We are looking for an organised and methodical Graduate Trainee Librarian, to join and support our Librarians. They will help to maintain the Library as a calm, comfortable, welcoming, information-rich space for study and reading for pleasure. The Graduate Trainee Librarian will assist in the daily running of the Library, including, but not limited to, issuing, renewing, and returning library items; assisting pupils and staff with inquiries; processing new stock; shelving; maintaining orderly shelves; and designing engaging displays and signage both in the Library and throughout the School.
They will also taking primary responsibility for the Issue Desk at the start of each day and help supervise pupils in the Library as needed to ensure a calm and focused atmosphere. Strong interpersonal and IT skills will therefore be essential.
This role is designed to help equip the post holder to apply for or complete a recognised postgraduate qualification in Library and Information Sciences course or similar sector. Prior experience working in a library is not essential as training will be given.
We are committed to developing our Library service throughout the organisation. Throughout the period of the contract, the post holder will receive training from their line manager, a qualified Librarian, to help develop their knowledge and learn new skills.
Main Responsibilities:
The Library
The Library is staffed by librarians from 08h30 to 18h30 Monday to Friday and 08hr30 to 13h15 on Saturdays. It makes an important contribution to the academic scholarship and success of the school and is very well used by pupils, particularly Upper School. The Library is formed of nine rooms on the first floor of the historic Ashburnham House.
The Graduate Trainee Librarian will join and be supported by a dedicated team of Librarians comprising the School Librarian, Deputy Librarian and Senior Library Assistant.
Role Responsibilities
* Caring for the Collections (training will be given)
* Assist with information entry and updates on Oliver, the Library Management System
* Assist with the processing of the Library’s physical collections (books, DVDs Magazines etc)
* Support the Librarians in developing the school’s digital collections of eResources
* Assist with the weeding, lost books, and stocktake of collections in line with the Library’s best practices
Access and Outreach
* Respond to enquiries from pupils and staff
* Assist in maintaining a Library that is welcoming to all
* Support Library Inductions and Information Literacy activities within the Library
* Assist the Librarians in the preparation of displays in the Library and around the school
* Produce newsletters and social media posts to promote the Library and its collections to a variety of different audiences
General
* Continue developing professional knowledge and skills through involvement with the School Library Association and other networking groups
* Any other duties which may be reasonably requested by the School Librarian
There will also be the opportunity to work with the Library at Westminster Under School, our linked prep school, a short 10-minute walk from our Deans Yard site.
The Graduate Trainee Librarian will also collaborate with other Librarians on projects such as weeding, stocktakes, stock relocation, and teaching vital information literacy skills that support academic success and informed citizenship. A passion for reading and literature will be demonstrated through hosting a student book group and producing a monthly Library Newsletter.
Hours of work
The position is a full-time, term-time only post. Some additional holiday hours will need to be worked, with the details as follows:
- two days at the end of Play term
- two days at the end of Lent term
- two days at the start of Election
- two days at the end of Election
Exact hours of work are 08:00am to 04:00pm Monday to Friday, with one unpaid hour for lunch and 12 Saturdays to be worked during school terms on an alternate basis from 08:00am – 01:00pm.
You will be expected to open the Library at 08:30am most days. Some flexibility will be required due to shift changes in Library hours between 08:00am and 06:30pm.
Ideal Candidate:
Please refer to the below (attached) person specification.
Equal Opportunities
We are an equal opportunities employer. We therefore encourage candidates to apply irrespective of age, disability, marriage or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion and belief, gender identity, sex or sexual orientation.
Safeguarding and Child Protection
Westminster School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. Applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service.
Package Description:
Required for: as soon as possible
Location: Deans Yard - Westminster School
Hours of work: Please read the job description below. Some Saturday working is required
Contract: full-time (term-time only), fixed-term until July 2026
Salary: £22,542.48 (actual) based on an FTE of £27,963
Benefits include:
- Free school meals when on-site
- Generous School pension scheme
- Free access to the School’s leisure facilities, including a fitness gym (restricted hours).
- Cycle to Work Scheme and season ticket loans following completion of our standard probation period
- Private medical insurance (opt in).
The deadline for applications is midday on Wednesday 1st October 2025. Interviews will take place in-person shortly after the closing date.