Overview
Library Assistant - Manchester (Evening and weekends) – Permanent - Part Time (30 Hours)
Department: Provost
Location: Manchester
Type of Contract: Permanent - Part Time (30 Hours)
About Us: GBS is a higher education provider offering a range of sector-relevant courses across ten campuses in London, Birmingham, Leeds and Manchester. Working in partnership with several of the UK’s leading higher education providers, we deliver vocational, undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in finance, accounting, business, construction, tourism, healthcare – and more.
Our Vision: Changing Lives through Education
The Role: The Library Assistant supports the daily operations of the library, delivering hands-on support to ensure a seamless and efficient experience for all users. This role includes delivering 30-to-60-minute library-in-the-classroom workshops to students in collaboration with lecturers, facilitating book and laptop loans, managing study spaces, assisting students in locating and using library resources, and delivering general support to maintain a welcoming and functional library environment. The evening and weekend role requires a commitment to working evenings and weekends and flexibility to accommodate this. This role is not eligible for visa sponsorship.
Responsibilities
* Circulation Services: Oversee the checkout and return process for library materials, including books, laptops, and other loanable resources; maintain accurate records; assist users with policy questions and renewals/late fees.
* Study Space Management: Monitor and manage study spaces; oversee the reservations system for study rooms and facilities; ensure spaces are clean, organised and conducive to learning; resolve issues as needed.
* Student Assistance: Deliver engaging, interactive in-class library sessions; guide students to locate books, articles and other resources; assist with library catalogues, databases and basic digital tools; provide basic technical support for equipment.
* Resource and Collection Maintenance: Shelving returned items; maintain accurate shelving and inventory; report damaged or misplaced items.
* General Library Support: Provide friendly service to all users; act as a first contact for visitors; support library staff with administrative tasks, events or special projects.
* Flexible Campus Coverage: Rotate between campuses; work evenings and weekends; adapt to different campus needs while maintaining service standards.
* Promoting Library Services: Raise awareness of services and events; distribute promotional materials; gather user feedback to improve service delivery.
Requirements
About You:
* Proven ability to deliver excellent front-line service.
* Friendly, approachable and able to engage effectively with a diverse user base.
* Experience working with students in classroom or instructional settings.
* Confidence delivering 30-60 minute library-in-the-classroom sessions.
* Clear verbal and written communication, especially in guiding students and explaining resources or policies.
* Ability to collaborate effectively with lecturers and other staff.
* Able to multitask and prioritise in a busy environment; accurate record-keeping (loans, reservations, inventory).
* Ability to use standard digital tools (Microsoft Office, email, web browsers) and learn library systems; basic troubleshooting for equipment like printers and laptops.
* Willingness to work across different campuses and shifts, including evenings and weekends.
* Capable of working as part of a team, while also managing tasks independently.
* Attention to detail.
* Accurate shelving, cataloguing and maintenance of resources.
Desirable
* Familiarity with library management software (e.g. Koha, Alma, Sierra and FOLIO) or cataloguing systems.
* Prior experience in a university, college or school library environment.
* Confidence assisting users with common tech issues (printers, logging into systems, using databases).
* Ability to promote services and events through posters, handouts, or informal marketing.
* Enthusiasm for supporting student learning and information literacy.
* Multilingual or cross-cultural experience, particularly with mature students and students who speak English as an additional language.
What we offer
* 25 days annual leave, plus 8 public holidays
* 1-day extra leave per year of service, up to a maximum of 5 days
* Workplace pension scheme
* Tuition reimbursement for career development courses
* Flexible Benefits: Cycle to Work, Workplace Nursery, Techscheme and much more
* Perks@Work discounts platform, wellbeing centre and much more
* Reward and recognition programme
* £500 award employee referral scheme
* Discretionary annual performance bonus
GBS is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and providing a workplace free from discrimination or harassment. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and communities. We take our core values seriously and work hard to create an environment where everyone feels welcomed.
Note: This role is not eligible for visa sponsorship.
EEO Statement: GBS is an equal opportunity employer. We encourage applicants from all backgrounds to apply.
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