
Library Assistant - Manchester (Evening and weekends)
- Manchester
- Permanent
- Part-time
- 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 books 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).
- Ability to use standard digital tools (Microsoft Office, email, web browsers).
- 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.
- Attention to detail.
- Accurate shelving, cataloguing, and maintenance of resources.
- Familiarity with library management software (e.g. Koha, Alma, Sierra and FOLIO) 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 students and students who speak English as an additional language.
- 25 days annual leave, plus 8 public holidays
- 1-day extra leave per year of service, up to a maximum of 5 days
- Workplace pension scheme
- Tuition reimbursement for career development courses
- Flexible Benefits: Cycle to Work, Workplace Nursery, Techscheme and much more
- Perks@Work discounts platform, wellbeing centre and much more
- Reward and recognition programme
- £500 award employee referral scheme
- Discretionary annual performance bonus