Library and Information Assistant – Relief Register Full Time NEW

In line with our One Coventry Values, we want to ensure that our communities are represented across our workforce. A vital part of this is ensuring we are a truly inclusive organisation that encourages diversity in all respects, including diversity of thinking. We particularly welcome applicants from minority ethnic, LGBT+, disabled and neurodiverse communities to make a real difference to our residents so that equity and respect remains at the heart of everything we do.

Our Values are:

• Open and fair: We are fair, open, and transparent.
• Nurture and develop: We help and encourage everyone to be their best and do their best.
• Engage and empower: We talk and listen to others, working together as one.
• Create and innovate: We embrace new ways of working to continuously improve.
• Own and be accountable: We work together to deliver the best services for our residents.
• Value and respect: We put diversity and inclusion at the heart of all we do.

We value diverse perspectives and experiences and are striving to create a workplace culture that is inclusive, is accepting of all and is free from discrimination and bias.

Coventry City Council’s Library and Information Service is a public facing service operating for the benefit of local communities and the wider city.

Providing services from the central library and 16 local libraries (3 of which are community led) Coventry libraries provide a unique ‘cradle-to-grave’ service bringing individuals and communities together.

Public libraries acquire, organise and provide access to a range of information and reading resources to meet the diverse needs of a community. We actively support independent learning and encourage reader development, also providing information on areas such as:

• Local and national government services,
• Learning opportunities,
• Leisure activities, and
• Local community news and events

We also play an important role in providing access to computers and the internet for those who are digitally excluded.

The Library Service works in partnership with local, regional and national organisations to provide a full and wide-ranging service offer. Partners include:

• Arts Council England
• BBC
• Department for Culture, Media and Sport
• Libraries Connected
• Public Health England, and
• Reading Agency

Libraries are uniquely placed to change lives for the better. They are busy and vibrant open spaces, not only providing access to books but also helping people to help themselves and improve their opportunities. By providing practical support and guidance, libraries play a critical role in enabling and empowering people to realise their potential, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds.

What is the job role?

This is a Library Assistant post, working on a casual basis (as and when required) to provide cover for the front-line library service.

We are looking for someone to join our team as a Library and Information Assistant Relief Register (casual hours) to support the work of Coventry Library Service by providing a safe, welcoming space for visitors to relax, read, learn, use computers, and attend and participate in on-site or online events.

In your role, you will ensure a good visitor experience and provide information and signposting.

The main day-to-day duties of the role include:

• First point of contact for library visitors
• Using the library computer system and helping people to use IT
• Answering questions on a wide variety of subjects
• Participating in events and activities for example rhyme times
• Moving books around the library
• Promoting book displays

All candidates must have the Right to Work in the UK. We are currently not offering sponsorship for this role.

Who are we looking for?

We are looking for:

• Excellent customer service skills
• Good communication skills
• IT knowledge
• Ability to participate in events (eg. rhymetimes and storytimes)
• Ensuring library spaces are welcoming to all
• Enthusiasm for sharing books and reading
• Flexibility with working patterns – available at least 4 x 3-hour shifts per week over 4 different days, to include either a Saturday or a Sunday

Hours and Place of Work

Working at any of the 14 Coventry City Council Libraries across the city as and when required

You can specify your shift availability between the following hours:

• 9.00am and 7.00pm on Weekdays
• 9.00am and 4.30pm on Saturdays
• 12.00pm and 4.00pm on Sundays.

Please also read the attached further information about the relief register role.

Need help completing your application form? The Job Shop can support you. You can register online here for an initial assessment or visit the Job Shop in person. Please see their webpage for more information. For all other queries, contact Resourcing@coventry.gov.uk

If you have any queries, please contact Sukhy Heir on 02476 972688 or Michelle Dearden on 02476 786976, Rachel Speake on 0247697 2679 Carrina Blake on 02476972690

If you need help or support to complete your application, please visit our accessibility page to see how we can assist you.

Guaranteed Interview Scheme – As part of our commitment to inclusion, we offer guaranteed interviews for specific groups of people. To qualify, you’ll need to meet the minimum requirements for the role and identify with one of the below criteria:

• Members of the Armed Forces and veterans
• Are currently in care or have previously been in care
• If you consider yourself to be disabled or if you have a long-term health condition

For full details on the application process please read the attached document on our jobs page labelled ‘Coventry City Council Application Process’. If there is any evidence of a candidate using AI to complete their application, then the application will be rejected unless the candidate can provide a justification which the Council considers to be reasonable.

Interview date(s): Monday 8th June and/or Friday 9th June.

About Coventry

Coventry has a proud, innovative and creative spirit that throughout its history has seen communities come together to tackle problems and bring about real social change.

We are cutting-edge, challenging, youthful, vibrant and diverse.

At Coventry we are committed to excellence in everything we do. With around 5100 staff from a range of different backgrounds, our aim is to recruit and develop talented people who will focus on our customers, take responsibility, work together and find better ways of doing things.

To deliver the best services to our residents, we need the best people working for us to make a difference to our communities.

If you join us, we will provide a fantastic rewards and benefits package – to find out more please visit https://www.coventry.gov.uk/council-vacancies

Coventry City Council

Attached documents

• RM-00059708-Library Information Assistant-Job Description 2026.pdf
• Relief Register Guidelines – recruitment Sept 2024 (2).pdf