Library Officer

We are looking for a Library Assistant!

JOB TITLE:Library Officer

REPORTS TO: Library Manager, Assistant Library Manager or Senior Library Officer

PURPOSE OF THE JOB:

To deliver an efficient and effective public service in the library, maintaining a high level of customer care; and to contribute to the Library Service's aim to provide the best quality and accessible library and information service to all members of the community.

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES:

• General and administrative to provide a high level of customer care, welcoming customers and volunteers
• to the library, introducing them to the range of services available, joining new members, carrying out reception and circulation desk duties and resolving any queries and complaints quickly in accordance with library regulations.
• Assist the public with enquiries for information and provide user education and support, using both electronic and paper-based resources; including assisting with access to council services
• Operate all ICT facilities, equipment and services in the library and assist customers in the use of public ICT. Ensure that equipment is working and any faults are reported following corporate procedures.
• To plan and deliver promotional events including activities for the Under 5's, children and teenagers, adult reading groups, IT Taster Sessions etc. To promote the services of the library at events outside of the library building.
• Under the direction of senior staff, to maintain the stock of the library, prepare new items for the shelves, ensure stock is kept in good order, remove items in poor physical condition and withdraw items as necessary. Promote the use of library stock using books displays.
• Complete daily cashing up processes. Calculate and levy any fines or other charges incurred by users and collect money for items or services, using the tills provided and complying with the Council's financial regulations.
• Collect and record statistics, including the daily people count and numbers of people attending library events. Evaluate events and assess customer
• feedback in order to inform future activities.
• Ensure compliance with Library Rules and Regulations and Bye-Laws by users of the service while maintaining good public relations.

Staff supervision

• Offer advice and guidance to lower grade staff, volunteers and other library officers as required including providing training in library routines.
• Premises responsibilities
• Library officers have key holding responsibilities for the service points at which they work and may open the library on a daily basis.
• Representing the Library Service Represent the Library Service at meetings, working groups and seminars as required both within the borough and externally.

JOB CONTEXT

The Libraries and Heritage service is committed to achieving the Council's vision as set out in the corporate plan. The Division will contribute towards delivery of its key priorities including: improving educational attainment and supporting lifelong learning for all; proactive community engagement with hard to reach groups; promoting active citizenship; promoting health and well being; supporting the regeneration of the borough through the successful delivery of its services. The library and heritage service is informed by the Borough Plan that sets out how it will deliver its vision of a Fairer Future for All. The clients values are:

• treating residents as if they were a valued member of our own family
• being open, honest and accountable
• spending money as if it were from our own pocket
• working for to realise their own potential
• making Southwark a place to be proud of
• always work to make Southwark more equal and just
• stand against all forms of discrimination and racism Guided by our values and shaped by our context, the Borough Plan presents a set of commitments which will help us achieve our vision of a Fairer Future for All.

The Borough Plan sets out these commitments across the following eight themes:

• Keeping Southwark safe during COVID-19
• A green and inclusive economy
• Thriving neighbourhoods
• A great start in life
• Tackling the climate emergency
• Tackling health inequalities
• Homes for all Culture is committed to achieving the council's Fairer Future for All vision and is delivering a range of projects and new, improved services which will have a long term impact on the life of the local community. These include:
• Build a new library on the Aylesbury estate (as part of Regeneration project)
• Build a new library on the Walworth Road (as part of Regeneration project)
• Ensure Kingswood House remains an asset for the local community
• Keep libraries open, keep investing and ensure they are open when people need them
• New ICT strategy and projects - procurement for new Library Management need them