Careers with Surrey County Council
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Surrey County Council Early Careers: Library Network Assistant

What is a Library Network Assistant?

Books and all library services feed the soul! In this early career role, you’ll travel between local libraries to keep them in top form and interact with people who want to use the library in all kinds of different ways.

Tell me more…

You’ll be working closely with members of the public under the direction of managers offering you support. It’s mentally demanding because all the people coming into the library will have very different needs for you to help them with, and it’s physically demanding because you will often be standing for long periods. It’s also rewarding, because you’ll be helping people to grow their passions and interests – and sometimes you can help with life-changing activities, like showing them how to use a computer, or helping them print out an official form they really need.

What will this role involve?

You’ll provide advice and guidance to members of the public on the library serviceds.

You might need to update records and use the systems (which you will be shown how to use).

You’re likely to travel between a cluster of local libraries rather than just working in a single library.

What skills do you need?

The most important thing you need is a passion for books and reading, a willingness to be helpful and polite to members of the public, and a desire to learn new ways of doing things.

You will also need:

• Minimum 3 GCSE passes at Grade C or above or equivalent, or relevant experience.
• Previous experience working in a library or customer focussed environment or other related work experience.
• Understanding of a library service or customer service, and of excellent customer care.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure; in a busy multi-tasking environment; and independently as well as part of a team.
• Ability to apply relevant health and safety, equality and diversity, and other County/Service policies and procedures.
• An interest in, and enthusiasms for, books, reading / lifelong learning / information provision / virtual services.
• A positive attitude to training and personal development; and an enthusiasm to help the public and deliver high quality customer service.
• Ability to work to flexible patterns, practices and in a variety of locations.
• Ability to stand for long periods, lifting and bending as necessary.
• Mental resilience to be able to work directly with customers, assessing and meeting their needs
  through the working day.