Assistant Librarian
Location: Marston Road, Oxford OX3 0EE
Salary: A GBP 33,232: A GBP 39,105 per annum plus benefits
Hours of work : 37.5 hours per week
Closing date : Monday, 25 August 2025
Interviews : Week commencing 1 September 2025
The Centre is incorporated by Royal Charter and is registered as a charity (number 293072). The Patron of the Centre is HM the King. The Centre was founded in 1985 with the aim of encouraging a better understanding of Islam and contemporary Muslim societies through learning and scholarship. To this end, the Centre supports teaching and research, hosts lectures and seminars, and maintains a well:equipped library.
The Role
The primary responsibility of the post holder will be to assist the Librarian in developing the collection and services, and in maintaining relationships with the Bodleian and other relevant libraries.
Key Responsibilities
Reader Services:
* Dealing with email, phone or front:desk enquiries from students and researchers.
* Assisting internal and public access to the Library collections, offering support on a oneto:one basis.
* Assisting with the retrieval and re:shelving of requested material.
* Participating in and delivering onsite and offsite information services such as induction and information skills training.
* Photocopying and scanning of requested material in line with copyright policy.
* Collecting and analyzing readers data (in accordance with the GDPR regulations) to support the evaluation of services.
Collection management:
* Cataloguing and copy:cataloguing according to RDA/MARC21 standard using Library of Congress classification.
* Processing serials and monographs.
* Retrieving reports and statistics from ALMA as requested for related committees and meetings.
* Supporting the Librarian in book acquisitions, content selection and overall administration of donations.
* Participating in annual audit, retention, storage and disposal of the library collections.
* Keeping up to date with the developments of the library management system (ALMA) and all related software (eg. SOLO) through the OLIS mailing list and Bodleian technical services.
Library Management:
* Deputizing for the Librarian in her absence, and participating in a staff rota, as required.
* Managing the Library budget together with the Librarian.
* General management of the Library supply material (keeping stock, placing orders, dealing with vendors and shipment companies, budgeting).
* General open:shelf and stack space management.
* Assisting the Librarian with the training and supervision of the Library Assistants.
Outreach:
* Collaborating with relevant inhouse and external partners in support of the Librarys public activities
* Updating information on the Library website.
* Attending Centre functions to promote the Librarys interests.
* Participating as required in external meetings relevant to the Librarys work (MELCom UK, Melibox, etc.).
The duties listed above may be varied from time to time, and the post:holder will be expected to undertake additional duties as appropriate to the grade.
Skills and Qualifications
Essential:
*
* Honours degree or equivalent, in a subject area related to Middle East or Islamic studies, or a professional qualification in librarianship or information science.
* Excellent standard of oral and written English.
* Working knowledge of a second language relevant to the Librarys collections.
* Excellent IT skills and knowledge of Microsoft Office.
* Cataloguing experience and knowledge of relevant cataloguing standards
* (MARC21/RDA/ISAD(G))
* Knowledge and experience with library management systems
* Previous experience of at least 3 years in a paid position in an academic library.
* Accuracy and attention to detail.
* Excellent interpersonal skills.
* Ability to work independently and to collaborate as part of a team.
* Ability to manage time effectively and prioritize the most imp