Blackburn with Darwen - Libraries

Community Library Volunteer

Service / Role Overview:

Blackburn with Darwen Library and Information Service provides a wide range of books, information and other resources to support learning and leisure for all ages. 

We are seeking volunteers in our Community Libraries to assist in carrying out the routines necessary to maintain an effective service and pleasant environment for members of the public.

All volunteers will be required to provide two character references prior to starting their role.

TASKS:

• To welcome customers to the building, support them in the use of library services and encourage them to become regular users by helping them to join the library using the Blackburn with Darwen website
• Assisting customers in the use of self-service kiosks
• Helping with basic enquiry work using the online public access catalogue (OPAC) and assisting customers to place reservations and renew items on line
• To help find library stock for visitors and library staff
• Supporting the use of public access PC’s and helping customers to access a variety of internet sites
• Providing general information about library services and promoting library services
• Maintaining displays and ensuring that the library is a bright and attractive environment for customers by general tidying, shelving and sorting stock
• Repairing and maintaining library books
• Topping up the photocopier, kiosks and printers with paper
• Contributing towards organising volunteer rotas opening/closing the building, setting the alarm and reporting any faults
• Following the agreed procedures to report faults/repairs/health and safety issues
• Communicating with central library staff
• Answering the telephone
• Till reading, reconciliation of cash and recording income
• Switching on/off the self service unit and the public access computer system
• Checking e mails and following the agreed procedure for sharing information with other volunteers
•  Supporting and preparing for library activities and events
• Supporting record keeping e.g. periodic visitor and enquiry counts
• Collecting newspapers and forwarding invoice to Blackburn Library
• Checking daily postal deliveries
• Promoting library services e.g. reading schemes, events, activities and online resources
• Attending relevant training and meetings
• Log volunteering hours via an online computer system

REQUIRED QUALITIES:

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Organisational skills
• Ability to work with minimum supervision
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team
• Experience of working directly with the public
• Excellent understanding of the principles and delivery of customer care

• Adaptable to changes in ways of working

  TRAINING:

  This post does not require the holder to have a DBS check but volunteers may be asked to attend relevant training courses or workshops.

  Age:       18+

  SCHEDULE:

   

 Mill Hill Library

LOCATION:

 Mill Hill Library, New Chapel Street, Blackburn, BB2 4DT