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Library Assistant [Temporary Cover]

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University of Cambridge

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Library Assistant [Temporary Cover]

Assistant staff

4 May 2026

Location

Cambridge

University of Cambridge

Type

Full-time fixed-term (12 months maternity cover)

Salary

£25,249-£27,319

Required Qualifications

Collaborative teamwork
Exemplary customer service
Excellent communication skills
IT proficiency
High accuracy and attention to detail
Creative library services approach
Moodle familiarity (desirable)
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Library Assistant [Temporary Cover]

Library Assistant [Temporary Cover]

Ever wanted to work in an institution that is home to one of the world's great collections of cultural treasures and research materials?

Spanning thousands of years of human thought and discovery, Cambridge University Libraries and Archives house unique treasures and research materials made up of nearly ten million books, maps, manuscripts, photographs and priceless objects.

The role

Would you like to gain experience of working in a busy Faculty Library, delivering tailored services to a wide and varied Education community of 1100+ students? We are looking for an enthusiastic, customer-focused person to join our collaborative team on a fixed-term basis who is passionate about providing a high-quality service to the Education Faculty.

This full-time, site-based temporary position covering maternity leave involves front-facing duties and we are therefore looking for someone who enjoys and excels at communicating and working with a wide variety of people.

As Library Assistant (maternity cover) you will:

  • Support readers in their use of the extensive range of electronic information resources available via the Library VLE (Moodle), as well as access print collections available in the Library.
  • Assist the Acquisitions Librarians in updating over 100 Faculty online reading lists.
  • Contribute to the development and expansion of the unique Education Ebooks Collection on Moodle.
  • Catalogue new material to RDA/MARC21 standards.
  • Update content in our heavily used online guides.
  • Help to ensure that the Faculty's large number of part-time, distance and PGCE students receive parity of service provision with full-time students.

What we are looking for:

  • The ability to work collaboratively in a team.
  • A commitment to exemplary customer service.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
  • Excellent IT skills.
  • A high level of accuracy and the ability to pay attention to detail.
  • A creative and resourceful approach to delivering library services.

Familiarity with Moodle is also desirable, but the Education Library Team will provide full training and support for the role.

What we offer:

  • Flexible opportunities such as part-time hours.
  • Generous annual leave allowance of 36 days, if working across 5 days.
  • Exceptional parental leave (including maternity, paternity/co-parent, adoption and shared parental leave).
  • Discounts on major retailers.
  • Professional development opportunities such as apprenticeships and access to a variety of training courses.

We welcome applications from individuals who wish to be considered for part-time working or other flexible working arrangements.

We particularly welcome applications from candidates from a BME background for this vacancy as they are currently under-represented at this level in our department.

Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.

How to apply

Applications are welcome from internal candidates who would like to apply for the role on the basis of a secondment from their current role in the University. Please check with your line manager before applying.

For informal inquiries please contact the Deputy Librarian, Education Library - Emma-Jane Batchelor (ejb40@cam.ac.uk). We welcome any potential candidates to get in touch to arrange a visit and meet the team.

Application closing date: Monday 4th May 2026

Interview date: Tuesday 19th May 2026

For further details please refer to the Further Particulars.

Temporary cover: This post is fixed-term for 12 months or the return of the post holder, whichever is the earlier.

Please quote reference VS49433 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.

Apply online

Key information

Department/location

Faculty of Education Library

Salary

£25,249-£27,319

Reference

VS49433

Category

Assistant staff

Date published

20 April 2026

Closing date

4 May 2026

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Frequently Asked Questions

📚What are the key responsibilities of the Library Assistant role?

As Library Assistant (maternity cover), you will support readers with electronic resources via Moodle VLE, assist in updating online reading lists, develop the Education Ebooks Collection, catalogue materials to RDA/MARC21 standards, update online guides, and ensure equitable service for part-time and distance students. Full training provided. Explore more administration jobs at universities.

🎓What qualifications and skills are required for this position?

Essential skills include collaborative teamwork, commitment to customer service, excellent verbal/written communication, IT skills, high accuracy, attention to detail, and a creative approach to library services. Moodle familiarity is desirable with full team training offered. Ideal for those passionate about Education Faculty support. Check higher ed career advice for tips.

⏰Is this a full-time role and what is the duration?

This is a full-time, site-based temporary position covering maternity leave for 12 months or until the post holder's return. Flexible part-time options welcomed. Located at Faculty of Education Library, Cambridge. View similar higher ed admin jobs.

💼What benefits does University of Cambridge offer for this role?

Benefits include 36 days annual leave (pro-rata), exceptional parental leave, retailer discounts, professional development like apprenticeships and training. Flexible working encouraged, with encouragement for BME candidates. Learn about employer branding in higher education.

📝How do I apply for the Library Assistant maternity cover position?

Click 'Apply' to register and submit online, quoting reference VS49433. Closing date: 4 May 2026, interviews 19 May 2026. Internal secondments welcome; contact Deputy Librarian Emma-Jane Batchelor (ejb40@cam.ac.uk) for inquiries or visits. UK work eligibility required. See free resume template and cover letter template for applications.

🌍Does the role offer visa sponsorship or relocation support?

The University requires all employees to be eligible to live and work in the UK; no specific visa sponsorship mentioned for this role. Contact the team for details. Applications from diverse backgrounds encouraged, especially BME candidates.
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