 23:59 on 27/11/2022.

Interviews will take place week commencing 28/11/2022.

Contact Details

For an informal discussion please contact Christine Whyte on 07968834654 or by e-mail at christine.whyte@surreycc.gov.uk.

To be shortlisted for interview your CV and personal statement of no more than 800 words will clearly evidence how your skills and experiences match our job description.

We look forward to receiving your application, please click on the apply online button below to submit.

Benefits

From flexible working to job sharing (where possible) we are committed to providing a healthy work life balance. A laptop and mobile will be supplied if applicable to your role. You will benefit from 26 days annual leave (pro rated for part time staff), rising to 28 days after 2 years' service, a generous local government salary related pension, as well as the option to join our car lease scheme. For more information about the wide variety of benefits you can take advantage of please visit MyBenefits for Surrey County Council staff.

Our Commitment

Surrey County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We want to be an inclusive and diverse employer of first choice reflecting the community we serve and particularly welcome applications from all under represented groups.