Our Values

In line with our One Coventry Values we strive to have a workforce that reflects our local communities and welcome applicants from all sections of the community. We particularly welcome applicants from minority ethnic backgrounds, applicants who have a disability and applicants who are from the LGBTQ+ community to apply for our senior leadership roles. 

Our Values are:

About the team we are recruiting to

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.   

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 Casual hours post, working as and when required.

We are looking for someone to join our team as a Library and Information Assistant Relief Register (casual hours) to support the work of Coventry Library Service, 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 will be assisting by 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
• · Moving books around the library
• · Promoting book displays

Who are we looking for?

We are we looking for someone:

• · With excellent customer service skills
• · Good communication skills
• · A knowledge of how to use IT
• · Who is resourceful and has good problem solving skills
• · With the ability to participate in events
• · With an eye for keeping library spaces welcoming to all
• · Who wants to share their passion for books and reading
• · Flexible with working patterns -  available at least 5 x 3 hour shifts per week over 4 different days, to include either a Saturday or a Sunday

Hours and Place of work

Working at any of the 14 Coventry City Council Libraries across the city as and when required

You may be called upon between the following hours, between 9.00am and 7.00pm on Weekdays, 9.00am and 4.30pm on Saturdays, 12.00pm and 4.00pm on Sundays. You will need to be available at least 5 x 3 hour shifts per week over 4 different days, to include either a Saturday or a Sunday.

If you need help or support to complete your application, please visit our accessibility page to see how we can assist you ?

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

Interview date: Thursday 1st or Friday 2nd February 2024

If you have any queries, please contact Rachel Speake on 024 7697 2679 or Carol Robinson on 024 7697 2674

About Coventry

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

Coventry City Council