Job Description

Purpose of the role

We are seeking a new team member to help bring ZSL's world-renowned Library and Archives to life for staff, students, Fellows, and visitors. As our Reading Room Assistant, you'll be at the heart of the action on Library open days (Tuesday - Thursday), offering frontline support to the Acting Librarian and Archivist.



From welcoming readers into our historic Reading Room to handling fascinating enquiries about everything from rare books and archival treasures to modern journals, artworks, and photographs, you'll play a key role in connecting people with ZSL's remarkable collections.



If you're passionate about knowledge, curious by nature, and excited to support a vibrant research community, this role puts you right where discovery happens.


This is a 12-month fixed-term contract, offered on a part-time basis of 22.5 hours per week, Tuesday to Thursday, with a pro-rata salary of 16,226.82.

Key responsibilities:

Reading Room Support:

Supporting visitors to ZSL's Library Reading Room, including arrivals and check-in, recording Library use, handling book loans and returns, assisting visitors in making effective use of the Library, explaining catalogue use, and keeping the space tidy.

Data & Reporting:

Compiling monthly statistics for inclusion in monthly and annual reports.

Enquiry Management:

Handling email enquiries and forwarding specialist queries to the appropriate staff members.

Tour Administration:

Managing registrations for Library and Archives tours.

Public Engagement Support:

Assisting the Acting Librarian and Archivist with tours and wider public engagement activities.

About You

Educated to at least A-level (or equivalent). A genuine interest in libraries, archives, records, or information management. Experience working in a customer-facing environment. Confident and clear communicator, both verbally and in writing. Strong awareness of good customer service and the ability to support a diverse range of users. Collaborative team player, committed to helping deliver an effective Library and information service. Comfortable with the physical aspects of the role, including lifting and carrying library materials and pushing trolleys.

This role is subject to standard pre-employment checks, including the candidate's right to work in the UK.



We strongly encourage applications from all backgrounds and celebrate the value of having a team of employees with diverse skills, experiences, and heritage. We are committed to ensuring our teams can bring their authentic selves to work without fear of discrimination. ZSL has active equality networks for our staff with lived experience and those who provide active allyship in Race and Culture, Team Pride, Disability Network, and Menopause Network, complemented by our strategic EDI Steering Group.

About Us

We're ZSL, an international conservation charity. Through our unrivalled animal experts in our two zoos (London Zoo and Whipsnade Zoo), the work of our pioneering scientists, our dedicated conservationists, our purpose is to inspire, inform and empower people to stop wild animals going extinct. Our vision is a world where wildlife thrives and we're working every day to achieve this. From investigating the health threats facing animals, to helping people and wildlife live alongside each other, we are committed to bringing wildlife back from the brink of extinction.

What do we offer?

At ZSL, we are proud of our approach to employee benefits. Our benefits include:
Purpose driven work - join an organisation where every role contributes to creating a world where wildlife thrives. Pension scheme - we offer a generous pension scheme with up to 12% contributory pension. Holidays - 25 days annual leave allowance, plus UK bank holidays (increasing with milestone anniversaries). Access to ZSL's staff Equality Networks -Race & Culture, Team Pride, Disability, and Menopause, supporting an inclusive and welcoming workplace for those with lived experience. Wellbeing - access to a blended programme of wellbeing initiatives, including confidential access to our 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme. Life assurance - eligible employees will be enrolled in ZSL's life assurance scheme from their first day. Complimentary tickets - annual allocation of Whipsnade Zoo and London Zoo tickets, with a 30% discount in online and retail shops. Cycle2Work - our cycle to work scheme enables you to lease a bicycle. Season ticket loan - we offer an interest free loan for eligibly London-based employees to buy a season ticket for travel between home and work. Family friendly policies - we offer enhanced maternity, paternity, and adoption packages.
NB: We reserve the right to close our advertisement early or extend the advertising date until a suitable candidate has been found.