15 University Libraries jobs in the United Kingdom
Executive Assistant - Academic Research Support
Posted 2 days ago
Job Viewed
Job Description
Key Responsibilities:
- Manage complex and ever-changing calendars, scheduling meetings, appointments, and travel arrangements for senior academic staff.
- Coordinate and prepare materials for meetings, including agendas, minutes, and supporting documents.
- Handle confidential and sensitive information with the utmost discretion.
- Act as a primary point of contact for internal and external stakeholders, managing correspondence via email and phone.
- Assist with the preparation of research proposals, grant applications, and academic publications.
- Organise and coordinate academic events, conferences, and seminars.
- Manage travel logistics, including booking flights, accommodation, and preparing itineraries.
- Maintain and organise filing systems, both physical and digital, ensuring efficient record-keeping.
- Process expense claims and manage departmental budgets as directed.
- Provide general administrative support, including photocopying, scanning, and data entry.
- Liaise with university departments and external organisations as required.
- Anticipate the needs of the academic staff and proactively address potential issues.
- Proven experience as an Executive Assistant, Personal Assistant, or Senior Administrator, ideally within an academic or research-intensive environment.
- Exceptional organisational and time-management skills, with the ability to prioritise tasks effectively.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) and calendar management tools.
- High level of discretion and confidentiality.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team, with a proactive and problem-solving attitude.
- Experience in coordinating travel arrangements and managing complex itineraries.
- Familiarity with academic research processes, grant applications, or university administration is highly desirable.
- A professional and positive demeanour.
- Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience preferred.
Senior Administrative Officer - Research Support
Posted 2 days ago
Job Viewed
Job Description
Responsibilities:
- Manage and coordinate complex administrative schedules, including meeting arrangements, travel bookings, and event organization.
- Serve as a primary point of contact for internal and external queries, directing them to the appropriate personnel.
- Assist with the preparation and collation of reports, presentations, and other documentation.
- Maintain and update departmental databases, records, and filing systems, ensuring accuracy and confidentiality.
- Support the onboarding process for new research staff and visitors.
- Manage procurement processes, including raising purchase orders, tracking invoices, and liaising with suppliers.
- Provide administrative support for grant applications and project management activities.
- Assist with budget monitoring and financial administration tasks as required.
- Contribute to the development and implementation of administrative policies and procedures.
- Undertake research and compile information as directed.
- Operate and maintain office equipment, ensuring supplies are adequately stocked.
- Provide general administrative assistance to senior management and research teams as needed.
- Uphold high standards of professionalism and confidentiality at all times.
- Proven experience in a senior administrative or executive support role, preferably within an academic or research setting.
- Excellent organisational and time management skills, with the ability to prioritise workload effectively.
- Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) and experience with database management.
- Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
- A proactive and solutions-oriented approach to problem-solving.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team, fostering positive working relationships.
- Discretion and a high level of confidentiality are essential.
- Experience with financial administration, budgeting, or procurement systems is desirable.
- Familiarity with research administration processes and grant management is a plus.
- Higher education qualification or equivalent relevant experience.
