Job Description

We are recruiting for a Trainee Library Assistant



Our Trainee Library Assistant will ensure the efficient day-to-day running of the Library and Knowledge Services by providing high-quality customer care to Library users, and by taking responsibility for administering a range of activities across the full range of library services offered.



This is library work in a training capacity developing knowledges and skills in the field of library science and, as part of the training program, performing a variety of assignments throughout a municipal library system.

The main duties of this post are:

Assisting in the day-to-day running of the library service

Contributing to a wide range of library duties, commensurate with this post being a training role for graduate or post-graduate study in librarianship/information management

Administering OpenAthens accounts on behalf of local Trusts



Why Work With Us



You will be part of a small friendly team providing a high quality, innovative library and knowledge service (LKS) that enables staff and students to deliver patient-centred, evidence-based care in a timely and efficient manner.



This two-year trainee post offers experience in a dynamic library setting to complement a future graduate or postgraduate library management course, whether undertaken via distance learning whilst the post holder works in the Library or as a full-time course after the contract ends. If the post holder chooses to undertake a course, this would need to be self-funded. This post provides the opportunity to develop the skills, knowledge and experience in all aspects of library work in preparation for future study and a career in librarianship, or to test the waters to see if they would like to consider a librarianship career.



There is the possibility of this post becoming permanent.



Customer service



Work on the library enquiry desk, assisting users with information enquiries and providing advice covering the full range of library services

Responding to enquiries received in person, over the phone or via email

Support library users undertaking research and literature searches by advising on appropriate databases and locating clinical research

Provide assistance to users on library IT equipment, including straightforward troubleshooting

Provide basic inductions for new library members



Housekeeping tasks (Training will be provided on all library systems)



Administration of OpenAthens accounts for several local Trusts, including password resets and checking users' eligibility for access

Process registration forms for new library users and help maintain existing user records on the regional library management system

Process new items purchased by the library, including checking for reservations, checking accuracy of records, and security-tagging items

Library management system housekeeping, including book weeding and deleting old user records

Chase and monitor overdue notices

Administer inter-library loans by supplying items requested by other NHS libraries and processing requests for books and research articles from our users in a timely manner

Attend and participate in team meetings or any other Trust or regional meetings as designated

Monitor library stationery requirements and order/receipt goods as required

Provide clerical duties to support the library service, including scanning, sorting post, taking minutes of meetings etc.

Provide administrative support to any other areas as required

Tidying and checking shelves



Promotional activities



Promote use of library resources and assist in the preparation of library guides, information packs and induction packs

Help produce displays and other promotional material and contribute to outreach activities

Send welcoming emails to all new staff members

Help maintain the library website as required



Quality improvement



Help collect statistics and monitor use as part of a rolling programme of quality improvement

Contribute ideas for improving existing services or suggesting new services



This job description is not exhaustive. Staff may be required to undertake any other duties at the request of the line manager, which are commensurate with the band.