About the role
You will join the Bodleian Libraries’ Humanities reader services team, supporting access to outstanding collections for teaching and research.
You will play an important role in providing a welcoming and efficient service to readers and visitors during evening and weekend opening hours. Working at library enquiry desks, you will assist readers with accessing collections and services, respond to enquiries, and support the day-to-day operation of the library.
Your responsibilities will include issuing and returning books, helping readers use online catalogues and library equipment, re-shelving materials and assisting with collections management activities. You will also contribute to maintaining a safe, welcoming and well-organised library environment, working closely with colleagues to deliver excellent customer service.
These are permanent, part-time posts, with the following work patterns.
Post 1: Taylor Institution Library
12.13 hours per week (0.3323 FTE), averaged over a two-week rota:
- Week 1: Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday (16:00 to 19:15)
- Week 2: Tuesday and Wednesday (16:00 to 19:15), and Saturday (09:45 to 18:15 - including 30-minutes unpaid lunch break)
Post 2: Bodleian Art, Archaeology & Ancient World Library
12.75 hours per week (0.3493 FTE), working Wednesday, Thursday and Friday (17:00 to 21:15)
Post 3: Bodleian Humanities Library
11.92 hours per week (0.3266 FTE), working Monday 17.00-21.15 and Sunday 08.50-17.10 (including 40-minute unpaid lunchbreak)
Occasional cover at other Humanities Libraries may be required.
About You
You will be educated to GCSE level or equivalent, communicate clearly and courteously, and provide excellent customer service.
You will have good general IT skills, work accurately and effectively within a team, and be reliable and punctual. You will also be able to lift, carry, and transport books safely.
What We Offer
As an employer, we genuinely care about our employees’ wellbeing and this is reflected in the range of benefits that we offer including:
- An excellent contributory pension scheme
- 38 days of annual leave
- A comprehensive range of childcare services
- Family leave schemes
- Cycle loan scheme
- Discounted bus travel and Season Ticket travel loans
More information is available at https://www.ox.ac.uk/about/jobs/life-in-oxford
How to apply
You will be required to upload your CV and a supporting evidence form using the attached template as part of your online application. Your supporting evidence form should list each of the essential and desirable selection criteria, as listed in the job description, and explain how you meet each one. CVs alone will not be considered.
We aim to provide a supportive working environment and are happy to discuss training and professional development opportunities. The Chair of this recruitment panel will be Colin Walker, Reader Services Supervisor, Art Library, who can be contacted with enquiries relating to the role (colin.walker@bodleian.ox.ac.uk ). General queries about the recruitment and application process should be directed to the Recruitment team within our Human Resources department (recruitment@glam.ox.ac.uk).
Only applications received online by 12.00 midday (GMT) on Friday 13th November 2026 can be considered. Interviews are expected to take place during the week commencing 7th December 2026.
