Library Assistant - Accessibility

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 houses unique treasures and research materials made up of nearly ten million books, maps, manuscripts, photographs and priceless objects.

The role 

In this role, you will work to ensure that disabled students at the University of Cambridge have equal access to services and resources regardless of accessibility needs. This includes providing support directly to students and sourcing accessible versions of books and articles. 

As Library Assistant: Accessibility you will

• Provide accessible documents (e.g. accessible PDFs, Word files) to disabled students, including remediation of non-accessible documents.
• Respond to accessibility-related enquiries via email and in person, and providing tours to students.
• Support the Reader Services helpdesk, particularly assisting disabled users.
• Obtain accessible materials by working with publishers and colleagues, and by searching online databases.
• Maintain accurate records and ensure compliance with accessibility, equalities, copyright and data protection legislation.

What we are looking for

• Strong verbal and written communication.
• Strong IT and customer service skills, including via email.
• Ability to work methodically and manage time-sensitive tasks, with an attention to detail.
• Understanding of accessibility and inclusive approaches, including in communication.
• Experience in a library or administrative role. 

What we offer

• Flexible and hybrid working opportunities such as part-time hours, job shares, and staggered hours.
• Generous annual leave allowance of 36 days.
• 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 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. 

For informal enquiries please contact Patrick Dowson, Accessibility Services Manager, at pgd35@cam.ac.uk. 

Application closing date: Sunday 16 November 2025 

Interview date: Thursday 27 November 2025

For further details please refer to the Further Particulars. 

Please quote reference VE47725 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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