Library Assistant (Bookstack)

We are seeking to appoint a Library Assistant (Bookstack) to join the Reader Services team in the Weston Library.  You will be based in the Weston’s underground Bookstack, fetching and replacing books/manuscripts on request, handling reader orders from offsite, as well as undertaking collection care and stock control projects.  As required, you will also undertake a range of library duties associated with front-line reader services, including issuing books/manuscripts from the Reserve to readers, dealing with book supply problems, answering staff and readers’ queries, advising on the scope and extent of collections, invigilation, applying library and copyright rules and regulations. 

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.

Due to the nature of this post, the successful candidate will be required to undertake a satisfactory Basic Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) as you will be handling the Special Collection material.

About You

You will be educated to GCSE grades A-C or equivalent, have a strong customer focus, be reliable and punctual, and able to work under pressure.  Teamwork, accuracy, and good IT skills are also essential.  Previous experience in academic libraries, especially in a special collections environment, and a familiarity with SOLO/ALEPH and library databases are desirable.

What We Offer

As an employer, we genuinely care about our employees’ wellbeing and this is reflected in the range of benefits that we offer including:

• An excellent contributory pension scheme
• 38 days of annual leave
• A comprehensive range of childcare services
• Family leave schemes
• Cycle loan scheme
• Discounted bus travel and Season Ticket travel loans

More information is available at https://hr.admin.ox.ac.uk/staff-benefits

Diversity

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.

How to apply

You will be required to upload your CV and a supporting evidence form using the attached template as part of your online application. Your supporting evidence form should list each of the essential and desirable selection criteria, as listed in the job description, and explain how you meet each one. CVs alone will not be considered.

We aim to provide a supportive working environment and are happy to discuss training and professional development opportunities. The Chair of this recruitment panel will be Gareth Jones, Operations & Book Service Manager, who can be contacted with enquiries relating to the role (gareth.jones@bodleian.ox.ac.uk).  General queries about the recruitment and application process should be directed to the Recruitment team within our Human Resources department (recruitment@glam.ox.ac.uk).

Only applications received online by 12.00 midday (BST) on Friday 25 April 2025 can be considered. Interviews are expected to take place on Thursday 14 May 2025.

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