Senior Head of Development – Gardens, Libraries and Museums, University of Oxford
Posted today
Job Viewed
Job Description
The Gardens, Libraries and Museums of the University of Oxford house some of the world's most significant collections. Representing the UK’s first public museums and botanic gardens and one of Europe’s oldest libraries, our institutions house a collection of c. 32 million objects, specimens and printed items, promoting research, learning and enjoyment, and provide important places of scholarly enquiry. They serve as the front door to the wealth of knowledge and research generated at Oxford, welcoming over 3.5 million visitors each year.nA hugely exciting opportunity has arisen to play a central role in coordinating and leading our fundraising efforts across the GLAM institutions. It will require an exceptional person to build on the achievements of the past and shape the next phase of our philanthropic ambitions and outcomes.nAbout YounYou will be confident in your ability to operate at this leadership level and have substantial experience of working with leading individual philanthropists and trusts & foundations, to deliver highly successful income generating activities. Working in close collaboration with the GLAM Directors and Curators, you will identify opportunities and design strategies that will raise our ambitions and maximise philanthropic support. Leading a high-performing GLAM development team by example, you will work collegially with fundraising colleagues across the University and manage your own portfolio of donors with ease. Success in this role will therefore require an inspirational, inclusive and collaborative fundraising leader with experience of leading and motivating teams, and an imaginative and enterprising approach to achieving outstanding results.nExperience of the cultural sector is highly desirable, while a passion for Oxford’s mission and a desire to drive positive change through philanthropic partnerships are absolutely essential.nIn returnnYour happiness and wellbeing at work matter to us, so we offer a range of family friendly, financial and professional benefits, including:nOpportunity for hybrid workingnExceptional contributory pension scheme and salary sacrifice optionsn38 days annual leavenComprehensive childcare services and family-friendly leave schemesnCycle loan schemenDiscounted bus travel and Season Ticket travel loansnSubsidised University Sports Centre membershipnEngaging social groups and sports clubs beyond the workplacenUse of the student discount card TotumnMembership to CASE for advancement professionalsnAccess to a wide range of training and development opportunities.nWe are partnering with Richmond Associates for this search. To request a copy of the candidate information pack or to apply, please visit or contact them on or +44 (0) .nClosing date for applications is 10AM on Friday, 31 October 2025nInterviews are currently scheduled to take place from mid-NovembernThe University of Oxford Development Office is committed to having a team that is made up of diverse skills and experiences, and reflects the community that we serve. We encourage applicants from all sectors of the community and are especially keen to encourage candidates from under-represented groups to apply.
#J-18808-Ljbffrn
Senior Research Support Officer - Strand, London, WC2R 2LS
Posted today
Job Viewed
Job Description
The School of Neuroscience is UK’s 2nd largest Neuroscience school with over 500 researcher and 200 PhD students. It is one of three schools at the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience. We are ranked 4th in the world for the total number of publications in neuroscience, 4th for the number of publication outputs in top 5% citations in neuroscience, and 4th for top 5% citations in neurology.
Our academic and research staff are integral to our school. Their work is supported by a group of Professional Services staff members within the departments as well as at the school level. We support staff members requiring flexible working arrangements and reasonable adjustments. Upon consultation at the points of recruitment and onboarding, we will strive to provide the best adjustments for you.
We strongly encourage our staff to dedicate time to their professional development through training courses and participation in working groups and networks. We also encourage our staff to seek mentoring outside their direct line management. Mentoring, both via formal and informal arrangements, allows individuals to fully explore their career situation and development. Our weekly school circular regularly captures and promotes opportunities open to all staff
About the roleThe Senior Research Support Officer is based within the School of Neuroscience and will primarily provide high-level research administration support to two departments: Basic and Clinical Neuroscience and Neuroimaging, on the Denmark Hill campus.
The role holder will work closely with researchers to manage the end-to-end grant lifecycle and is responsible for overseeing and actioning pre- and post-award processes to ensure awards are managed in accordance with funder and University policies.
The role would suite someone who has significant experience within research grant administration, with good attention to detail, able to effectively manage their time and is able to build and maintain effective working relationships across the School, Faculty and University.
The role will provide individuals with a wide variety of experience and skills working across research administration in a large and complex School and Faculty, supporting the individual to progress their career within research administration across the University.
The post is hybrid with an expectation of 3 days per week on campus.
This is a full time role and you will be offered an indefinite contract.
About youTo be successful in this role, we are looking for candidates to have the following skills and experience:
Essential criteria
- Strong knowledge and skills of research support acquired through relevant posts, demonstrating development through progressively more demanding work/roles.
- Working knowledge and experience of grant management processes, systems, budget monitoring, HR processes, software, and regulations.
- Experience of Worktribe, Unit4 Business World and PeopleXD or other university equivalents.
- Proficient levels of numeracy and experience of budget management and costings.
- 5Relevant working experience of using Excel, Word and other Microsoft applications (e.g., SharePoint).
- Effective communication and interpersonal skills in order to receive, understand and relay complicated ideas or information to various groups of all levels.
