Senior Library Assistant

Ever wanted to work in an institution that is home to one of the world's great collections of cultural treasures and research materials?

Spanning thousands of years of human thought and discovery, Cambridge University Libraries and Archives house unique treasures and research materials made up of nearly ten million books, maps, manuscripts, photographs and priceless objects.

The role

Join the Casimir Lewy Librarian in supporting the delivery of effective, inclusive and user-centred library services to students, researchers and academics within the Faculty of Philosophy, the Institute for Technology and Humanity, and the wider university.

The post is permanent and with part-time hours of 29.2 hours per week or FTE 0.8 which can be worked across 4 or 5 days (Monday-Friday).

As Senior Library Assistant you will
Assist library users with a broad range of enquiries.
Create and maintain online reading lists, including integration with the virtual learning environment.
Assist in the purchasing, classification and cataloguing of modern books.
Participate in the development and delivery of new student inductions and information literacy training.
Manage and develop the library's online presence including its webpages, subject guides and social media.

What we are looking for
Experience of working in a library or information service.
Excellent communication and inter-personal skills.
A customer-focused approach and a commitment to delivering high-quality services both in-person and online.
Excellent attention to detail and organisational skills.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a small library team, and on projects taking place across the wider Cambridge University Libraries & Archives network.

What we offer
Flexible working opportunities.
Generous annual leave allowance of 36 days. For new part-time employees, annual leave will be pro rata'd based on days worked.
Exceptional parental leave (including maternity, paternity / co-parent, adoption and shared parental leave).
Discounts on major retailers.
Professional development opportunities such as apprenticeships and access to a variety of training courses.

In applications, we advise you to clearly state how your skills or experience meet the criteria listed the Person Specification section of the Further Particulars.

We welcome applications from individuals who wish to be considered for part-time working or other flexible working arrangements.

We particularly welcome applications from women and /or candidates from a BME background for this vacancy as they are currently under-represented at this level in our department.

Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.

For informal enquiries please contact Jo Harcus, Casimir Lewy Librarian at jmh225@cam.ac.uk or 01223 331889.

Application closing date: Sunday 25 October 2026. Interview date: Week commencing 2 November 2026

For further details please refer to the Further Particulars.

Please quote reference VE51342 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.