This role is 17.5 hrs per week, £37,108 - £40,166 per annum pro-rata.

About the role

This is an exciting opportunity to work as a Library Assistant in Imperial College Library Services. We are seeking applications from a broad range of candidates, including those who already have library experience, as well as people who have not worked in a library before but are interested in starting a career in libraries.

You will be based at the Chelsea and Westminster Campus Library, delivering a first-class library service to a diverse user base including students and staff from the Faculty of Medicine, other Imperial library users and members of staff from partner NHS trusts. You’ll be part of a small team who work closely with the other Imperial libraries to deliver high quality, efficient and effective library services that support teaching, learning, research and clinical care.

As a Library Assistant, you have an important role in ensuring all our users feel welcomed, supported and well informed. The role focuses on front-line user support and a high standard of customer care is required.

What you would be doing

You will be responsible for answering general enquiries, providing membership services and keeping the library operating smoothly and safely.

Some of the key activities include:

• Welcoming library users, assisting them (in person and via a variety of online platforms such as email and chat services) in the use of library services, resources and equipment, using initiative and expertise to solve queries and issues or triage to other staff as necessary.
• User Services activities including, the registration of new users, creation, and maintenance of user accounts, issuing and returning of books and other items, collection of statistics and ensuring appropriate user behaviour.
• Participating in shelving and tidying the book stock and carrying out other stock management activities such as withdrawals and stock checks, and inter-library loans.
• Keeping the library in good condition for both users and other staff by identifying and appropriately reporting or resolving defects, faults and hazards in library equipment or spaces.

What we are looking for

We are looking for a flexible and motivated team player, with excellent customer services skills, to support the smooth running of our library service.

A summary of the essential requirements (full list of essential criteria are listed in the job description):

• At least 5 GCSEs grade A-C, or equivalent qualifications.
• Experience of providing excellent frontline customer services.
• Confident user of a variety of software e.g. Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel.
• Experience of using a computer-based library management system or database that manages stock, customers or similar, to manage and maintain accurate records and workflows.
• Good interpersonal skills including an ability to relate to and support different users with varying needs, empathically and inclusively.
• Excellent oral and written communication, both face to face and via virtual or online platforms, to communicate effectively internally and externally to a variety of colleagues and library users.
• Ability to work with minimum supervision in a planned and managed way, while balancing workload with the requirements of the wider team or immediate user needs.

What we can offer you

• The opportunity to continue your career at a world-leading institution and be part of our mission to use science for humanity.
• Benefit from a sector-leading salary and remuneration package (including 41 days’ annual leave and generous pension schemes).
• Access to a range of workplace benefits including a flexible working policy from day one, generous family leave packages, on-site leisure facilities and cycle-to-work scheme.
• Interest-free season ticket loan schemes for travel.
• Be part of a diverse, inclusive and collaborative work culture with various staff networks and resources to support your personal and professional wellbeing.

Further information

• Part time, permanent position
• 0.5 FTE, 17.5 hours per week
• 17.5 hours per week Monday to Friday, comprising of 2 full days minimum, 9.00 – 17.00 and 10.00- 18.00. The remaining hours to be worked either a half day per week or a full day on alternate weeks. The contractional days, to be negotiated before the start date.
• This is frontline, site-based position and not suitable for home or hybrid working.

If you require further details about the role, please contact: Emma Shaw – e.shaw@imperial.ac.uk

Available documents