About the team we are recruiting to

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.   
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 role is permanent for 24 hours per week in the Afternoons, working Mon-Thurs 12.00-5.00 and Fri 12.00-4.00. It is based in the Stock Development Unit within the Central Library.

Salary will be pro-rata to the number of hours worked.

Coventry Libraries and Information Service operates from a Central Library and 16 Community Libraries. Annual visits to a Library exceed 1.25 million, we issue each year 3/4 million items and host over 1/2 million computer and Wi-Fi sessions.

With such a high level of public engagement the Library Service is uniquely placed to change the lives of Coventry residents for the better. As a cradle to grave service Coventry Libraries aim to both enable and empower people to realise their potential, to improve their opportunities and to bring individuals and communities together.

The Stock Development Unit is a small team based in the Central Library. This role will require accuracy and attention to detail as it involves receiving new stock for the Library Service and adding it to our database (Catalogue) of available titles. Unpacking deliveries, checking delivery notes and paying invoices all form part of the daily routine. The other main responsibility will be operating our Inter Library Loans Service which liaises with other libraries nationwide to supply our readers in Coventry and also satisfy requests from all over the country for stock we are able to lend. Corresponding with our own staff all over the city and with other Libraries by email and phone is part of the job. The Stock Development Unit doesn't only buy books but Audio cds, Music cds and DVDs so cataloguing them plus items in other languages than English will be part of the role, plus liaising with our suppliers. Dealing with Requests for new stock by adding Reservations for new stock to our Library Management System is also part of the role.

Who are we looking for?

You will have:

  Good IT skills.

  Experience of Customer Services with effective communication skills.

  Understanding of Library Services.

  Understanding of Order checking and Invoices.

  Able to lift or move Library stock safely.

  Able to demonstrate an understanding of alphabetical and numerical arrangement e.g.      use of filing systems.

  Accuracy in written work e.g. completion of forms on-line.

For full details on the application process please read the attached document on our jobs page labelled 'Coventry City Council Application Process'

Interview date(s): 24 March 2021

About Coventry

Coventry is a lively, multicultural city, which embraces old and new. Around the modern city centre there are traces of history everywhere – in the old city walls, the timber-framed buildings and the reconstructed medieval Spon Street. But Coventry has always had an eye on the future, and is now firmly focused on regenerating and re-inventing itself to meet the challenges of the 21st Century. With major developments and new projects taking place right across the city, Coventry City Council is the place to be!
There's a huge buzz about the city – Coventry ranks as the 8th best city to live, work and do business in the UK, and is the UK City of Culture 2021 ! We believe this will help put Coventry on the map for all the right reasons. You can feel the sense of local pride throughout the city as we build towards this momentous year. It also offers a unique, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to those joining us to play their part in it.
We genuinely believe that Coventry City Council is a special place. You will be joining Coventry City Council during an exciting time to become part of a team that contribute to achieving our visions for the city. We have made our council a place where we look after our people, making sure you're happy in your work and given everything you need to succeed. We've created friendly, welcoming workplaces where everyone is working towards the same cause, providing the best possible services for the city of Coventry.
As a council with improvement at its heart, we’re committed to making life better for the people who live and work in Coventry. We’re equally concerned with the quality of life enjoyed by our people, so by joining us, you won’t just be helping the community, you’ll be helping yourself too.
Not only do you get to work alongside great people that are helping to improve services for our community we offer great benefits too! For your valued contribution we will provide a fantastic benefits package including;   

• Flexible working arrangements
• Generous annual leave allowance starting at 27 days and rising to 32 days
• Pay progression through multiple increments
• Outstanding local government pension scheme
• Learning & Development with access to certified courses.
• Access to an award winning Occupational Health Team
• Vibrant employee networks 

Coventry City Council