Library & Information Officer

Closing date: 30/06/26

A Customer facing role based at Milborne Port Library.

Permanent, 5.63 hours per week based on a 2-week timetable.

• • Week 1: Tuesday 2-4.30pm
  • Week 2: Friday 8.45am – 1.15pm and Saturday 8.45am – 1pm.

Salary: Grade 14, ranging from £3,832 - £3,954 per annum for 5.63 hours per week.

Role summary

As a Library and Information Officer, you will deliver a welcoming, inclusive library service, supporting a wide range of customers, partners and organisations. You’ll respond to enquiries, help people make the most of digital and self-service tools, and bring libraries to life by planning and promoting engaging activities – all while working closely with volunteers to create a positive and rewarding experience.

What you’ll do - key responsibilities

• Deliver a high-quality, customer-focused library service, responding to enquiries efficiently across face-to-face, phone and digital channels; Act as the first point of contact, providing a welcoming front-line service to customers, partners and visitors; Resolve customer queries, compliments and concerns, using judgement to escalate issues when needed
• Support a wide range of information enquiries, from quick requests to more in-depth research; Promote and support the use of self-service tools, IT systems and digital resources, assisting those who need extra help; Help customers use library services and technology, including computers, devices, bookings and online resources
• Promote library services, resources and activities, including books, digital media and events; Plan, deliver and promote engaging library activities both in the library and the community; Inspire a love of reading and support customers to discover books and resources in all formats
• Support customers to build digital skills, working with partners and volunteers to deliver activities; Work collaboratively with volunteers and community groups, creating a positive and rewarding volunteering experience
• Maintain and present library stock to a high standard, ensuring collections meet local needs; Contribute to service performance by understanding targets and supporting daily operations
• Ensure compliance with relevant policies and legal requirements, including data protection and copyright; Work flexibly across libraries, including mobile services, as required; Support day-to-day operations, including cash handling, building setup and safety procedures
• Promote equality, diversity and inclusion, delivering services that respect and meet the needs of all customers

 What we’re looking for – knowledge, experience & skills

Essential:

• Able to share knowledge with colleagues, customers, partners and others. Co-operative and open with colleagues, sharing information and checking understanding; Demonstrates an ability to set up eye catching displays within the library in order to promote stock and activities. Able to use presentation skills to display Library resources
• 5 GCSEs (or equivalent) at level 4 (grade C) including English and Maths
• Copes with competing deadlines and is able to prioritise work; Adopts a flexible approach to support others including work experience placements and volunteers; Will work flexibly including evenings, weekends and is willing to travel between libraries
• Demonstrates excellent verbal and written communication skills with people at all levels. And is numerate; Demonstrates good listening skills and ability to check understanding
• Demonstrates ability to assess risk and manage conflict and/or challenging behaviour; Works with and supports a range of public service providers and community/voluntary groups; Able to respond to and work with colleagues from other teams, volunteers, partners or external organisations in a positive, proactive way to deliver service initiatives
• Provides support to team and prepared to take personal responsibility for premises and/or resources to meet local service needs; Develops and follows procedures and independently implements routine tasks accurately, consistently and efficiently. Must be able to work with minimal supervision and use own initiative
• Actively promotes Library services to all users via a range of communication channels. Able to use a variety of IT programmes, and digital medias to promote the vision and outcomes of the service
• Able to demonstrate a positive approach to day-to-day work; Able to remain calm and courteous in all situations; Ability to manage and embrace change; Takes responsibility for own learning and personal development; Able to be co-operative and open minded

Desirable:

• Demonstrates knowledge and awareness of the attributes and library needs of particular user groups and community groups; Promotes volunteering opportunities within the library
• Demonstrates creative thinking. Willing to think laterally to resolve issues

Additional Information  

• Regretfully, we are unable to offer sponsorship for this role. We are only able to proceed with candidates who already have the right to work in the UK without the need for visa sponsorship

For an informal chat about the role, please contact Paul Hawkings, Library Supervisor at paul.hawkings@somerset.gov.uk

A full job description will be provided to shortlisted candidates or on request. from Recruitment@somerset.gov.uk