Senior Library Assistant, Acquisitions

About the role

You will join the Bodleian Social Science Library (SSL), supporting teaching and research across a wide range of social science disciplines. The post-holder will play a critical role in acquiring resources for the social sciences with particular responsibility for the timely purchasing of material required for teaching (approximately 250 reading lists per year), and the development of related services.

You will be responsible for sourcing, ordering, receiving and processing materials using the Acquisitions module of Oxford’s Library Management System and supplier platforms, maintaining accurate acquisitions data, and liaising with academic staff and suppliers to ensure effective and cost-efficient provision of resources. You will also contribute to the development of services such as e-book provision and the enhancement of online reading lists via ORLO. In addition, you will monitor collection usage, support stock management activities, and train and supervise staff in acquisition processes.

You will also contribute to frontline reader services, working at the issue desk to support a busy lending library, responding to enquiries, assisting users with library systems and resources, and helping to maintain a welcoming and well-organised study environment. You will take part in a rota that includes opening, closing, evening and occasional weekend duties, and at times you will be responsible for the supervision and security of the library.

This is a full-time post, working 36.5 hours per week.

This role requires regular manual handling (as the post includes unpacking boxes, moving materials and some shelving work).

About You

You will be educated to GCSE level or equivalent and have experience of working in a library environment, including using a Library Management System. You will have strong attention to detail and the ability to work independently and accurately, alongside a collaborative and flexible approach to team working. You will demonstrate excellent customer service skills.

You will be confident using IT systems, including Microsoft Office and online resources such as e-journals and databases, and will be able to communicate effectively with colleagues and library users. You will be well organized and able to manage competing priorities in a busy environment. Experience of acquisitions work and knowledge of copyright or licensing would be advantageous.

What We Offer

As an employer, we genuinely care about our employees’ wellbeing and this is reflected in the range of benefits that we offer including:

• An excellent contributory pension scheme
• 38 days of annual leave
• A comprehensive range of childcare services
• Family leave schemes
• Cycle loan scheme
• Discounted bus travel and Season Ticket travel loans

More information is available at https://hr.admin.ox.ac.uk/staff-benefits

Diversity

Our staff and students come from all over the world, and we proudly promote a friendly and inclusive culture. Diversity is positively encouraged, through diverse groups and champions, as well as a number of family-friendly policies, such as the right to apply for flexible working and support for staff returning from periods of extended absence, for example, shared parental leave.

We are committed to ensuring that our recruitment processes are inclusive and accessible. If you require the job description or any other materials in an alternative format, or if you would like to request any adjustments to support you through the application or interview process, please contact the recruitment team at recruitment@glam.ox.ac.uk.

How to apply

You will be required to upload your CV and a Supporting evidence form using the attached template as part of your online application. Your Supporting evidence form should list each of the essential and desirable selection criteria, as listed in the job description, and explain how you meet each one. CVs alone will not be considered.

We aim to provide a supportive working environment and are happy to discuss training and professional development opportunities. The Chair of this recruitment panel will be Jo Gardner, Bodleian Social Science Librarian, who can be contacted with enquiries relating to the role (jo.gardner@bodleian.ox.ac.uk). General queries about the recruitment and application process should be directed to the Recruitment team within our Human Resources department (recruitment@glam.ox.ac.uk).

Only applications received online by 12.00 midday (BST) on Monday 13th April 2026 can be considered. Interviews are expected to take place on Thursday 30th April 2026.

Location: Bodleian Social Science Library, Manor Road Building, Manor Road, Oxford, OX1 3UQ.

Pay Scale: STANDARD GRADE 4

Salary: £28,437 - £32,108 per annum

Vacancy ID: 185318