Job vacancy: Trainee Library Assistant, Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust, Torquay

Job summary

Main area: Librarianship
Grade: NHS AfC: Band 3
Contract: Fixed term: 2 years (End date is likely to be September 2027)
Hours: Full time - 37.5 hours per week (8.30am - 5pm, Monday to Friday)
Job ref: 388-7263909-CORP

Employer: Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust
Employer type: NHS
Site: Horizon Centre, Torbay Hospital
Town: Torquay
Salary: £24,625 - £25,674 per annum
Salary period: Yearly
Closing: 17/08/2025 23:59
Interview date: 03/09/2025

Trainee Library Assistant

NHS AfC: Band 3

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Customer service

Work on the library enquiry desk, assisting users with information enquiries and providing advice covering the full range of library services
Responding to enquiries received in person, over the phone or via email
Support library users undertaking research and literature searches by advising on appropriate databases and locating clinical research
Provide assistance to users on library IT equipment, including straightforward troubleshooting
Provide basic inductions for new library members

Housekeeping tasks (Training will be provided on all library systems)

Administration of OpenAthens accounts for several local Trusts, including password resets and checking users’ eligibility for access
Process registration forms for new library users and help maintain existing user records on the regional library management system
Process new items purchased by the library, including checking for reservations, checking accuracy of records, and security-tagging items
Library management system housekeeping, including book weeding and deleting old user records
Chase and monitor overdue notices
Administer inter-library loans by supplying items requested by other NHS libraries and processing requests for books and research articles from our users in a timely manner
Attend and participate in team meetings or any other Trust or regional meetings as designated
Monitor library stationery requirements and order/receipt goods as required
Provide clerical duties to support the library service, including scanning, sorting post, taking minutes of meetings etc.
Provide administrative support to any other areas as required
Tidying and checking shelves

Promotional activities

Promote use of library resources and assist in the preparation of library guides, information packs and induction packs
Help produce displays and other promotional material and contribute to outreach activities
Send welcoming emails to all new staff members
Help maintain the library website as required

Quality improvement

Help collect statistics and monitor use as part of a rolling programme of quality improvement
Contribute ideas for improving existing services or suggesting new services

This job description is not exhaustive. Staff may be required to undertake any other duties at the request of the line manager, which are commensurate with the band.

Person specification

Essential and desirable

Essential criteria

Grade C or above A-levels or equivalent level 3 education
Demonstrable commitment to gaining a CILIP-recognised formal qualification in library/information studies
Demonstrable enthusiasm for library work, ideally in a health-related field
Demonstrable ability to multitask and proactively manage own workload e.g. prioritising, working under pressure and meeting deadlines
Proven experience of undertaking research using relevant resources
Proven customer service experience
Proven effective and responsible team member
Demonstrate ability to follow policies and procedures
Ability to work accurately and pay attention to detail
Demonstrable written and verbal communication skills
Evidence of a ‘can do’ attitude towards problem solving and new services/projects
Demonstrable IT skills, especially Microsoft Office suite

Desirable criteria

Demonstrable enthusiasm for health information
Knowledge of legislation such as data protection and copyright
Ability to evaluate own work and skills
Experience of working in a library or information service
Clerical or administrative experience

You will be joining the organisation at an exciting time. As the first fully integrated care organisation in England, we are working to improve the way we deliver safe, high-quality health and social care. We have a positive and vibrant working atmosphere, we are proud of our investment in our staff both in terms of developing potential career skills and valuing people.

If you provide support to a family member or friend with health or care needs, we aim to be a Carer-friendly employer. We have a ‘Staff Carers’ policy which includes flexible working where possible and a Carer’s Passport scheme that links you into support and discounts.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

We reserve the right to close vacancies early if we receive a high volume of applications. Therefore, we encourage you to apply promptly.
Please read the job description carefully and tailor your application to reflect the requirements of the role.
Applicants who identify in their application form they are a part of the Armed Forces community will be guaranteed an interview, provided they meet the minimum essential criteria outlined in the job description and person specification for the role. Step into Health guidance can be found on our NHS Employers website.
Correspondence will be sent via Trac, text, and email. Please ensure you check your email and Trac account regularly.
Applicants with no previous NHS experience will ordinarily be appointed to the minimum of the band.
If you have not received an invitation to interview within 28 days of the closing date, please assume that your application has been unsuccessful on this occasion.
It is your responsibility to ensure the timely receipt of appropriate references.

The Trust is committed to preventing discrimination, valuing diversity and achieving equality of opportunity. No person (staff, patient or public) will receive less favourable treatment on the grounds of the nine protected characteristics as governed by the Equality Act 2010. If you require support you can obtain this from our Equality Business Forum which has representatives from all protected groups.