Library Assistant (30 Hour) - East London (London)

Department:  Provost

Location:  East London - Bow Road(On-Site)

Type of Contract:  Permanent - Part Time (30 Hours)

Salary: £22,500

Our Vision:  Changing Lives through Education

What We Do:  Our Library Team supports our students and staff by providing access to academic resources, expert guidance and creating welcoming, well equipped spaces that foster independent study, collaboration and academic success. 

The Role:  The Library Assistant plays a key role focused on the day-to-day operations of the library, delivering information literacy teaching sessions to students in collaboration with lecturers, facilitating book and chrome book loans, managing study spaces, assisting students in locating and using library resources, and delivering general support to maintain a welcoming and functional library environment. The role also requires flexibility, including late evening and weekend work, to meet service needs.

This role is not eligible for visa sponsorship!

What the Role Involves:

• Act as a first point of contact for visitors, ensuring they are directed to the appropriate resources or services.
• Deliver excellent customer service at library service points, including issuing, returning, and renewing library materials using the FOLIO library management system.
• Assist users with navigating online resources and accessing digital platforms such as Moodle, EBSCO Discovery Service, and subject-specific databases including CINAHL, ScienceDirect, and others
• Undertake Ask-a-librarian sessions booked by users and provide support for student assignments as required
• Oversee the checkout and return process for library materials, including books, chrome books, and other loanable resources. Maintain accurate records of loans, returns, and overdue items, ensuring compliance with library policies.
• Be confident in planning and delivering engaging, interactive in-class library sessions
• Rotate between multiple campuses as required to cover absences and staffing issues.
• Participate in team meetings and contribute to the development of the service through contribution in relevant groups, projects and activities.

About You:

• Experience in a library or customer-facing role.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team as well as work independently.
• Basic IT skills, including Microsoft Office, email, and web-based platforms.
• Accuracy and attention to detail.
• Willingness to work flexibly, including evenings and weekends.

Desirable:

• Experience working in a Higher Education library or educational setting.
• Familiarity with FOLIO, Moodle, EBSCO, or similar systems.
• Awareness of academic databases such as CINAHL, ScienceDirect, and others.
• Understanding of equality, diversity, and inclusion in a service environment.

What we offer:

• 25 days annual leave, plus 8 public holidays
• 1-day extra leave per year of service, up to a maximum of 5 days
• Workplace pension scheme
• Tuition reimbursement for career development courses
• Flexible Benefits: Cycle to Work, Workplace Nursery, Techscheme and much more
• Perks@Work discounts platform, wellbeing centre and much more
• Reward and recognition programme
• £500 award employee referral scheme
• Discretionary annual performance bonus

“GBS has been a good place for professional growth. I have received great support from managers and colleagues who have encouraged me to develop new skills and take on more senior roles. Their mentorship has been invaluable to help me advance in my career.”

— Barbara Vargas (Professional Services Employee)

GBS is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and providing a workplace free from discrimination or harassment. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and communities. We take our core values seriously and work hard to create an environment where everyone feels welcomed.