- Effective at working independently, and as part of a team, able to take own initiative & decisions with minimal supervision.
- Exceptional organisational skills with an in-depth knowledge of a range of practices, methods and procedures to deliver effective and efficient support.
Desirable criteria
- Experience of managing staff, giving feedback on performance levels and providing training/coaching.
Downloading a copy of our Job Description
Full details of the role and the skills, knowledge and experience required can be found in the Job Description document, provided at the bottom of the page. This document will provide information of what criteria will be assessed at each stage of the recruitment process.
Client Support & Research Analyst
Posted today
Job Viewed
Job Description
Client Support & Research Analyst | London, UK | Competitive Pay & Benefits
Our client is a trusted provider of global securities reference data, helping clients across the financial services industry access accurate, timely, and comprehensive market information. With teams in London, New York, India, and beyond, they pride themselves on delivering excellent client support and building long-term re.
WHJS1_UKTJ
Research Culture Support Manager (Internal Only) - Strand, London, WC2R 2LS
Posted today
Job Viewed
Job Description
At the IoPPN, the second largest faculty of King’s College London, our staff and students work to transform care for people who are affected by mental health and neurological conditions, through world-class research, education, and training, and to serve our communities locally and globally. We are at the forefront of global mental health research and advancements in understanding of the human brain. Through our partnerships, we foster research and training in policy, prevention, treatment, and care locally and around the world. As a research-intensive faculty, fostering a positive collective research culture is imperative to ensuring our world leading research operates in an environment which encourages openness and collaboration. As leaders in our fields, we have a responsibility to promote and champion the tenets of research culture in all that we do, including staff development, open and reproducible science, CEDI and research integrity.
The IoPPN Research Culture Team, established in 2023, works across Culture, Equality, Diversity & Inclusion and Research Operations.
About the role:Working with the Senior CEDI Manager, Faculty Research Manager and Research Development Manager you will be responsible for continuing to drive Research Culture initiatives and activities across the IoPPN. As Research Culture Support Manager, you will create clear ownership, expertise and accountability for delivery of initiatives and improvements to Research Culture. You will also work with the King’s central Research Culture team and similar posts in other faculties to ensure King’s initiatives are communicated and embedded at the IoPPN and that examples of best practice are shared across the college.
If successful, you will champion positive research culture initiatives within the IoPPN building on work to date to identify, develop and disseminate case studies of best practice. You will build relationships with staff to maximise engagement in key research culture priorities and lead on the organisation and delivery of events that celebrate and educate Open Research practices and positive Research Culture. You will also review/monitor/evaluate efforts to improve research culture awareness and support and ensure cohesion across research culture initiatives to enable readiness for external assessment requests.
This is a full time post (35 hours per week), and you will be offered a fixed term contract for 16 months.
Library Assistant
Posted 3 days ago
Job Viewed
Job Description
This role has a starting salary of £12,526 per annum (pro rata to £25,052 FTE), based on an 18 hour working week.
We are looking for an enthusiastic and self-motivated Library Assistant to join our dedicated team. You will be based at Leatherhead and Bookham Libraries, you will also be required to work at Dorking Library.
Libraries are spaces for social interaction, learning and cultural experiences, acting as an economic enabler providing support for local communities and businesses. Surrey's libraries offer vital services to all members of their communities.
Rewards and Benefits
- 26 days' holiday (prorated for part time staff), rising to 28 days after 2 years' service and 31 days after 5 years' service
- Option to buy up to 10 days of additional annual leave
- An extensive Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) to support health and wellbeing
- Up to 5 days of carer's leave per year
- Paternity, adoption and dependents leave
- A generous local government salary related pension
- Lifestyle discounts including gym, travel, shopping and many more
- 2 paid volunteering days per year
- Learning and development hub where you can access a wealth of resources
About the Role
Surrey Libraries hold a unique place in our communities offering something for everyone, and no two days are the same. They provide universal access through a programme of reading, learning, digital, and health and wellbeing activities. Our vision is for our libraries to become hubs of the community that all are proud of. With excellent customer service at its heart, we need people who share this passion to become more successful.
