Library Assistant - Belfast

Library Assistant

We are looking for Library Assistants for public sector roles in Belfast, Northern Ireland. These roles are temporary contracts with the possibility of extension.

• Pay Rate - £13.63 per hour
• Location - Belfast
• Benefits - 35 days holiday per annum
• Hours - Varied

Responsibilities

Provide frontline customer service, manage daily library operations, and assist users with finding resources. Key duties include issuing/returning materials, shelving, handling enquiries, and organising events. The role often involves a mix of day, evening, and weekend shifts.

• Assist clients in making best use of library services and facilities, handling client enquiries using print and electronic resources (e.g., books, CD ROMs, and the Internet).
• Process client requests efficiently and accurately.
• Support clients in selecting and using library resources and facilities.
• Introduce and explain library services, rules, and regulations to new and existing clients, including operating the Libraries NI complaints procedure.
• Register new clients.
• Support the routine delivery of promotional activities, including school class visits, story time sessions, user education events, and special initiatives.
• Assist with day to day operational procedures and the delivery of client focused library services across learning, information, leisure, and culture, including shelving, tidying, and maintaining books and other library resources.
• Manage circulation duties such as issuing, discharging, and renewing all resources.
• Operate information and communication technology relevant to the role.
• Assist with the collation of statistics and the maintenance of accurate records as required.
• Contribute actively as a member of the team to ensure services are delivered to consistently high standards and in line with current library policies and procedures.
• Provide the first response to public comments and complaints in accordance with the Library Services complaints procedure.

Essential Experience / Qualifications

• A minimum of five GCSE/GCE O Levels at grades A -C (or equivalent), including English and Maths, or an equivalent/higher qualification.
• At least one year's experience providing a face to face service to a diverse range of the public, including evidence of working with children and older people, in a customer focused environment.
• Experience of using current Information and Communication Technology (ICT) to access, select, and use information.
• Experience of working effectively in a team environment.

Knowledge and Skills

• Good oral and written communication skills.
• Proficiency in using email and the Internet, including supporting others to access online services and current technology.
• Knowledge of books and reading, and library resources in a range of formats.
• Good interpersonal skills.

Other Requirements and Constraints

• Ability to work a flexible rota including mornings, afternoons, evenings, and weekends, as required, both at base and at other service points.
• No criminal record that would prevent working with children and/or adults at risk.

Personal Qualities and Attributes

• Ability to work co operatively as part of a team.
• A positive approach to internal and external customer service.
• Ability to prioritise tasks and meet deadlines.
• Approachable and confident manner.
• Tact and diplomacy.
• Open and engaging personality.
• Flexible attitude.

Desirable Criteria

• Experience of supporting, contributing to, or delivering events or activities.
• Experience of working in a public, academic, or specialist library.

If successful, you will be required to complete a criminal record check through Access NI. Having a criminal conviction will not necessarily exclude you from this process. Cpl have a policy on the recruitment of ex offenders - for a copy of this policy please email .

Cpl is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applicants from all backgrounds. We recognise that a diverse and inclusive workplace will better our relationships and services with our clients, our candidates, our communities, and one another. Be You, Be Kind, Be Proud.