Senior library and information assistant

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.

Our Values

In line with our One Coventry Values, we want to ensure that our communities are represented across our workforce. A vital part of this is ensuring we are a truly inclusive organisation that encourages diversity in all respects, including diversity of thinking. We particularly welcome applicants from minority ethnic, LGBT+, disabled and neurodiverse communities to make a real difference to our residents so that equity and respect remains at the heart of everything we do.

Our Values are:

• Open and fair: We are fair, open, and transparent.
• Nurture and develop: We help and encourage everyone to be their best and do their best.
• Engage and empower: We talk and listen to others, working together as one.
• Create and innovate: We embrace new ways of working to continuously improve.
• Own and be accountable: We work together to deliver the best services for our residents.
• Value and respect: We put diversity and inclusion at the heart of all we do.

What is the job role?

This is a Senior Library Assistant post at Willenhall Library, supervising the front-line Coventry Library Service.

The role involves day-to-day responsibility along with other Supervisors for the Library Building and Managing Library Staff (under the direction and supervision of the Library Manager)

• First point of contact for library visitors
• Helping people to use IT
• Answering questions on a wide variety of subjects
• Leading events and activities for example rhyme times
• Moving books around the library
• Creating and Promoting book displays
• Dealing with complaints and incidents in the library
• Managing staff
• Health and Safety

All candidates must have the Right to Work in the UK. We are currently not offering sponsorship for this role.

Who are we looking for?

We are looking for someone with excellent customer service and communication skills. You will need to be able to manage staff, train and motivate teams and be able to ensure the library provides a well-maintained and welcoming space. You will also be able to utilise IT, promote the service and take part in events and activities.

Willenhall Library - Senior Library and Information Assistant Post timetable:

This is a part-time post of 18.5 hours per week.

• Monday 9.45 am -1.45 pm
• Tuesday 9.45 am – 3.00pm
• Wednesday non-working
• Thursday 9.45am - 7.00pm*
• Friday non working
• Saturday non working
• Sunday non-working

*includes paid lunch break

If you have any queries, please contact Tracey Harte on 07903936911 or Jaspal Ram on 07814778433

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

Need help completing your application form? The Job Shop can support you. You can register online here for an initial assessment or visit the Job Shop in person. Please see their webpage for more information. For all other queries, contact Resourcing@coventry.gov.uk.

Guaranteed Interview Scheme - As part of our commitment to inclusion, we offer guaranteed interviews for specific groups of people. To qualify, you'll need to meet the minimum requirements for the role and identify with one of the below criteria:

• Members of the Armed Forces and veterans
• Are currently in care or have previously been in care
• If you consider yourself to be disabled or if you have a long-term health condition

For full details on the application process, please read the attached document on our jobs page labelled 'Coventry City Council Application Process'. If there is any evidence that a candidate used AI to complete their application, the application will be rejected unless the candidate can provide a justification that the Council considers reasonable.

Interview date: 25 June 2026

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