Work Experience - Customer Advisor Library

About the role

The Dorset Library Service consists of 23 libraries alongside a 24/7 online service. The library teams work towards our mission to Inspire, Enable and Connect our communities through our services. We do this by providing access to books, information, and technology such as public computers and iPads and raising awareness of the service. Alongside this we deliver a wide programme of events and activities for all ages and provide a welcoming environment for all members of the community.

This role aims to give students an insight into the running of our libraries, learn new skills, increase confidence and support their decision making towards future careers. There are opportunities to engage with customers and support enquiries, which can range from locating stock within the library to accessing the internet and finding information. There will also be opportunities to be involved in planning and running activities that are part of our events programme such as Craft and Lego activities.

You will also be able to support with creating content suitable for our social media.

For this role you will work from Gillingham Library.

• Students in year 10-13

• Provide a friendly welcome to all customers using the library
• Help library users access and use: stock, information, computers, and other services
• Support customers using the Customer Self Service machines
• Undertake duties associated with providing a library service such as stocking displays and shelving
• Assist with events and activities within the library
• Promote services to customers

• Enjoy working with others as part of a team
• Enthusiastic and motivated to support the community
• Willing to develop and learn new skills
  willing to listen and engage with people

• Location: Gillingham Library
• Hours: Monday 10am - 5pm
  Tuesday 12pm - 5pm
  Wednesday OFF
  Thursday 10am - 5pm
  Friday 10am - 5pm
• Travel: Transport to and from the placement to be arranged by the student
• Meals/breaks: 1 hour lunch. Either bring a packed lunch, or you are welcome to walk into Gillingham to buy lunch.
• Clothing: smart/casual, suitable clothing for working in a library environment

• Follow all council rules and health and safety guidelines
• Take responsibility for your learning and ask for help when needed
• Follow instructions from your placement manager
• Attend work at the agreed times during your placement
• Stay motivated and make the most of this opportunity to show what you can do

• confidence: get used to the workplace and build your confidence
• new skills: learn new skills or improve the ones you already have
• networking: meet new people and make professional connections
• CV boost: show teamwork and customer service skills on your CV
• references: gain valuable references for future job applications
• share skills: use your unique skills to help our team