Here at Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust, we are proud to provide expert, compassionate care for our local population. We are ranked as the third in the country for research, embedding education and training across the organisation. Our main hub is the Queen Alexandra Hospital, which is one of the largest hospitals on the south coast employing over 8,700 staff.

Our patients come from all walks of life and so do we. We hire great people from a wide variety of backgrounds because it makes our hospital stronger. If you share our values and our enthusiasm for getting it right for patients, colleagues, and our community, you will find a home at Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust

Do you want to join a dynamic and innovative team that consistently delivers excellent results, while developing your skills and abilities? If so, we want you!

We are excited to announce an opening for a Senior Library Assistant (Band 3) part-time (30 hours per week) in our Library and eLearning Service at Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust. We are a fast-paced, forward-thinking department where teamwork and customer service are essential.

The ideal candidate will thrive in a busy environment, enjoy interacting with a variety of people in person and over the phone, be flexible to the needs of the service, and be able to manage competing priorities effectively.

What we can offer you:

• Professional development: We encourage our staff to continue their professional development and provide opportunities for further training, education, and courses.
• Benefits: We offer a comprehensive benefits package, including childcare vouchers, an on-site gym and swimming pool, a cycle-to-work scheme, access to our free beach hut, accommodation (subject to availability), and much more!

Key Responsibilities:

• Act as first point of contact for the service, and participate in a range of activities, including library inductions, counter duties (including document supply and enquiries)
• Provide front-line user assistance, identifying the needs of users and responding to requests and enquiries received in person, by phone and email in a friendly, efficient and effective manner, referring to professional library staff as appropriate.
• Provide user assistance and induction, including assistance with, searches, the Library website and the use of computers.
• Will be senior staff member in charge of the library in the absence of a qualified librarian.
• Manage the interlibrary loan and document supply service, to ensure that requested items are sourced, obtained and delivered promptly, cost-effectively and in appropriate formats, and that items borrowed from elsewhere are returned on time. Undertake bibliographic checking as required.
• Manage circulation functions, to ensure that stock is efficiently circulated and library users receive a friendly, efficient and courteous issue-desk service at all times. Ensure membership applications are promptly processed and user records are up-to-date and accurate.
• Prioritise tasks to ensure that library services are delivered promptly in line with agreed policies, procedures and quality standards.
• Devise and implement methods of best office practice within the Library, assuming responsibility for the handling and security of cash, for the implementation of any security procedures that may be required - as well as out-of-hours library access, for the receipt and distribution of post, and the maintenance of office equipment. Maintain the office diary, and produce high quality stationery and notices.
• Monitor the appropriate use of departmental print/copy accounts. Undertake administrative functions for the whole Library service where required.
• Manage journal receipts, to ensure that new issues are made available promptly. Maintain accurate journal holdings lists, to ensure that users and staff can easily locate titles.
• Maintain relevant spreadsheets and databases for the recording of elements of Library work. In essence compiling monthly and annual statistics.
• Work collaboratively with the our partners, to devise procedures that ensure harmonization of services and avoid duplication of effort.
• Order and process new books and stationery for the Library, ensuring they are available in a timely manner. Maintain sufficient stationery supplies in the Library.
• To assist in the rearrangement, identification and disposal of journal back runs and the withdrawal of books as identified by professional Library staff.
• Assist in publicising and marketing library resources by producing promotional displays. Ensure library stock and display areas are well presented.
• Participate in co-operative working with the staff of libraries within the SWIMS network, to optimize sharing of resources and expertise. Maintain personal skills development.
• In addition to the above duties, to undertake any other appropriate tasks which may be requested following discussion with the post holder. 

Essential

• Vocational qualification in library and information studies (minimum NVQ 3), or equivalent experience
• Evidence of CPD

Desirable

• Working towards the chartered membership of the Chartered Institute of Library & Information Professionals.
• Qualification in IT use such as ECDL

Experience

• Experience of using an online library management system
• Working as part of a team and use of initiative/ideas to contribute to team goals.
• Experience and competency in using IT applications especially Microsoft Office 365
• Receiving and communicating information both verbally and in writing
• Use and understanding of social media technologies.
• Experience of working in a library/information/customer service environment delivering customer service to a wide range of people

Skills and Abilities

• Excellent administrative skills and the ability to produce work with a high level of accuracy.
• Excellent customer service skills
• High level communication skills including excellent level of written and spoken English.
• Able to work independently with minimum supervision.
• Able to work accurately and methodically with attention to detail.
• Excellent time-management skills to organise and prioritise own workload as well as being able to assess and reorganise priorities quickly in a constantly changing environment.
• Provide information in a timely and accurate manner using the most appropriate means.
• Ability to trouble-shoot basic computer/printer/photocopier problems and to judge when to refer to specialist staff.

The health and wellbeing of our staff is at the forefront of everything we do. We are proud to be able to offer our staff some fantastic benefits including our on-site Nursery, access to our free Beach Hut for those long summer days, our on-site Wellness Centre including a gym and a swimming pool, access to our fantastic staff networks including LGBTQ, Race Equality and DisAbility, and awards ceremonies to recognise your achievements. We believe we can offer support to all of our staff when they need it the most. 

We welcome the unique contributions that you can bring in terms of your education, opinions, culture, ethnicity, race, sex, gender identity and expression, nation of origin, age, languages spoken, veteran’s status, colour, religion, disability, sexual orientation, and beliefs.