Library Technician Apprentice

University Hospitals Dorset NHS Foundation Trust

The closing date is 16 February 2025

Job summary

University Hospitals Dorset NHS Foundation Trust are looking to welcome an apprentice into Knowledge and Library Services, who will work as an integral member of the team whilst completing their Library, Information and Archive Services Assistant Level 3 Apprenticeship: https://www.instituteforapprenticeships.org/apprenticeship-standards/library-information-and-archive-services-assistant-v1-0

This full-time role is embedded in our on-site libraries across Bournemouth and Poole Hospitals. This role gives the post holder valuable NHS Library experience and recognised qualification to start a career in Librarianship. Previous post holders have gone onto work at national libraries and Tate Britain.

You will be given one paid study day per week in a fully funded, 18-month apprenticeship course which aligns with the following professional recognition:

  • Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals for Certified Member (ACLIP)
  • Archive and Records Association for Foundation Member (FMARA)

Base Location: Royal Bournemouth Hospital with occasional cross site working at Poole Hospital required

Interview Date: TBC

Main duties of the job

Whilst studying on your Apprenticeship, your day-to-day duties will include:

  • Supporting library users in general enquiries, book loans, accessing online content, journals, eBooks, eDocs and archives
  • Market library services and events to support the promotion of health literacy amongst the general public and hospital patients
  • Support NHS staff to develop their skills and knowledge in researching, gathering information, and applying evidence-based knowledge to their clinical practice
  • Provide library inductions and orientations
  • Responsible for library administration, data entry, cataloguing, archiving, loan database management, email, telephone and face-to-face enquiries
  • Be a first point of contact for library users
  • Responsible for ensuring the library areas remain a pleasant, safe and inclusive space for all users
  • Close working relationships with the librarians to support service improvements, projects and events
  • Support the team in stock and catalogue maintenance, turnover, data accuracy and inter-library loans
  • Self-directed study to complete the Apprenticeship Programme within the 18 month timeline, ensuring assignments and portfolios are submitted on time, and to a high quality
  • Attend regular reviews with your line manager and Apprenticeship Tutor

About us

Our values define who we are as #TeamUHD. They underpin everything we do now and in the future. They define how we treat our patients, visitors, and each other.

The Knowledge and Library Service is a large, supportive team providing services across East Dorset.

As part of the wider Education and Training Team, there are two physical library spaces across UHD:

  • Poole Hospital
  • Royal Bournemouth Hospital

Our outreach programmes also expand to events and visiting library services in public libraries across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole and in our satellite hospital in Christchurch.

The Knowledge and Library Services Team is well established and encourages life-long learning.

This is a full-time position.

UHD are investing in services across the Trust, with many being transformed and developed following merger and the New Hospital Programme.

This means that some services may move site this year or next, either temporarily or long term. Recruiting Managers interviewing for this role will be happy to answer any specific questions that you have at interview.

Date posted

31 January 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 2

Salary

£23,615 a year pa

Contract

Fixed term

Duration

18 months

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

153-CO04167

Job locations

Royal Bournemouth Hospital

Castle Lane East

Bournemouth

BH7 7DW


Job description

Job responsibilities

The ideal applicant will be organised, practical and have a logical mind.

Attention to detail is fundamental to the role and you will be supported to grow these skills as part of your training.

We are looking for an individual who is forward thinking, looking to initiate a career in librarianship, has a thirst for imparting and sharing knowledge with others with a kind and compassionate approach.

Our commitment to you:

  • Full induction programme
  • Twice weekly team huddles
  • Monthly one-to-one reviews with your line manager
  • Monthly Education and Training meetings
  • Three-monthly reviews with your line manager and tutor
  • Protected study leave (one day per week)
  • Fully funded tuition fees
  • Personal Development Plan and annual Appraisal

Please note that it is a national requirement to have a literacy and numeracy qualification to access an apprenticeship. This is detailed in the attached Person Specification.

We welcome general enquiries and can offer an informal visit to our library for you to discuss the role further.

Job description

Job responsibilities

The ideal applicant will be organised, practical and have a logical mind.

Attention to detail is fundamental to the role and you will be supported to grow these skills as part of your training.

We are looking for an individual who is forward thinking, looking to initiate a career in librarianship, has a thirst for imparting and sharing knowledge with others with a kind and compassionate approach.

Our commitment to you:

  • Full induction programme
  • Twice weekly team huddles
  • Monthly one-to-one reviews with your line manager
  • Monthly Education and Training meetings
  • Three-monthly reviews with your line manager and tutor
  • Protected study leave (one day per week)
  • Fully funded tuition fees
  • Personal Development Plan and annual Appraisal

Please note that it is a national requirement to have a literacy and numeracy qualification to access an apprenticeship. This is detailed in the attached Person Specification.

We welcome general enquiries and can offer an informal visit to our library for you to discuss the role further.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

  • Literacy (GCSE English C Grade or above OR Functional Skills Level 2)
  • Numeracy (GCSE Maths C Grade or above OR Functional Skills Level 2)

Desirable

  • Literacy and numeracy to A level or NVQ Level 2/3 or equivalent standard
  • Information Technology: o GCSE IT/Computing at C Grade or above, or o ECDL or equivalent
  • Information and Library Services City & Guilds/NVQ Level 3 or equivalent

Experience and Skills

Essential

  • Basic understanding of relevant legislation, e.g. GDPR
  • Customer service experience
  • Clerical and administrative work including accurate filing
  • Using Microsoft Office software
  • Keyboard skills
  • Internet Searching skills
  • Accurate inputting onto database systems
  • Evidence of the ability to follow instructions accurately

Desirable

  • NHS experience
  • Library experience
  • Basic research skills, including referencing
  • Using social media for business marketing
  • Editing webpages
Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

  • Literacy (GCSE English C Grade or above OR Functional Skills Level 2)
  • Numeracy (GCSE Maths C Grade or above OR Functional Skills Level 2)

Desirable

  • Literacy and numeracy to A level or NVQ Level 2/3 or equivalent standard
  • Information Technology: o GCSE IT/Computing at C Grade or above, or o ECDL or equivalent
  • Information and Library Services City & Guilds/NVQ Level 3 or equivalent

Experience and Skills

Essential

  • Basic understanding of relevant legislation, e.g. GDPR
  • Customer service experience
  • Clerical and administrative work including accurate filing
  • Using Microsoft Office software
  • Keyboard skills
  • Internet Searching skills
  • Accurate inputting onto database systems
  • Evidence of the ability to follow instructions accurately

Desirable

  • NHS experience
  • Library experience
  • Basic research skills, including referencing
  • Using social media for business marketing
  • Editing webpages

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Employer details

Employer name

University Hospitals Dorset NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Royal Bournemouth Hospital

Castle Lane East

Bournemouth

BH7 7DW


Employer's website

https://www.uhd.nhs.uk/careers (Opens in a new tab)

Employer details

Employer name

University Hospitals Dorset NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Royal Bournemouth Hospital

Castle Lane East

Bournemouth

BH7 7DW


Employer's website

https://www.uhd.nhs.uk/careers (Opens in a new tab)

For questions about the job, contact:

Knowledge and Library Services Manager

Sam Thomas

samuel.thomas@uhd.nhs.uk

03000193551

Date posted

31 January 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 2

Salary

£23,615 a year pa

Contract

Fixed term

Duration

18 months

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

153-CO04167

Job locations

Royal Bournemouth Hospital

Castle Lane East

Bournemouth

BH7 7DW


Supporting documents

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