Library and Information Advisor

• Suffolk County Council
• Address: Oulton Broad Library, Oulton Broad, Suffolk NR32 3LR – On-site working
• Salary: £25,185 per annum (pro rata)
• Hours: 8.75 hours per week to be worked: Alternate Saturdays 9.45am -1pm and 2pm - 5.15pm (6.5 hours) and every Sunday 10.45am - 4.15pm (5.5 hours). 

• Contract: Permanent

   

At Suffolk County Council we’re passionate about improving the future for our customers, our communities and the environment. If you are too, join us as a Library and Information Advisor and make a huge and meaningful impact. Your innovation and drive will help us to continue improving and evolving. Our opportunities and support will enable you to make a difference and leave a positive, lasting legacy. Reimagine the possibilities.

Your role and responsibilities

As a Library and Information Advisor, you’ll be at the heart of your local community, helping people of all ages access the services, support and inspiration that libraries offer.

On a typical day, you might:

• Deliver excellent customer service to a wide range of visitors, including children, families and older adults.

• Support customers with using library services, from borrowing books to navigating digital resources.

• Run and support activities such as children’s story time, crafts, and community events.

• Help customers with IT queries, including using mobile devices, email, and social media.

• Work closely with volunteers and community groups to raise the library’s profile and deliver outreach services.

• Carry out core library tasks such as shelving, stock management, taking payments, and creating displays.

This is a physically active role that involves bending and lifting. It is also a lone working post and as such you’ll be expected to open and close the library buildings. 

You will need

We’re looking for someone who:

• Can deliver great customer service to people of all ages.

• Communicates effectively and builds positive, supportive relationships with customers, colleagues, and the wider community.

• Is confident engaging with young people and enthusiastic about delivering activities like children’s crafts and story sessions.

• Is IT literate and comfortable using the internet, social media, email, mobile devices and apps—and can guide others in using them too.

• Works well as part of a team and is happy to support colleagues.

• Is willing to learn and carry out the full range of library procedures, including shelving, lending, self-service support, taking payments, stock work, displays, and rearranging the library space when needed.

If you’ve worked in a customer-facing role, enjoy helping people, and have experience working with children, we’d love to hear from you. An interest in books and computers is a big plus.

You can view a full list of requirements in the Job and Person Profile, see below. If you believe you can succeed in this role, apply. Even if you don't meet all requirements, still apply. We would appreciate the opportunity to consider your application. 

The team

You’ll be joining a friendly, supportive team that’s passionate about making the library a welcoming and inclusive space for everyone. We work closely with volunteers, community groups, and schools to deliver a wide range of services and events. Our team values collaboration, creativity, and a shared commitment to helping people thrive.

Empowering Everyone

We’re big believers in potential, possibility and the power of different ideas. We’re always searching for ways to encourage, respect and enable everyone to be the best they can be. We want to represent the diverse communities we serve. We welcome applications from all individuals, especially those from groups that are currently underrepresented in the organisation, as shown in our Workforce Equality Report. 

For more information

Please contact Hilary Ottley for a casual conversation. You can contact them by emailing: hilary.ottley@suffolk.gov.uk

How to apply

Step 1 – Read the Job and Person Profile (JPP) (Word).
Step 2 – Click ‘Apply Now’ to start your online application.
Step 3 - Upload a supporting statement answering the following questions below (no more than 400 words per question). You should use the Supporting Statement template (Word). 

1. Give an example of an activity or event you’ve run or supported for children. What did you do to keep them engaged?

2. How do you manage multiple tasks or responsibilities during a busy shift? Can you give an example?

3. Have you ever been involved in a community event or outreach activity? What was your role and what impact did it have?

4. When working alone, how do you keep yourself updated on important information, developments, or safety matters within your team or organisation?

Step 4 - Upload a CV (without name and personal details).

Please note: Without a supporting statement and CV, your interest will not be progressed. Any supporting documents must be in either PDF or MS Word format.

For guidance on completing your application, please see our How to Apply page.

Planning to use Artificial Intelligence (AI)? Please ensure your application still reflects your own skills, experience and ideas. If used inappropriately, your application may not be processed. Please read our guidance for using AI to understand what’s acceptable.

Do you need any reasonable adjustments to help you to apply? If you are disabled and/or have additional support needs, you can request reasonable adjustments. You can do this by contacting our Recruitment Team at recruitment@suffolk.gov.uk or 03456 014412.  You can find examples of possible adjustments on our Reasonable Adjustment pages.

Closing date: 11:30pm, 14 May 2026.
 

This authority is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) checks or police vetting will be required for relevant posts. #LI-Onsite