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Library Assistant Belfast City (4 Posts)

Location:
Belfast City Area
Salary Range:
£24,790 - £25,183 (NJC points 5-6)
Working Hours Per Week
see job description for details
23 May 2025
Vacancy Type:
Temporary - Part Time
Job Purpose and Information
Under the direction of the line manager the post holder will assist in the delivery of all library services. The postholder will be a member of a team of front-line staff providing library services to meet the learning, information, leisure and cultural needs of the local community.  
 

There are currently 4 temporary* part-time posts available immediately as follows:

  • Colin Glen 16hpw
  • Colin Glen 18hpw
  • Falls Road 20hpw
  • Falls Road 20hpw

*NB These are temporary posts, subject to review, pending the organisation and structure review and dependent on business need.  Please note these posts are for a period of 50 weeks and may be extended, made permanent, or terminated for any valid reason.

Libraries NI is seeking to create a reserve list of motivated and enthusiastic individuals for Part Time Library Assistant vacancies that arise in libraries in the Belfast City area during a 12 month period.

Libraries located in this area are: Ardoyne Library; Ballyhackamore Library; Belfast Central Library; Chichester Library; Colin Glen Library; Cregagh Library; Falls Road Library; Finaghy Library; Grove Library; Holywood Arches Library; Lisburn Road Library; Ormeau Road Library; Shankill Road Library; Suffolk Library; Tullycarnet Library; Whiterock Library and Woodstock Library. Applicants will be required to indicate library location(s) they wish to apply for as part of the application process.

Successful candidates will be placed on a reserve list for a period of 12 months and may be offered a temporary* part time (up to a maximum of 29 hours per week) Library Assistant vacancy as and when it arises.



Job Description:
Responsible to:      Branch Library Manager
 
MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Under the direction of the Appropriate Line Manager:
1. Assist clients to make best use of services and facilities through:
a. Handling client enquiries using print and electronic resources (eg books, CD ROM and the Internet);
b. Processing requests;
c. Helping clients to select and use all library resources and facilities;
d. Introducing and explaining library services, rules and regulation to new and existing clients and operating Libraries NI complaints procedure;
e. Registering clients.
2. Assist with the routine delivery of the programme of promotional activities to include school class visits, story time, user education events, special initiatives etc.
3. Assist with the day to day routine procedures and the delivery of client focussed library services in the areas of learning, information, leisure and culture to include:
a. Shelving, tidying, maintaining books and other resources;
b. Circulation e.g.: issue, discharge, and renewal procedures for all resources;
c. Operation of information communication technology relevant to the post.
4. Assist with collation of statistics and maintenance of appropriate records as required.
5. Play an active role within the team in ensuring that all services are provided to consistently high standards and comply with current library policy and procedures.
6. Provide the first response to comments and complaints from the public within the guidelines of the Library Services complaint procedure.

Staff Development

1. Attend and participate in training and staff development programmes in compliance with Libraries NI Staff Development Policy, including staff Appraisal.
2. Co-operate as required in the introduction, development and operation of any Information Communications Technology relevant to the grade.
3. Keep abreast of initiatives and developments within the library service.
4. Contribute to the delivery of training on routine aspects of Public Service Point work.

Premises and Facilities
Under the direction of the Appropriate Line Manager:
1. Assist with the maintenance of an orderly, safe and welcoming environment for clients and colleagues in accordance with Libraries NI Health and Safety policy.
2. Assist the line manager to ensure that all equipment is handled with care, maintained according to Libraries NI policy, properly secured and that the service point inventory is accurate and up to date.
3. Contribute as required to the opening and securing of premises and report any problems to the appropriate Senior Officer.
4. Implement Libraries NI policy relating to library charges.
5. Assist with the daily, weekly and monthly completion of standard forms and banking routines in accordance with Libraries NI policy.
6. Any other duties relevant to the grade as may be reasonably required by the Chief Executive or his/her designated officer from time to time.
Person specification/Terms and Conditions:
Applicants must provide evidence that, by the closing date, they meet the following criteria:
ESSENTIAL
Qualifications

1. a minimum of five GCSE/GCE O levels at grades A*-C / 9-4 or equivalent, including English and Maths or equivalent/higher qualification
Experience
2. at least one years’ experience working with the public in a face to face customer focused environment. 
3. experience of using current Information Communication Technology (ICT) for accessing, selecting and using information  
4. experience of working in a team environment.
Knowledge and Skills

5. good oral and written communication skills
Other Requirements and Constraints
6. able to work a mix of mornings, afternoons, evenings and weekends as required, both at base and in other service points as required.
7. have no criminal record which would prevent working with children and/or adults at risk.

The above essential criteria will be used for shortlisting purposes.  
If deemed necessary essential criteria may be enhanced and/or Desirable may be used for shortlisting.

NB: In addition shortlisted candidates will be expected to demonstrate the following essential requirements throughout the selection process.
 
Knowledge and Skills
proficiency in the use of e-mail and the internet to support people using online services/current technology
knowledge of books and reading, library resources in all formats 
good interpersonal skills 
Personal Qualities and Attributes
ability to work co- operatively in a team environment 
positive approach to customer (internal and external) service 
ability to prioritise tasks and work to deadlines
approachable and confident
tact and diplomacy 
open and engaging personality
flexible
Desirable
1. experience of supporting, contributing to or delivering events or activities
2. experience of providing a face to face service to a diverse range of the public, which must include evidence of working with children and older people, in a customer focused environment
3. experience of working in a public, academic or specialist Library
 
Where a competition identifies more appointable candidates than there are available vacancies, a Reserve List may be created in order of suitability for further appointments within Libraries NI. This may be used for up to 12 months to fill the same or like vacancies with a similar job description and personnel specification and on the same salary scale, normally within the same location/department without further testing of merit.
 
We are an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons. All appointments will be made on merit.
 
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
These are Temporary appointments. The successful candidate will be employed on NJC terms and conditions of service and membership of the Northern Ireland Local Government Pension Scheme is automatic for persons eligible to join.  Further information about pensions is available on the NILGOSC website www.nilgosc.org.uk 

Where applicable the appointment will be subject to satisfactory completion of all procedural and pre-employment checks.

Where applicable the successful candidate will be subject to a probationary period of six months. 

An unpaid meal break of 30 minutes will normally be taken by employees who are contracted to work four hours or more per day
 
Travelling and Subsistence
Travel expenses at rates approved by Libraries NI will be paid in respect of approved journeys necessary as an employee of Libraries NI.

Mobility Clause
The post will be located in an agreed location, or at any alternative premises as may be reasonably required and may be subject to change following consultation with the postholder.

Excess Fares 
If you are an employee of Libraries NI and in receipt of excess fares, this provision will cease on appointment.