Library Assistants greet each person with a positive attitude and resilient approach to any request. Customer service is at the forefront of our library service, making them busy, lively places to work. Flexibility, creativity, and initiative are key.
Your responsibilities will include:
- Helping with reading recommendations
- Creating new themes for book displays
- Maintaining, presenting, and processing book stock
- Leading craft events, Rhymetime, and Storytime sessions
- Engaging with schools to organise visits and class assemblies
- Assisting with or leading activities for both children and adults
- Lone working or single staffing at this and other libraries in the area
Shortlisting Criteria
To be considered for shortlisting for this position, your application will clearly evidence the following:
- Proven experience in providing or receiving excellent customer service.
- Evidence of observing or contributing to a community service that made a positive impact.
- Creative ideas for attracting more people to our libraries, aligned with the Surrey Way framework.
Application Questions
As part of the application process, you will be asked to upload your CV and answer the following questions. Please highlight your strengths and any transferable skills or experience:
- What has motivated you to apply for the Surrey Library Service? (150 words)
- Can you please provide an example when you either provided, or received excellent customer service? (150 words)
- Our libraries are a vital community resource. Describe an instance where you observed or contributed to a community service making a positive impact. (150 words)
- Can you name 3 things you would do to attract more people to our libraries and highlight how they align with aspects of our Surrey Way framework? (150 words)
If shortlisted for interview, you will be sent interview questions in advance. You will be asked to share an idea for a library event and be asked to read a short story.
Rota
Week 1 Week 2
Monday Off Off
Tuesday 09:00 - 17:00 (Leatherhead) Off
Wednesday Off 10:00 - 16:00 (Leatherhead)
Thursday 09:30 - 13:00 (Bookham) 14:00 - 17:00 (Bookham)
Friday 09:30 - 17:00 (Leatherhead) 09:00 - 17:00 (Leatherhead)
Saturday Off 09:00 - 13:00 (Leatherhead)
Sunday Off Off
This rota is subject to temporary or long-term revision to meet the needs of the library service. This may include occasionally covering until 7pm. You may be required to travel to other locations to support the wider library network as required.
The job advert closes at 23:59 on 05/10/2025 with interviews planned for 16/10/2025.
Local Government Reorganisation
Surrey County Council is preparing for Local Government Reorganisation which will allow us to implement the Government led policy of devolution, which is all about giving more powers to local areas.
Currently, Surrey has a two-tier council system, with 11 district and borough councils and a county council, all responsible for different services. All these councils will be reorganised into a smaller number of new unitary councils which will come into effect in April 2027. At this point, this role will be transferred, with all existing terms and conditions intact into one of the new unitary councils.
Join our dynamic team and shape the future of local government. Make a lasting impact with innovative solutions and improved services for our community. Help us build a brighter future for our residents!
Our Commitment
Surrey County Council is proud to be a Disability Confident Employer. A guaranteed interview will be offered to all disabled applicants where:
- The candidate has evidenced the minimum criteria for the role through their application
- The candidate has chosen to share that they have a disability on the application form
Our application form and onboarding process will provide an opportunity to request any reasonable adjustments for the interview and/or the role. We want to be an inclusive and diverse employer reflecting the community we serve and particularly welcome applications from all underrepresented groups.
Be The First To Know
About the latest University libraries Jobs in United Kingdom !
Library Assistant
Posted 6 days ago
Job Viewed
Job Description
This role has a starting salary of 13,917 per annum (pro rata to 25,052 FTE), based on a 20 hour working week.
We are looking for an enthusiastic and self-motivated Library Assistant to join our dedicated team. You will be based at Redhill Library, you will also be required to work at Merstham and Reigate Libraries.
Libraries are spaces for social interaction, learning and cultural experiences, acting as an economic enabler providing support for local communities and businesses. Surrey's libraries offer vital services to all members of their communities.
