We are looking for a Library Assistant to join our team at the Société Jersiaise to help develop and deliver services in the Lord Coutanche Library and help us preserve and promote the unique collections that we preserve for future generations.
The Lord Coutanche Library supports the work of the Société Jersiaise by collecting and preserving material relating to Jersey’s history, archaeology, geology, language, culture and natural history of the Island, and by providing access to the collection.
The post holder will work with the Librarian and assist members with their research. The successful candidate will be able to demonstrate appropriate and effective communication skills in English and French with the aim of building positive and supportive relations with our users, team and community. The successful candidate will have good customer skills, demonstrate an organised and methodical approach to their work and work on their own initiative as well as being effective team members.
If you are passionate about Jersey’s heritage and keen to learn, we would like to hear from you.
| Job Title | Library Assistant |
| Pay rate | £15.00 – £16.00 p/h |
| Reports to | Librarian |
| Contract type | Fixed term, 3 years |
| Part-time | 22.5 hours per week |
| Working days | Monday to Friday |
| Working hours | 9.30am to 2pm |
Purpose
To support library users in accessing both physical and digital resources, assist with their research, contribute to the maintenance of the library, and support activities and events that provide a wide range of library and information services to members and the public.
Job specific outcomes
• Welcome and assist all visitors to the library with research enquiries whether made in person, online, by post, telephone or other means.
• Assist in the cataloguing of collections.
• Assist in the description and the rehousing of collections in line with conservation programs.
• Support the maintenance of the library physical and digital resources.
• Contribute to the preparation, delivery and promotion of articles, talks and other outreach activities.
• Keep statistics of all enquiries.
• Carry out other reasonable duties in relation to this role.
• Take direct responsibility for the delivery of services, safety of customers and security of library resources and facilities without supervision when lone working.
• Maintain confidentiality of highly sensitive personal information to ensure compliance with data protection requirements.
Duties (detailed)
1) Library Reception and Research
• Welcome and assist all visitors to the library with research enquiries whether made in person, online, by post, telephone or other means.
• Ensure every person sign the Visitors book and adhere to Library rules.
• Issue reader’s tickets, as required.
• Provide tour of Library to visitors as required.
• Guide all readers towards suitable books etc., as required.
• Direct island visitors to facilities (e.g. cemeteries, Record Office, Museum).
• Provide readers with suggestions for more in-depth research – may include books, journals, newspapers, maps, online sources, or a person with specialist knowledge.
• Introduce readers to online resources: Société website and online collection, Library Catalogue, Photo Archive, British Newspaper Archive, Pride, Merchant Seaman’s database, Findmypast.
• Scan materials and send electronically to requesters.
• Assist with presentation of materials to specialist groups who are visiting the Library.
2) Organisation, archives and care of collections
• Support the maintenance of the library physical and digital resources.
• Assist in the cataloguing of collections.
• Shelve recently used books, files, maps etc.
• Ensure that bookshelves are tidy and in order.
• Fetch requested books and archives from 4th floor.
• Protect the security and preservation of the records by following and ensuring that visitors follow guidelines and standards.
• Arrange and describe archival materials.
• Assist in the rehousing of collections in line with conservation programs.
• Edit Adlib records.
3) General
• Keep statistics of all enquiries.
• Receive and record money for photocopying, scanning and readers’ tickets.
• General office housekeeping e.g. reader’s tickets, scanning, tidying.
• Assist with sorting donations.
• Contribute to the preparation, delivery and promotion of articles, talks and other outreach activities.
• Carry out other reasonable duties in relation to this role.
• Maintain confidentiality of highly sensitive personal information to ensure compliance with data protection requirements.
4) Deputise for Librarian when absent
• Take charge of opening and closing the library (at agreed times).
• Take direct responsibility for the delivery of services, safety of customers and security of library resources and facilities without supervision when lone working.
Person Specification
| ATTRIBUTES | ESSENTIAL | DESIRABLE |
| Qualifications | • Education to A level / degree level and/or proven track record in a similar environment. | |
| Knowledge | • Has a knowledge and understanding of data protection requirements. | • Knowledge of the Société Jersiaise services |
| Technical / Work-based Skills | • Have used computer systems to enter data and retrieve data. • Proficient in using computer applications e.g. Microsoft Office. • Attention to detail and ability to record information accurately with minimum supervision. | |
| General Skills/Attributes | • Excellent standard of written and spoken English and the ability to present and interpret comprehensive information. • Fluency in reading French, competence in writing and conversation in French. • Good Knowledge and enthusiasm for Jersey history and the Channel Islands. • Numerical skills. • Able to accurately record information and data. • Experience of using databases. • Ability to manage own workload within agreed timelines. • Strong interpersonal skills. • Excellent communication skills. • Confidence in speaking to a group. • Ability to work on your own initiative as well as being an effective member of a small team. • Very organised and self-motivated. • Able to build rapport with customers to quickly understand their needs, manage or triage to a colleague. • An interest in reading, life-long learning and culture as well as the confidence to actively promote the library service to a range of users, both on and off-line. | |
| Experience | • Experience of working within a customer-focused environment dealing with customers face to face and on the phone. | • Experience of working in a library or archive. |
How to apply
Closing date for receipt of applications is Wednesday 9th April 2025
To apply for this position, please email the following:
- a comprehensive Curriculum Vitae
- a supporting covering letter stating reasons for your application and describing how you consider your experience and competencies are relevant to the post
Email your application to library@societe.je
Closing date for receipt of applications:
Wednesday 9th April.
Applications without a covering letter will not be considered.
