Assistant Library Manager

Job Introduction

About Us

Libraries in Oxfordshire are trusted spaces, free to enter and open to all. Our libraries offer a range of books, digital and other resources and trained staff to help our customers. We provide cultural and creative enrichment, promote reading and literacy and provide digital access and support for our users. Our aim is to help everyone achieve their full potential and to lead healthier and happier lives with greater prosperity and stronger, more resilient communities.

About the Role

The Assistant Library Manager is responsible for ensuring the flagship Oxford Westgate Library in the centre of Oxford operates to the highest standard of customer services, assisting the Deputy Library Manager and managing a team of Customer Service Advisers to meet customer and local community needs, and support council services within the building to ensure customers are signposted to information and services appropriately.

This position will also act as a lead on supporting digital and business initiatives within the library, including the “Makerspace”, a purpose-built flexible space for creative and digital events and groups, and working in close co-operation with colleagues from the Business & Intellectual Property Centre based in Oxford Westgate Library, to support staff with signposting and supporting business hubs and events.

The working pattern will include working two evenings per week until 8pm and alternate Saturdays.

About you

This front-facing role requires excellent customer service skills, and experience within a Local Authority or similar environment such as a library as representative in the flagship public library in Central Oxford.

You will need to have experience or the ability to confidently lead and manage a team of customer facing staff, who will be required to meet objectives and meet deadlines for completing frontline tasks, and work closely with fellow managers and teams of other libraries and with the wider community.

You will need to follow procedures and maintain confidentiality and have confidence with ICT and learning new systems, and use your initiative to manage unexpected problems and situations as and when they occur. You will need a cool head in completing tasks under pressure and to strict timescales.

Rewards and benefits

It really is true that every single job role here contributes to bettering the lives of the people in our county - we want to do this for our employees too. We are proud of our strong flexible working culture, including the opportunity for flexibility on working hours and the use of technology to support agile working. We offer some of the best learning and development opportunities to support your ongoing development.

 We have a generous holiday allowance which rises as you remain in employment with us up to 32 days, as well as giving you the option to buy additional holiday. You will also have access to a Local Government Pension Scheme with employer contributions of up to 19.9% of your salary; a range of local and national retail discounts; and a host of enhanced family friendly policies including carers leave and paid time off for volunteering.

Would you like to know more?

For an informal discussion about the role please contact: Alexandra Hague, Deputy Library Manager on 01865 815529 or alexandra.hague@oxfordshire.gov.uk

Application Procedure

To apply, you will need to complete an online application form. This includes a section asking you to explain how you meet the selection criteria, as specified in the job posting. You may attach a cover letter and/or CV to your application form, however it is not mandatory.

Our commitment to:
 Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

At Oxfordshire County Council we are proud of our diverse workforce. Everyone is accepted for who they are, regardless of age, disability, gender identity, marital status, race, faith or belief, sexual orientation, socioeconomic background, or on maternity or family leave. We have a number of staff network groups which provide peer support, education and safe spaces for all.

Our commitment to:
Guaranteed Interview Schemes

As a Disability Confident employer, we guarantee an interview for disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the job. We also guarantee interviews to care leavers who have completed further education and who meet the essential criteria for the job. For those leaving care without any further education, we guarantee an interview for our apprenticeships. We are also committed to helping and supporting those transitioning from HM Armed Forces to civilian life and guarantee an interview for those demonstrating the essential criteria for the role, within three years of leaving the service.

Our commitment to:
Safeguarding

Oxfordshire County Council are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults. We expect all employees, workers and volunteers to share this commitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect these commitments.

Our commitment to:
Flexible Working

We are open to discussions about flexible working, which can include flexi-time, part time working, job sharing, nine-day fortnights and annualised hours, depending on the requirements of the role and the service.

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If you encounter any technical issues with the application system, please contact us at: careers@oxfordshire.gov.uk