Our Offer to You
- 26 days' holiday, rising to 28 days after 2 years' service and 31 days after 5 years' service (prorated for part time staff)
- Option to buy up to 10 days of additional annual leave
- A generous local government salary related pension
- Up to 5 days of carer's leave and 2 paid volunteering days per year
- Paternity, adoption and dependents leave
- An Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) to support health and wellbeing
- Learning and development hub where you can access a wealth of resources
- Wellbeing and lifestyle discounts including gym, travel, and shopping
- A chance to make a real difference to the lives of our residents.
About the Role
Surrey Libraries hold a unique place in our communities offering something for everyone, and no two days are the same. They provide universal access through a programme of reading, learning, digital, and health and wellbeing activities. Our vision is for our libraries to become hubs of the community that all are proud of. With excellent customer service at its heart, we need people who share this passion to become more successful.
Library Assistants greet each person with a positive attitude and resilient approach to any request. Customer service is at the forefront of our library service, making them busy, lively places to work. Flexibility, creativity, and initiative are key.
Your responsibilities will include:
- Helping with reading recommendations
- Creating new themes for book displays
- Maintaining, presenting, and processing book stock
- Leading craft events, Rhymetime, and Storytime sessions
- Engaging with schools to organise visits and class assemblies
- Assisting with or leading activities for both children and adults
- Lone working or single staffing at this and other libraries in the area
Your Application
In order to be considered for shortlisting, your application will clearly evidence the following skills and align with our behaviours:
- Proven experience in providing or receiving excellent customer service.
- Evidence of observing or contributing to a community service that made a positive impact.
- Creative ideas for attracting more people to our libraries, aligned with the Surrey Way framework.
To apply, we request that you submit a CV and you will be asked the following 4 questions. Please highlight your strengths and any transferable skills or experience:
- What has motivated you to apply for the Surrey Library Service? (150 words)
- Can you please provide an example when you either provided, or received, excellent customer service? (150 words)
- Our libraries are a vital community resource. Describe an instance where you observed or contributed to a community service making a positive impact. (150 words)
- Can you name 3 things you would do to attract more people to our libraries and highlight how they align with aspects of our Surrey Way framework? (150 words)
Before submitting your application, we recommend you read the job description and our Life at Surrey handbook to get an insight into working at Surrey.
If shortlisted for interview, you will be sent interview questions in advance. You will be asked to share an idea for a library event and be asked to read a short story.
Rota
Week 1 Week 2
Monday 11:00 - 13:00 11:00 - 13:00
Tuesday 11:00 - 17:00 11:00 - 17:00
Wednesday 09:30 - 17:00 09:30 - 17:00
Thursday 09:30 - 13:00 09:30 - 13:00
Friday OFF OFF
Saturday 10:00 - 17:00 OFF
Sunday OFF OFF
This rota is subject to temporary or long-term revision to meet the needs of the library service. This may include occasionally covering until 7pm. You may be required to travel to other locations to support the wider library network as required.
The job advert closes at 23:59 on 12/10/2025 with interviews planned for 22/10/2025 and 23/10/2025.
Local Government Reorganisation (LGR)
Surrey County Council is undergoing Local Government Reorganisation, moving from a two-tier system to new unitary councils in April 2027. Your role will transfer with current terms and conditions to one of these new councils, supporting local devolution and greater powers for our communities.
Join our dynamic team and shape the future of local government. Make a lasting impact with innovative solutions and improved services for our community. Help us build a brighter future for our residents!
Our Commitment
We are a disability confident employer which means if you have shared a disability on your application form and have evidenced you meet the minimum criteria, we guarantee you an interview.
Your skills and experience truly matter to us. From application to your first day, we're committed to supporting you with any adjustments you need, we value inclusion and warmly welcome you to join and help build a workplace where everyone belongs.
Library Assistant
Posted 16 days ago
Job Viewed
Job Description
This role has a starting salary of 16,701 per annum (pro rata to 25,052 FTE), based on a 24 hour working week.
We are looking for an enthusiastic and self-motivated Library Assistant to join our dedicated team. You will be based at Epsom Library, you will also be required to work at Ewell, Banstead and Ashtead Libraries.
Libraries are spaces for social interaction, learning and cultural experiences, acting as an economic enabler providing support for local communities and businesses. Surrey's libraries offer vital services to all members of their communities.
