Job overview
**Please note this post is open to internal applicants only**
Are you passionate about delivering high-quality library and knowledge services in a healthcare setting? We’re looking for a proactive and organised Senior Library Assistant to join our team at St Richards Hospital, Chichester.
This role supports frontline knowledge and library services within St Richards Hospital, Chichester. The post-holder will work with clinical and non-clinical staff, as well as students and handle tasks such as:
Managing the document supply service and membership database
Training and supervising library assistants
Conducting new member inductions, including library tours and IT/resource support
The post-holder will liaise with and report to the library manager and work autonomously daily within a framework of existing policies and procedures.
Main duties of the job
Communication
- Deal with frontline enquiries.
- Deliver excellent customer service and demonstrate use of library resources (print and digital).
- Provide basic IT support (e.g., MS Word, EndNote) and troubleshoot equipment issues.
- Handle complex enquiries and escalate when necessary.
- Assist with member inductions, library tours, and promotional materials.
- Occasionally work alone during evening shifts, ensuring service and security.
Service Delivery & Improvement
- Manage library membership processes utilising the Library Management System (LMS).
- Handle book circulation, cataloguing, stock review, and procurement.
- Support evidence-based practice by logging search requests and registering members for updates.
- Maintain the library environment, supplies, and website accuracy.
- Collect usage statistics and contribute to service development goals.
- Occasionally work at other library sites and independently manage the library.
People Management & Development
- Supervise and train library assistants
- Oversee document supply services and provide expert support in sourcing materials.
- Assist in recruitment and contribute to local policy and service development.
- Manage the members’ database and actively engage in team meetings and sub-groups.
Working for our organisation
At UHSussex, diversity is our strength, and we want you to feel included to help us always put the Patient First. Your uniqueness and experiences will be part of our creative and innovative community where everyone is encouraged to succeed. We have a range of Staff Networks to help break down barriers, and can offer a buddy to help new members settle in. We’re proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2) and a Veteran Aware Trust.
We treat our patients and staff with the same compassion and empathy we expect for ourselves. We’re here for them when they need us, and we go above and beyond to meet their needs. This can be seen in our Wellbeing Programme for staff which is extensive and designed to support you when you need it, including where possible, flexible working to support work life balance - because we know that to look after others we must first look after ourselves.
As a university trust and a leader in healthcare research, we value learning, teaching and training so that we can be the best that we can be. From the moment you start with us and throughout your career we will help you to grow and develop. We hope that in choosing UHSussex you are choosing a long and happy career where you will be able to see the difference you make and feel valued for all that you do.
We look forward to receiving your application and the start of your journey with UHSussex.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
The senior library assistant operates within a team of enquiry desk staff in the delivery of proactive frontline knowledge and library services. This requires dealing with all levels of clinical and non-clinical members as well as students on placement within the local health economy. The post-holder will carry out a wide range of tasks including managing the document supply service and members’ database and training/supervising the library assistants in library processes and tasks. The post-holder will also be involved in new member inductions, including giving library tours and hands-on support with IT and information resources.
The post-holder liaises with and reports to their library manager and works autonomously daily within a framework of existing policies and procedures.
Person specification
Knowledge, Skills, Qualifications
Essential criteria
1. Level 4 qualification in relevant discipline, e.g. library and information studies, or equivalent experience.
2. Experience of and confidence in using information technology in the workplace
3. Experience of and confidence in working with electronic and printed sources of information
4. Experience of working in a customer care environment
5. Experience of searching a range of resources for evidence-based information
6. Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
7. Able to interpret users information needs using reference interviews.
8. The ability to judge and determine the most appropriate source of information in response to library users’ diverse range of enquiries and to provide the information in a timely, accurate and suitable manner.
9. Ability to handle alphabetical and numerical data accurately.
10. Ability to collate data and maintain spreadsheets
11. Ability to trouble-shoot basic computer, photocopier and printer problems and be able to judge when situations require specialist information technology department support.
12. Competency and confidence in the use of IT including email, Internet/Intranet and software such as MS Office.
13. Ability to search Internet databases.
14. Ability to allocate and delegate tasks to other staff
15. Able to communicate information to a wide range of personnel from different cultures and organisations.
16. Able to communicate with sensitivity and tact with other members of own team.
17. Experience of training and supervising colleagues.
18. Able to work in a team and be cooperative and sensitive to the needs of others
19. Ability to judge when to refer enquiries onto other relevant library staff.
20. Flexibility to adapt quickly to changes in procedures and changes in availability of information resources.
21. Ability to prioritise and manage own workload.
22. Ability to work under pressure.
23. Ability to work independently with minimum supervision and to work alone, unsupervised, on a regular basis.
24. Confidence and ability to maintain the quality of the service.
25. Ability to adjust work plan in order to give priority to K&L members’ needs.
26. Ability to use initiative during daily work and in contributing to improving the overall service.
27. The post-holder will generally work with their line-manager or another member of the senior team able to provide immediate support if needed.
Desirable criteria
28. Knowledge or awareness of relevant legislation, eg. Copyright Act, Data protection and Freedom of Information
29. Experience or knowledge of the NHS.
30. Knowledge and understanding of clinical terminology.
31. Able to train colleagues in a small group
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
Essential criteria
32. Evidence of having undertaken own development to improve understanding of equalities issues
33. Evidence of having championed diversity in previous roles (as appropriate to role).
Important information for applicants:
A Note on AI Use in Applications
We value the individuality and authenticity that each candidate brings to the application process. While AI tools are increasingly accessible, we strongly discourage their use in completing your application. Your responses should reflect your own voice, experiences, and motivations—elements that are essential to a fair and accurate evaluation.
Applications that rely heavily on AI-generated content may misrepresent your abilities and could result in your application being rejected. We encourage you to take the time to present your genuine self, as this helps us better understand your potential and ensures a transparent selection process.
Closing Adverts Early: In the event of exceptional interest, we may close adverts earlier than specified.
Some of our adverts are capped for a limited number of applications; therefore, the advert will close once the cap has been reached. We therefore encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible if you are interested in the position to prevent you from missing out on applying for the opportunity.
Flexible Working: If you would like to explore potential options regarding flexible working please speak with the appropriate recruiting/line manager.
DBS Checks: As part of our commitment to a safe working environment, we undertake a Disclosure and Barring Service check on all new employees where the role is eligible for a criminal record check. We make offers in line with the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1975.
Skilled Worker Visa: Applications for Skilled Worker sponsorship are welcome for the roles that meet the Visa and Immigrations eligibility criteria. For further information please visit the gov.uk website searching for Skilled Worker. It is your responsibility as the applicant to ensure that you meet this criteria.
UHSussex reserves the right to close the role early if we receive a high volume of applications