Senior Library Assistant

North East Ambition; Gateshead; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 29,000; Part time

Job summary

A public service organization in Gateshead is seeking a Senior Library Assistant to support library operations across multiple locations. The role involves supervising staff, engaging the community, delivering events, and providing IT support. Applicants should have a strong knowledge of books, excellent communication skills, and possess GCSEs in English and Maths. This is a permanent part-time position with a competitive salary and benefits including generous annual leave and pension contributions.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Outstanding pension contributions

Access to health and wellbeing support

Cycle to work scheme

Discounted leisure facilities

VIVUP benefits platform

Qualifications

• Experience of public libraries or a similar environment.
• Commitment to delivering an excellent level of customer care.
• Ability to engage with customers of all ages.

Responsibilities

• Support the delivery of library and heritage services engaging with customers.
• Develop and deliver promotional library events and activities.
• Supervise library assistants and manage day-to-day service operations.
• Provide IT support and assistance to library users with complex needs.

Skills

Knowledge of books and reading

Excellent communication skills

Competent IT skills

Education

GCSEs in English and Maths at Grade A-C or 9-4 (or equivalent)

Job description

Senior Library Assistant – Gateshead Libraries & Heritage Service

We’re looking for a Senior Library Assistant (Grade E, 22 hours). Interested?

About the role

We are looking to recruit an enthusiastic, motivated and friendly Senior Library Assistant to work in our network of libraries in Gateshead Libraries & Heritage Service. The contract is permanent and for 22 hours per week. Senior Library Assistants are appointed to the service and could be asked to work in any of our 8 libraries. Our teams are based geographically into west, east and central areas and your time could be split across three different libraries. The role will include evening working til 7pm one day a week, and alternate Saturdays until 1pm.

Responsibilities

• Support the delivery of the full range of library and heritage services from within library buildings and across the wider community, engaging with customers of all ages to promote reading and borrowing of books.
• Develop and deliver promotional library events and activities as part of the team including class visits, rhymetime, and creative sessions.
• Supervise library assistants and work as part of a team to deliver an effective day to day service. Lone‑work for short periods and be responsible for opening and locking library buildings.
• Regularly provide IT support and information to library users and signpost them to other services as relevant. Assist library users presenting with complex needs and occasionally deal with challenging behaviour.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of books and reading, and experience of public libraries or a similar environment.
• Excellent communication skills by phone, email and in person, and a commitment to delivering an excellent level of customer care.
• Competent IT skills, including use of internet, email and Microsoft Office programs.
• Hold GCSEs in English and Maths at Grade A‑C or 9‑4 (or equivalent).

Benefits

Competitive salary of £26,824 to £28,142 per annum (pro rata to 22 hours). Outstanding employer contribution to your pension. Annual leave entitlement starting at 28 days per year (pro‑rata for part‑time employees) rising to 32, 2 of which may be fixed by the council at any time. Chance to buy up to 10 additional holidays per year. Robust Workforce Development offer with opportunities for learning. Access to health and wellbeing support, cycle to work scheme, discounted leisure facilities, and the VIVUP benefits platform.

How to apply

We’re delighted that you want to come and work with us. Please take a look at the full job profile. It’s important that you read it in full and ensure that you meet the essential criteria, because when we start selecting candidates we’ll be checking they meet the essential criteria as set out in the job profile.

For an informal discussion or if you need any assistance, please contact Sarah Allton on 0191 433 4697 or [e-mail].