Library Assistant

Department: Libraries, Learning Resources and Information Services

Location: Greenford (On-Site)

Type of

Contract:

Permanent - Full-Time. Flexible shifts, including evenings and weekends

Our Vision: Changing Lives through Education

What We Do: Our Library Team supports our students and staff by providing access to academic resources, expert guidance, and creating welcoming, well-equipped spaces that foster independent study, collaboration, and academic success.

The Library Assistant plays a vital role in the daily operations of the library, providing hands on support to ensure a seamless and efficient experience for all users. This position includes delivering 30-to-60 minute library-in-the-classroom workshops to students in collaboration with Lecturers, facilitating book and laptop loans, managing study spaces, assisting students in locating and using library resources, and delivering general support to maintain a welcoming and functional library environment.

This role requires a commitment to working flexible shifts, including evenings and weekends.

This role is not eligible for visa sponsorship!

• Oversee the checkout and return process for library materials, including books, laptops, and other loanable resources.
• Maintain accurate records of loans, returns, and overdue items, ensuring compliance with library policies.
• Assist users in understanding borrowing policies and resolving loan-related issues, such as renewals or late fees.
• Monitor and manage study spaces to ensure they are clean, organised, and conducive to learning.
• Oversee the reservation system for study rooms and other library facilities, helping users book and access spaces as needed.
• Address and resolve any issues related to study space usage, promoting a respectful and collaborative environment.
• Be confident delivering engaging, interactive in-class library use sessions.
• Provide guidance to students on locating books, articles, and other resources within the library or through digital platforms.
• Help users navigate library catalogues, databases, and other tools to access information effectively.
• Offer basic technical support for library equipment, including computers, printers, and photocopiers.

• Assist in shelving returned booked and maintaining the organisation of library collections.
• Conduct routine checks to ensure resources are correctly shelved and easily accessible.
• Report damaged or misplaced items and assist in basic inventory management tasks.

• Provide friendly and knowledgeable service to all library users, addressing inquiries and offering support in a timely manner.
• Act as a first point of contact for visitors, ensuring they are directed to the appropriate resources or services.
• Support library staff with administrative tasks, event preparation, or special projects as needed.

• Rotate between multiple campuses, providing consistent library services across all locations.
• Work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, to ensure library accessibility for all users.
• Adapt quickly to the needs of different campuses and user groups, maintaining a high standard of service.

• Help raise awareness of library services, resources, and events through user interactions and by distributing promotional materials.
• Encourage students to explore the library’s full range of offerings, including workshops, digital tools, and research support.
• Provide feedback to library management on user needs and suggestions to improve service delivery.

• Proven ability to deliver excellent front-line service.
• Friendly, approachable, and able to engage effectively with a diverse user base.
• Experience working with students in a classroom or instructional setting.
• Confidence in delivering 30-60 minute library-in-the-classroom sessions.
• Clear verbal and written communication, particularly in guiding students and explaining resources or policies.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with lecturers and other staff.
• Able to multitask and prioritise in a busy environment.
• Accuracy in maintaining records (e.g. loans, reservations, inventory).
• Comfortable learning library systems and basic troubleshooting for equipment like printers and laptops.
• Willingness to work across different campuses and shifts, including evenings and weekends.
• Capable of working as part of a team, while also managing tasks independently.
• Accurate shelving, cataloguing, and maintenance of resources.
• Familiarity with library management software (e.g. Koha, Alma, Sierra) or cataloguing systems.
• Prior experience in a university, college or school library environment.
• Confidence assisting users with common tech issues (printers, logging into systems, using databases).
• Ability to promote services and events through posters, handouts, or informal marketing.
• Enthusiasm for supporting student learning and information literacy.
• Multilingual or cross-cultural experience, particularly mature…