Senior Library Assistant

We are looking for an enthusiastic, customer service focused Senior Library Assistant to work at the Vere Harmsworth Library in the Rothermere American Institute, assisting readers in their use of the library. The Vere Harmsworth Library houses the University’s principal research collection relating to the history of the United States, the largest such academic library collection in the UK.

You will you have responsibility for the day-to-day supervision of library services and play a key role in providing a range of reader services and administrative support for reading list provision. You will contribute to the processes and procedures of the Vere Harmsworth Library and help train and support colleagues in the provision of library services.

You will be educated to A level or equivalent, and have experience of working in a customer-facing role in a library. You will have the ability to communicate effectively, confidently and courteously with library users, colleagues and the public. You will have excellent organisational and IT skills and you will have the ability to work independently using your own initiative and as part of a team.

This is a full-time, permanent position, working 36.5 hours per week (Monday-Friday). The role involves working on two evenings a week (11am-7pm) throughout the year, except for the summer vacation.

This role requires lifting and carrying boxes of library materials, pushing trolleys, climbing ladders and kick-stools in order to access some of the library’s bookshelves and to re-shelve materials. You may also be required to work on your own from time to time.

Our staff and students come from all over the world, and we proudly promote a friendly and inclusive culture. Diversity is positively encouraged, through diverse groups and champions, as well as a number of family-friendly policies, such as the right to apply for flexible working and support for staff returning from periods of extended absence, for example shared parental leave.

The annual leave entitlement for full-time posts is 30 days pro rata, plus bank holiday allowance. University employees are also eligible to join the relevant pension scheme for their role. Further information on the University’s staff benefits for both work and personal life can be found here: https://hr.admin.ox.ac.uk/staff-benefits.

You will be required to upload your CV and a supporting statement as part of your online application. Your supporting statement should list each of the essential and desirable selection criteria, as listed in the job description, and explain how you meet each one.

Only applications received online before 12:00 midday (GMT/BST) on Monday 26 June 2023 can be considered. Interviews are expected to take place in the week commencing Monday 17 July 2023.