Job Description

Department: Provost
Location: Greenford
Type of Contract: Permanent
About Us: GBS is a higher education provider offering a range of sector-relevant courses across ten campuses in London, Birmingham, Leeds and Manchester. Working in partnership with several of the UK's leading higher education providers, we deliver vocational, undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in finance, accounting, business, construction, tourism, healthcare - and more.
Our Vision: Changing Lives through Education
The Role: 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 is a full-time position for 40 hours per week with shifts on weekdays, weekends and evenings until 8:00 pm. These hours are subject to change with future library needs so please apply if you are flexible to work these shift patterns.
This role is not eligible for visa sponsorship!
What the role involves:
1. Circulation Services:

• 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.

2. Study Space Management:

• 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.

3. Student Assistance:

• 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.

4. Resource and Collection Maintenance:

• 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.

5. General Library Support:

• 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.

6. Flexible Campus Coverage and Scheduling:

• 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.

7. Promoting Library Services:

• 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.

About You:
1. Customer Service Skills

• Proven ability to deliver excellent front-line service.
• Friendly, approachable, and able to engage effectively with a diverse user base.

2. Classroom/Instructional Experience

• Experience working with students in a classroom or instructional setting.
• Confidence in delivering 30-60-minute library-in-the-classroom sessions.

3. Communication Skills

• Clear verbal and written communication, particularly in guiding students and explaining resources or policies.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with lecturers and other staff.

4. Organisational Skills

• Able to multitask and prioritise in a busy environment.
• Accuracy in maintaining records (e.g. loans, reservations, inventory).

5. Technical Competence

• Ability to use standard digital tools (Microsoft Office, email, web browsers).
• Comfortable learning library systems and basic troubleshooting for equipment like printers and laptops.

6. Adaptability and Flexibility
Willingness to work across different campuses and shifts, including evenings and weekends.
7. Teamwork and Independence

• Capable of working as part of a team while also managing tasks independently.
• Attention to Detail
• Accurate shelving, cataloguing, and maintenance of resources.

Desirable:
1. Library Systems Knowledge
Familiarity with library management software (e.g. Koha, Alma, Sierra) or cataloguing systems.
2. Experience in Academic or Educational Settings
Prior experience in a university or school library environment.
3. Basic IT Troubleshooting
Confidence assisting users with common tech issues (printers, logging into systems, using databases).
4. Promotional and Outreach Skills
Ability to promote services and events through posters, handouts, or informal marketing.
5. Interest in Education or Librarianship
Enthusiasm for supporting student learning and information literacy.
6. Multilingual or Cross-Cultural Experience
Particularly with mature students and students who speak English as an Additional Language.
What we offer:

• 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

"GBS has been a good place for professional growth. I have received great support from managers and colleagues who have encouraged me to develop new skills and take on more senior roles. Their mentorship has been invaluable to help me advance in my career."
-- Barbara Vargas (Professional Services Employee)
GBS is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and providing a workplace free from discrimination or harassment. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and communities. We take our core values seriously and work hard to create an environment where everyone feels welcomed.
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