Rewards and Benefits
- 26 days' holiday (prorated for part time staff), rising to 28 days after 2 years' service and 31 days after 5 years' service
- Option to buy up to 10 days of additional annual leave
- An extensive Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) to support health and wellbeing
- Up to 5 days of carer's leave per year
- Paternity, adoption and dependents leave
- A generous local government salary related pension
- Lifestyle discounts including gym, travel, shopping and many more
- 2 paid volunteering days per year
- Learning and development hub where you can access a wealth of resources
About the Role
Surrey Libraries hold a unique place in our communities offering something for everyone, and no two days are the same. They provide universal access through a programme of reading, learning, digital, and health and wellbeing activities. Our vision is for our libraries to become hubs of the community that all are proud of. With excellent customer service at its heart, we need people who share this passion to become more successful.
Library Assistants greet each person with a positive attitude and resilient approach to any request. Customer service is at the forefront of our library service, making them busy, lively places to work. Flexibility, creativity, and initiative are key.
Your responsibilities will include:
- Helping with reading recommendations
- Creating new themes for book displays
- Maintaining, presenting, and processing book stock
- Leading craft events, Rhymetime, and Storytime sessions
- Engaging with schools to organise visits and class assemblies
- Assisting with or leading activities for both children and adults
- Lone working or single staffing at this and other libraries in the area
Shortlisting Criteria
To be considered for shortlisting for this position, your application will clearly evidence the following:
- Proven experience in providing or receiving excellent customer service.
- Evidence of observing or contributing to a community service that made a positive impact.
- Creative ideas for attracting more people to our libraries, aligned with the Surrey Way framework.
Application Questions
As part of the application process, you will be asked to upload your CV and answer the following questions. Please highlight your strengths and any transferable skills or experience:
- What has motivated you to apply for the Surrey Library Service? (150 words)
- Can you please provide an example when you either provided, or received, excellent customer service? (150 words)
- Our libraries are a vital community resource. Describe an instance where you observed or contributed to a community service making a positive impact. (150 words)
- Can you name 3 things you would do to attract more people to our libraries and highlight how they align with aspects of our Surrey Way framework? (150 words)
If shortlisted for interview, you will be sent interview questions in advance. You will be asked to share an idea for a library event and be asked to read a short story.
Rota
Week 1 Week 2
Monday Off 9.30-5
Tuesday 9-5 Off
Wednesday 10-5 Off
Thursday (phone number removed)
Friday (phone number removed)
Saturday Off Off
Sunday Off Off
This rota is subject to temporary or long-term revision to meet the needs of the library service. This may include occasionally covering until 7pm. You may be required to travel to other locations to support the wider library network as required.
The job advert closes at 23:59 on 05/10/2025 with interviews to follow.
Local Government Reorganisation
Surrey County Council is preparing for Local Government Reorganisation which will allow us to implement the Government led policy of devolution, which is all about giving more powers to local areas.
Currently, Surrey has a two-tier council system, with 11 district and borough councils and a county council, all responsible for different services. All these councils will be reorganised into a smaller number of new unitary councils which will come into effect in April 2027. At this point, this role will be transferred, with all existing terms and conditions intact into one of the new unitary councils.
Join our dynamic team and shape the future of local government. Make a lasting impact with innovative solutions and improved services for our community. Help us build a brighter future for our residents!
Our Commitment
Surrey County Council is proud to be a Disability Confident Employer. A guaranteed interview will be offered to all disabled applicants where:
- The candidate has evidenced the minimum criteria for the role through their application
- The candidate has chosen to share that they have a disability on the application form
Our application form and onboarding process will provide an opportunity to request any reasonable adjustments for the interview and/or the role. We want to be an inclusive and diverse employer reflecting the community we serve and particularly welcome applications from all underrepresented groups.
Library Assistant
Posted 17 days ago
Job Viewed
Job Description
This role has a starting salary of 10,438 per annum (pro rata to 25,052 FTE), based on a 15 hour working week.
