Overview
The Seeley Library is seeking to appoint an enthusiastic and proactive Deputy Librarian (Operations). This post is ideal for anyone who enjoys building library collections and engaging with a vibrant academic community. This is a part-time, fixed-term role based on-site for three and a half days a week (including Wednesday-Thursday).
The Seeley Library is a hub library supporting five disciplines within the School of Humanities and Social Sciences. We are a dedicated team of nine library professionals who provide access to collections, training, and a welcoming library space. The Deputy Seeley Librarian (Operations) reports to the Seeley’s Librarian and works alongside the Seeley team to ensure the library meets the needs of the communities we serve.
You will engage directly with academic staff, attend relevant committees, respond to queries, and meet regularly with students to adapt our library service to changing needs. Your knowledge of the student and academic communities will help the library build in-print and online resources and purchase content for the History Faculty to meet teaching and research needs.
This post includes administrative tasks that support stock acquisition and the payment of casual staff. You will use our library management system (Alma) at an advanced level and will assist and train other staff to use it. Additional financial duties include administering a credit card and organising payment of invigilator staff. Training and shadowing opportunities will be available for these administrative duties.
You will help supervise six staff members and manage a rota to ensure business continuity. Regular one-to-ones with team members and participation in training and recruitment of new staff are expected. This is a great opportunity for someone who enjoys working with library staff and being a pivotal part of a busy hub library.
Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 2 years in the first instance. Applications are welcome from internal candidates on secondment and from those seeking part-time or flexible working arrangements. We particularly welcome applications from women and/or candidates from a BME background as they are under-represented at this level in our department. Equality, diversity and inclusion are actively supported by the University, which encourages applications from all sections of society. The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.
Closing date for applications is Sunday 14 September 2025 with interviews expected to take place w/c 22 September 2025. Please quote reference VX47057 in your application and correspondence.
Informal enquiries should be addressed to the Seeley’s Librarian (Paul Cooke) at pkc24@cam.ac.uk and the School Librarian for the Arts and Social Sciences (Liz Osman) at eo272@cam.ac.uk.
Responsibilities
* Engage directly with academic staff by attending relevant committees and responding to queries.
* Meet regularly with students in the library and adapt services to meeting changing needs.
* Contribute to building collections of in-print and online resources and purchase content for the History Faculty.
* Perform administrative tasks supporting stock acquisition and payment of casual staff.
* Use Alma at an advanced level and train other staff to use the system.
* Administer a credit card and organise payment of invigilator staff.
* Supervise six library staff and manage a rota for business continuity.
* Hold regular one-to-ones and participate in training and recruitment of new staff.
Requirements / Skills and Experience
* Experience in library operations and staff supervision in a hub library environment.
* Proficiency with library management systems (Alma) at an advanced level.
* Ability to train and support staff in administrative and financial duties.
* Ability to engage with academic staff and students to shape library services and collections.
* Commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion in recruitment and service delivery.
Employment details
* Part-time
* Fixed-term: funds available for 2 years in the first instance
Application and contact
Click the 'Apply' button to register an account and apply online. Closing date is Sunday 14 September 2025; interviews w/c 22 September 2025. Quote VX47057 in your application and correspondence. Informal enquiries to Paul Cooke (pkc24@cam.ac.uk) and Liz Osman (eo272@cam.ac.uk).
The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society. The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.
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