Library Assistants (Reference) (Part Time, Fixed Term)

Ever wanted to work in an institution that is home to one of the world's great collections of cultural treasures and research materials?

Spanning thousands of years of human thought and discovery, Cambridge University Library and Archives houses unique treasures and research materials made up of nearly ten million books, maps, manuscripts, photographs and priceless objects.

If you are customer focused and enjoy intellectual detective work, solving all sorts of queries from students, Cambridge academics and researchers, and international visitors, we would like to hear from you.

We have two part time roles on offer.

As Reader Services Library Assistants you will

• Provide a welcoming point of contact to the Library's readers and visitors.
• Assist with enquiries in-person at busy service desks, by email, phone and chat service, advising readers on how best to use our collections, both print and electronic.
• Use the Library Management System to carry out all aspects of library work including the issuing and returning of books.
• Assist or lead library and information skills activities.
• Assist in the induction, training and supervision of cover staff; documenting procedures.

What we are looking for

• Enthusiasm, flexibility and a committed approach to the delivery of the highest possible level of customer service.
• Experience of working for a service that provided a high standard of customer service.
• Excellent communication skills.
• A thorough knowledge of IT and of electronic resources.
• The ability to work well under pressure.
• The ability to work unsupervised as well as part of a team.

What we offer

• Generous annual leave allowance of 36 days a year pro rata for part time.
• Exceptional parental leave (including maternity, paternity / co-parent, adoption and shared parental leave).
• Discounts on major retailers.
• Professional development opportunities such as apprenticeships and access to a variety of training courses. 

We welcome applications from individuals who wish to be considered for part-time working or other flexible working arrangements.

We particularly welcome applications from women and /or candidates from a BME background for this vacancy as they are currently under-represented at this level in our department.

To apply online for this vacancy and to view further information about the role, please click 'Apply' above.

How to apply

For informal enquiries please contact Steve Stacey, Customer Services Manager on sjs34@cam.ac.uk 01223 (3)33148.

We welcome applications from internal candidates as a secondment. Please discuss with your line manager before applying.

Application closing date: Sunday 19 October 2025

Interview date: Week commencing 3 November 2025

For further details please refer to the Further Particulars.

Please specify in your application which post you are applying for or whether applying for both.

Please quote reference VE47253 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

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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