Library Assistant

THIS POST COULD BE CONSIDERED AS A SECONDMENT OPPORTUNITY

About the role

The Taylor Institution Library is the University's centre for the study of modern European languages and literatures. Along with the Art, Archaeology and Ancient World and the Nizami Ganjavi Libraries, the Taylorian is part of Section 3 of the Bodleian Humanities Libraries, and the three sites work together as a group to provide services.

As a Library Assistant, you will welcome and assist readers and visitors at the Issue and Enquiry Desks, helping with enquiries about the collections, services and facilities of the library. You will work with SOLO, the online library catalogue, and Alma, our library management system.

Working as part of a collaborative team, you will contribute to maintaining a safe and welcoming study environment, and may support the training of new staff.

This is a full-time, fixed-term post until 30 September 2026.

This role requires a significant element of lifting, carrying and shelving books, pushing trolleys and using ladders and kick stools. You will need to be able to carry out these duties following safe manual handling practices, as instructed.

About You

You will be educated to GCSE level or equivalent, with the ability to communicate effectively, confidently and courteously with readers, colleagues and the public.

You will have strong customer‑care awareness, good IT literacy, and the ability to work well in a team while prioritising tasks in a busy environment.

What We Offer

As an employer, we genuinely care about our employees’ wellbeing and this is reflected in the range of benefits that we offer including. More information is available at https://hr.admin.ox.ac.uk/staff-benefits

Diversity

We proudly promote a friendly and inclusive culture. Diversity is positively encouraged, through diverse groups and champions, as well as a number of family-friendly policies.

We are committed to ensuring that our recruitment processes are inclusive and accessible. If you require the job description or any other materials in an alternative format, or if you would like to request any adjustments to support you through the application or interview process, please contact the recruitment team: recruitment@glam.ox.ac.uk.

How to apply

You will be required to upload your CV and a supporting evidence form using the attached template as part of your online application. Your supporting evidence form should list each of the essential and desirable selection criteria, as listed in the job description, and explain how you meet each one. CVs alone will not be considered.

The Chair of this recruitment panel will be Frank Egerton, Head of Reader Services, who can be contacted with enquiries relating to the role (frank.egerton@bodleian.ox.ac.uk). General queries about the application process should be directed to the Recruitment team within our Human Resources department (recruitment@glam.ox.ac.uk).

FOR SECONDMENTS: Please discuss secondments with your line manager in the first instance, as you must have their agreement that you can be released for a secondment before you submit an application https://hr.admin.ox.ac.uk/secondments

Only applications received online by 12.00 midday (GMT) on Wednesday 18 February 2026 can be considered. Interviews are expected to take place on Monday 09 March 2026.

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