Library Assistant (Saturdays)

We are looking to recruit a part-time Library Assistant to work Saturdays in the Weston Library reading rooms. This role will suit those looking to gain experience of working in a Special Collections library.

You will be part of the Weston Library Reader Services team, providing in person customer service to a wide variety of readers – issuing and returning books, answering enquiries, and helping library users to navigate our spaces and services. The role will involve regular handling of rare and fragile material.

This is a permanent, part-time post, working 6 hours on alternate Saturdays.

This role requires lifting, moving and carrying books and journals.

The successful candidate will be required to undertake a satisfactory Basic Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) due to the role involving access to rare and valuable special collections.

You will be able to communicate effectively, confidently, and courteously with readers, colleagues, and the public, with a commitment to providing excellent customer service.

You’ll have good IT literacy, and will work well as part of a team.

Furthermore, you will be reliable, and capable of carrying out routine tasks with care and accuracy.

Previous experience of working in a library (or similar customer services environment) would be desirable, but not essential.

As an employer, we genuinely care about our employees’ wellbeing and this is reflected in the range of benefits that we offer including:

More information is available at https://hr.admin.ox.ac.uk/staff-benefits

Our staff and students come from all over the world, and we proudly promote a friendly and inclusive culture. Diversity is positively encouraged, through diverse groups and champions, as well as a number of family-friendly policies, such as the right to apply for flexible working and support for staff returning from periods of extended absence, for example, shared parental leave.

We are committed to ensuring that our recruitment processes are inclusive and accessible. If you require the job description or any other materials in an alternative format, or if you would like to request any adjustments to support you through the application or interview process, please contact the recruitment team at [email protected].

You will be required to upload your CV and a supporting evidence form using the attached template as part of your online application. The supporting evidence form lists each of the essential and desirable selection criteria, as listed in the job description - please explain how you meet each one. CVs alone will not be considered.

We aim to provide a supportive working environment, and are always happy to discuss training and professional development opportunities. The Chair of this recruitment panel will be Nicola O’Toole- Special Collections Duty Officer (Saturdays & Bank Holidays), who can be contacted with enquiries relating to the role ([email protected]). General queries about the recruitment and application process should be directed to the Recruitment team within our Human Resources department ([email protected]).

Only applications received online before 12:00 midday (BST) on Monday 18 August 2025 can be considered. Interviews are expected to take place during the week commencing Monday 15 September 2025.