Reader Services Supervisor (Evenings & Weekends) - 2 posts

Hours: Average 9.63 hours per week/0.2637 FTE

THIS IS A RE-ADVERTISEMENT OF RECENT VACANCY 182443, PREVIOUS APPLICANTS NEED NOT APPLY

About the role

The Reader Services Department supports physical and virtual library services across the Bodleian Old Library, Radcliffe Camera and Gladstone Link, providing access to world-class humanities collections and study spaces.

You will supervise evening and weekend library services, acting as a key point of contact for both readers and staff. You will induct new readers, support Library Assistants in delivering core services, and help maintain high standards of customer care and operational efficiency.

You will contribute to the smooth running of reading rooms, including overseeing circulation activities, supporting the Live Chat service, and assisting with the management of rotas to ensure adequate staffing. You will help supervise Library Assistants, provide guidance and training, and ensure tasks such as shelving and statistics gathering are completed accurately and on time.

This is a permanent, part-time post, working an average of 9.63 hours per week. There are two posts available, please see the working patterns below:

Post 1:

• One fixed weekday (Monday) 4.45pm – 9.15pm
• One Friday night in four 4.45pm – 9.15pm
• Alternate Sundays 10.45am – 7.15pm

Post 2:

• One fixed weekday (Wednesday) 4.45pm – 9.15pm
• One Friday night in four 4.45pm – 9.15pm
• Alternate Sundays 10.45am – 7.15pm 

About You

You will demonstrate excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with a wide range of users. You will have proven experience of supervising or guiding a small team, with the ability to motivate colleagues and provide clear instruction. You will be confident in handling complex enquiries, making sound decisions, and prioritising tasks effectively.

You will also be comfortable using library systems, electronic resources and databases, alongside strong general IT skills. A willingness to undertake training, including emergency first aid, and familiarity with systems such as SOLO or Alma would be advantageous.

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, such as the right to apply for flexible working and support for staff returning from periods of extended absence, for example, shared parental leave.

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 at 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. Both documents must be submitted to be considered.

Please indicate your preferred working pattern/post on the supporting evidence form.

We aim to provide a supportive working environment and are happy to discuss training and professional development opportunities. Queries about the vacancy and the recruitment and application process should be directed to the Recruitment team within our Human Resources department (recruitment@glam.ox.ac.uk).

Interviews are expected to take place on Wednesday 27^th May 2026.

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