Newham Council Hiring for Library Assistant Full Time

Job Description
Library Assistant

Stratford Library

£24,804 – £25,212 per annum pro rata

1 x 35 hours permanent

1 x 35 hours fixed term 12 months

2 x 30 hours permanent

About Us

Newham Libraries is an ambitious library service that plays a pivitol role in improving the quality of life of our residents. Prior to the pandemic the number of visits to libraries and the number of books borrowed were increasing year on year and are now bouncing back again. The service is well placed within the Council and works closely with Public Health and other services. Key priorities for the service are ensuring that our book stock is representative of and relevant to our communities; encouraging Reading for Pleasure for all; developing our Digital Lending offer; building on our innovative approach to the Summer Reading Challenge; developing our Under 5s offer; and delivering a high quality library offer. There are 10 libraries across the borough delivering a high number of opening hours and a large number of events and activities.

About the Job

Library and Senior Library Assistants have an essential role in delivering this ambition. They carry out a range of tasks including but not limited to: assisting customers with transactions; shelving of books and book displays; providing digital assistance and basic digital skills sessions; information provision and sign-posting; running or supporting events and activities including Under 5s storytimes; and promoting books and reading. On occasions Library and Senior Library assistants may also be required to support outreach activities or resident forums. As duty managers, Senior Library Assistants may be required to open and close buildings; take bookings and payments; oversee staff activity; and carry out cashing up / banking functions.

About the Candidate

The candidate will have excellent customer care skills and experience, will enjoy helping people and be genuinely passionate about the role of libraries in providing a range of opportunities for our residents. They should have libraries or similar customer focused experience, love reading and talking about books, enjoy STEM and digital engagement, have a good level of literacy, numeracy and IT skills, experience of running activities, and enjoy working with the public.

Please view Library Assistant Job Description

Closing date: 29th January 2023

Additional Information

We are committed to creating an inclusive, anti-racist environment for all. When you apply for a job at Newham, your application is considered on its merits regardless of your age, disability, ethnicity, faith, gender identity or sexual orientation. If you share our vision and values, and you bring the experience and skills we need, that’s all that matters to us.

The London Borough of Newham has important responsibilities for safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. If you are appointed to a job that involves working with these groups, you may be subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

Please attach your supporting statement, explaining in no more than x2 A4 sides why and how you meet the criteria for this role.

We practice anonymised recruitment. Please ensure that you remove all personal information from any documents that you upload.

The personal information we have collected from you will be shared with Cifas who will use it to prevent fraud, other unlawful or dishonest conduct, malpractice, and other seriously improper conduct. If any of these are detected you could be refused certain services or employment. Your personal information will also be used to verify your identity. Further details of how your information will be used by us and Cifas, and your data protection rights, can be found by https://www.cifas.org.uk/fpn .