We are looking for an enthusiastic and self-motivated Library Assistant to join our dedicated team. You will be based at Ewell Library, you will also be required to work at Ashtead, Epsom and Banstead Libraries.
Libraries are spaces for social interaction, learning and cultural experiences, acting as an economic enabler providing support for local communities and businesses. Surrey's libraries offer vital services to all members of their communities.
Rewards and Benefits
- 26 days' holiday (prorated for part time staff), rising to 28 days after 2 years' service and 31 days after 5 years' service
- Option to buy up to 10 days of additional annual leave
- An extensive Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) to support health and wellbeing
- Up to 5 days of carer's leave per year
- Paternity, adoption and dependents leave
- A generous local government salary related pension
- Lifestyle discounts including gym, travel, shopping and many more
- 2 paid volunteering days per year
- Learning and development hub where you can access a wealth of resources
About the Role
Surrey Libraries hold a unique place in our communities offering something for everyone, and no two days are the same. They provide universal access through a programme of reading, learning, digital, and health and wellbeing activities. Our vision is for our libraries to become hubs of the community that all are proud of. With excellent customer service at its heart, we need people who share this passion to become more successful.
Library Assistants greet each person with a positive attitude and resilient approach to any request. Customer service is at the forefront of our library service, making them busy, lively places to work. Flexibility, creativity, and initiative are key.
Your responsibilities will include:
- Helping with reading recommendations
- Creating new themes for book displays
- Maintaining, presenting, and processing book stock
- Leading craft events, Rhymetime and Storytime sessions
- Engaging with schools to organise visits and class assemblies
- Assisting with or leading activities for both children and adults
- Lone working or single staffing at this and other libraries in the area
Shortlisting Criteria
To be considered for shortlisting for this position, your application will clearly evidence the following:
- Proven experience in providing or receiving excellent customer service.
- Evidence of observing or contributing to a community service that made a positive impact.
- Creative ideas for attracting more people to our libraries, aligned with the Surrey Way framework.
Application Questions
As part of the application process, you will be asked to upload your CV and answer the following questions. Please highlight your strengths and any transferable skills or experience:
- What has motivated you to apply for the Surrey Library Service? (150 words)
- Can you please provide an example when you either provided, or received, excellent customer service? (150 words)
- Our libraries are a vital community resource. Describe an instance where you observed or contributed to a community service making a positive impact. (150 words)
- Can you name 3 things you would do to attract more people to our libraries and highlight how they align with aspects of our Surrey Way framework? (150 words)
If shortlisted for interview, you will be sent interview questions in advance. You will be asked to share an idea for a library event and be asked to read a short story.
Rota
Week 1 Week 2
Monday Closed
Closed
Tuesday Off Off
Wednesday 10-4 Off
Thursday (phone number removed)
Friday (phone number removed)
Saturday Off 12-4
Sunday Closed Closed
This rota is subject to temporary or long-term revision to meet the needs of the library service. This may include occasionally covering until 7pm. You may be required to travel to other locations to support the wider library network as required.
The job advert closes at 23:59 on 28/09/2025 with interviews planned for w/c 6th October 2025.
Local Government Reorganisation
Surrey County Council is preparing for Local Government Reorganisation which will allow us to implement the Government led policy of devolution, which is all about giving more powers to local areas.
Currently, Surrey has a two-tier council system, with 11 district and borough councils and a county council, all responsible for different services. All these councils will be reorganised into a smaller number of new unitary councils which will come into effect in April 2027. At this point, this role will be transferred, with all existing terms and conditions intact into one of the new unitary councils.
Join our dynamic team and shape the future of local government. Make a lasting impact with innovative solutions and improved services for our community. Help us build a brighter future for our residents!
Our Commitment
Surrey County Council is proud to be a Disability Confident Employer. A guaranteed interview will be offered to all disabled applicants where:
- The candidate has evidenced the minimum criteria for the role through their application
- The candidate has chosen to share that they have a disability on the application form
Our application form and onboarding process will provide an opportunity to request any reasonable adjustments for the interview and/or the role. We want to be an inclusive and diverse employer reflecting the community we serve and particularly welcome applications from all underrepresented groups.