Library and Information Assistant

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 temporary Maternity Cover Library Assistant post, providing the front-line library service. We are looking for someone to join our team in providing a safe welcoming space for visitors to relax, read, learn, use computers, attend and participate in events on site or online. In your role you will be ensuring a good visitor experience and providing 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

· Excellent customer service skills · Good communication skills · IT knowledge · Ability to participate in events (e.g.. rhyme times and story times) · Ensuring library spaces are welcoming to all · Enthusiasm for sharing books and reading

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., 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

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