Senior Library Assistant, Acquisitions

Location: Bodleian Social Science Library, Manor Road Building, Manor Road, Oxford, OX1 3UQ.

Hours: Full time (36.5 hours per week)

About the role

You will join the Bodleian Social Science Library, supporting teaching and research across a wide range of social science disciplines. The post-holder will play a critical role in acquiring resources for the social sciences with particular responsibility for the timely purchasing of material required for teaching and the development of related services. 

You will be responsible for sourcing, ordering, receiving and processing materials using the Acquisitions module of Oxford’s Library Management System and supplier platforms, maintaining accurate acquisitions data. You will contribute to the development of services via ORLO.

You will contribute to frontline reader services, working at the issue desk to support a busy lending library, responding to enquiries, assisting users with library systems and resources, and helping to maintain a welcoming and well-organised study environment.

This is a full-time post, working 36.5 hours per week.

This role requires regular manual handling (unpacking boxes, moving materials and some shelving work).

About You

You will be educated to GCSE level or equivalent and have experience of working in a library environment, including using a Library Management System. You will have strong attention to detail, able to work independently and accurately, alongside a collaborative and flexible approach to team working. You will demonstrate excellent customer service skills.

You will be confident using IT systems. You will be well organized and able to manage competing priorities 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:

• An excellent contributory pension scheme
• 38 days of annual leave
• A comprehensive range of childcare services
• Family leave schemes
• Cycle loan scheme
• Discounted bus travel and Season Ticket travel loans

More information: https://hr.admin.ox.ac.uk/staff-benefits

Diversity

Our staff and students come from all over the world, and 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

Please apply via the ‘Apply’ button above.

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.

We aim to provide a supportive working environment and are happy to discuss training and professional development opportunities. The Chair of this recruitment panel will be Jo Gardner, Bodleian Social Science Librarian, who can be contacted with enquiries relating to the role (jo.gardner@bodleian.ox.ac.uk).  General queries about the recruitment and application process should be directed to the Recruitment team, Human Resources department (recruitment@glam.ox.ac.uk).

Only applications received online by 12.00 midday (BST) on Monday 13^th April 2026 can be considered. Interviews are expected to take place on Thursday 30^th April 2026.

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