Suffolk County Council
Library and Information Advisor
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Library and Information Advisor
Job Description
Suffolk County Council (Suffolk Community Libraries) Address: Ipswich County Library, Ipswich IP1 3DE and Stoke Library, Ipswich, Suffolk IP2 8PL - on-site working Salary: £25,185 per annum (pro rata) Hours: 17.5 average per week, see below for working pattern Contract: Permanent
As a modern and effective council, at Suffolk County Council we understand the importance of being flexible and well-connected in the ways we work. We focus our ambitions on doing what’s right for people, our partners and our communities - both now and for the future.
That’s why, as one of the largest employers in Suffolk, we believe in empowering everyone. Through career variety and collaborative working, accessible career paths and professional development.
The support and care we offer encourages and enables you to be the best you can be. To make a meaningful impact on the world around you. To achieve a unique sense of pride in what you do, why you do it and where.
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. Stoke Library is a lone working post and as such you’ll be expected to open and close the library building.
Your working pattern
Week 1 - 12.5 hours per week - Wednesday 10am - 5pm (Ipswich County Library (ICL)), Saturday 9.30am - 12.30pm (Stoke), Sunday 10am - 1pm (Stoke)
Week 2 - 22.5 hours per week - Tuesday 9am - 2pm (ICL), Weds 10am - 4pm (ICL), Friday 9am - 3pm (ICL), Saturday 9.30am - 12.30pm (Stoke), Sunday 10am - 1pm (Stoke)
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.
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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 the how to apply section 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 Mark Girling for a casual conversation. You can contact them by calling 01473 927275 or emailing mark.girling@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 .
Tell us about a time you had to explain something complex to someone unfamiliar with the topic. How did you ensure they understood? Describe a time when you helped someone use technology or digital services. What challenges did they face and how did you support them? How do you manage multiple tasks or responsibilities during a busy shift? Can you give an example? Can you give an example of how you ensured your own safety and wellbeing while working alone in a public-facing role?
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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, 1 July 2026.
Interview date: 8 July 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.
About Us
As a modern and effective council, we offer a wide variety of careers to suit people with a range of skills, abilities and ambitions. We offer working options that flex to reflect the way people work today and take the time to understand and support your individual needs. We’re driven to make a positive difference to the world around us and encourage everyone with drive and focus to join us and build an influential and impactful career. Reimagine the possibilities.
In return, you’ll enjoy:
up to 29 days annual leave entitlement (pro rata), plus UK bank holidays and two paid volunteering days membership of a competitive Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) travel, lifestyle, health and wellbeing benefits performance-related annual pay progression, in addition to an annual cost-of-living pay increase training and encouragement to expand your knowledge a variety of career development opportunities across our organisation diverse and active staff networks flexible working options, with the right to request flexible working from your first day
Plus lots more!
If you want to know more about our benefits, values and equality commitments please visit our Suffolk County Council careers website (careers.Suffolk.gov.uk) .
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