Library Assistant

The role

Clare College is seeking a Library Assistant to support the day-to-day operation of its library services until 30^th June 2027.

Working across the Forbes Mellon Library and Fellows' Library, you will assist with book processing and shelving, library enquiries, student support, promotional displays, stock management, and a range of library projects. You will also help maintain a welcoming study environment and support library events and inductions.

You will:

• Be educated to A-level standard or equivalent.
• Have experience using libraries and library catalogues.
• Have experience in a customer-facing role.
• Possess excellent communication and organisational skills.
• Be reliable, detail-orientated and able to work independently and as part of a team.
• Be confident using Microsoft Office applications.

Experience working or volunteering in a library or information environment, creating promotional materials, and using Excel would be advantageous.

Please note that the role includes some physical duties, including shelving and moving books in accordance with health and safety guidelines.

Founded in 1326, Clare College is the second oldest of the 31 colleges in the University of Cambridge. Regarded as one of the more progressive and informal, it is renowned as a college that achieves academically at the highest levels, whilst also being welcoming, forward-thinking, and inclusive. Clare College has a small number of academic employees and around 150 non-academic staff across a wide range of departments (including Housekeeping, Hospitality, Buildings and Maintenance, Porters, Finance and Tutorial). Staff support the academic mission of the College as well as its commercial conferencing business. 

Located in the heart of Cambridge city centre, the College is extraordinarily beautiful and famed for its gardens on “the Backs” (the famous backs of the Colleges that overlook the River Cam). Clare’s Old Court, a Grade I listed building, is the centre of the College and is unique among the ancient Cambridge Colleges in having maintained its architectural integrity over the course of its history. 

Salary and benefits

Remuneration will be £26,500 per annum. There will be a four-month probationary period. The role holder will be eligible to join the College’s contributory pension scheme after three months’ service. In addition to this the post holder would be eligible to park at the College and meals whilst on duty.

The application process

Please apply by submitting a completed application form and equal opportunities form to hr@clare.cam.ac.uk. The closing date for this position is 17^th November 2026. Shortlisted candidates will be invited for interview on 3^rd December 2026.

Job Description and Person Specification

Application Form

Equal Opportunities Form

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