Librarian (Digital, Information & Skills)
| Posting date: | 02 July 2025 |
|---|---|
| Salary: | £34,314 to £40,476 per year |
| Additional salary information: | 27 days annual leave per annum, increasing to 32 days annual leave after 5 years' service |
| Hours: | Full time |
| Closing date: | 24 July 2025 |
| Location: | North Somerset, South West England |
| Remote working: | Hybrid - work remotely up to 3 days per week |
| Company: | North Somerset Council |
| Job type: | Permanent |
| Job reference: | CSDA0176 |
Summary
The Role
We are looking for an ambitious, enthusiastic, and creative professional to join our team as a Librarian (with initial responsibility for Digital, Information, and Skills). This dynamic and fast-paced role will position you at the heart of a transformative period for our library service.
You will contribute to shaping and delivering North Somerset's library strategy and will have responsibility for managing, promoting, and developing key areas of the library service, including digital inclusion, access to information, and skills development. The role also involves executing a vibrant marketing and communications strategy, promoting library services using various tolls including social media and newsletters.
As a key part of our forward-thinking team, you’ll develop innovative digital inclusion projects, devise campaigns to promote library services, and support employment and skills development initiatives in collaboration with trusted partners.
You’ll also directly manage two Community Services Supervisors and oversee services across multiple library locations. Roles and responsibilities are likely to be reviewed in 2026 following the outcome of the Libraries Transformation review.
This is a varied and rewarding role for an excellent communicator with a passion for technology, marketing, and community impact. Bring your expertise, creativity, and leadership to help shape the future of North Somerset’s libraries. We’re looking for a proactive individual who embraces change, radiates positivity, and brings strong management skills to support and inspire our team.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead on the local delivery of the Universal Library Offer for digital and information: including developing initiatives, identifying opportunities and working with others to promote digital inclusion.
- Oversee the use of library technology, including self-service technology, public and staff computers, and the library management system.
- Collaborate with external partners and internal council teams across directorates to develop / introduce new initiatives.
- Ensure staff can effectively respond to council enquiries received in libraries.
- Develop the marketing strategy to promote key library services to raise the library profile.
- Line management responsibilities.
- Keep up to date with developments in the profession to bring innovation and best practice to the service.
This position is exempt under the provisions of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions) Order 1975 and is subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check.
Valid driving licence and own transport, or be able to provide alternative, suitable method of travel is an essential condition for this role.
Work Style
At North Somerset Council, we offer a hybrid working environment based on four distinct work styles. Depending on the role and personal circumstances, you will fall into one of these categories. However, please note that during the induction period, it may be necessary to spend more time in the office to support your learning and development. We are flexible and open to discussions about your preferred working style, and if you wish to be in the office more frequently, this can be negotiated.
This role falls into the category of Flexible Worker which means you can expect to work in the following way:
- 2-3 days in the office.
- Work both from home and libraries across North Somerset, depending on the task at hand.
Training is provided to help balance work-life and manage time effectively, with an emphasis on communication for team touchpoints and planning in-office days for collaboration.
About You
We are looking for an individual who is a passionate advocate for libraries, with a good understanding of the role that libraries play in supporting the digital, information and skills needs of people in all sections of society. You must have significant experience of working in libraries or related services where the delivery of excellent customer service is a priority.
You should also have achieved, or be working towards, an approved professional qualification relevant to one or more service areas e.g. library and information studies, information management, or CILIP accredited qualifications.
Experience in promoting and raising the profile of services through effective communication and social media campaigns to engage diverse audiences is desired.
You will need to be adaptable, work well under pressure and be able to solve problems with innovative solutions. You will have experience of managing others and be a good communicator with excellent ICT skills. You will need to manage, organise and prioritise your own work. We’re seeking a dynamic team player who thrives in collaborative environments both within libraries and across wider Council teams demonstrating a supportive management style, a positive attitude to change, and a proactive, ‘can do’ approach to challenges.
You will be expected to become a chartered member of the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals (CILIP). Active involvement in professional networks within the sector or commitment to joining and engaging with (if not already a member) is expected.
What We Offer
At North Somerset Council, we value our employees and provide a supportive and inclusive work environment.
We offer:
- Competitive salary and benefits.
- Flexible working arrangements.
- Local Government Pension.
- Opportunities for professional development.
- Inclusive Staff groups including Carers, Disabled, LGBTQ+, REACH (Race, Ethnicity, and Cultural Heritage), and Young Staff Forums.
- Opportunity to purchase up to an additional 10 days annual leave each year.
- Dedicated in house Wellbeing Team.
- Salary sacrifice Cycle to Work and Electric Vehicle schemes.
We are looking for an ambitious, enthusiastic, and creative professional to join our team as a Librarian (with initial responsibility for Digital, Information, and Skills). This dynamic and fast-paced role will position you at the heart of a transformative period for our library service.
You will contribute to shaping and delivering North Somerset's library strategy and will have responsibility for managing, promoting, and developing key areas of the library service, including digital inclusion, access to information, and skills development. The role also involves executing a vibrant marketing and communications strategy, promoting library services using various tolls including social media and newsletters.
As a key part of our forward-thinking team, you’ll develop innovative digital inclusion projects, devise campaigns to promote library services, and support employment and skills development initiatives in collaboration with trusted partners.
You’ll also directly manage two Community Services Supervisors and oversee services across multiple library locations. Roles and responsibilities are likely to be reviewed in 2026 following the outcome of the Libraries Transformation review.
This is a varied and rewarding role for an excellent communicator with a passion for technology, marketing, and community impact. Bring your expertise, creativity, and leadership to help shape the future of North Somerset’s libraries. We’re looking for a proactive individual who embraces change, radiates positivity, and brings strong management skills to support and inspire our team.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead on the local delivery of the Universal Library Offer for digital and information: including developing initiatives, identifying opportunities and working with others to promote digital inclusion.
- Oversee the use of library technology, including self-service technology, public and staff computers, and the library management system.
- Collaborate with external partners and internal council teams across directorates to develop / introduce new initiatives.
- Ensure staff can effectively respond to council enquiries received in libraries.
- Develop the marketing strategy to promote key library services to raise the library profile.
- Line management responsibilities.
- Keep up to date with developments in the profession to bring innovation and best practice to the service.
This position is exempt under the provisions of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions) Order 1975 and is subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check.
Valid driving licence and own transport, or be able to provide alternative, suitable method of travel is an essential condition for this role.
Work Style
At North Somerset Council, we offer a hybrid working environment based on four distinct work styles. Depending on the role and personal circumstances, you will fall into one of these categories. However, please note that during the induction period, it may be necessary to spend more time in the office to support your learning and development. We are flexible and open to discussions about your preferred working style, and if you wish to be in the office more frequently, this can be negotiated.
This role falls into the category of Flexible Worker which means you can expect to work in the following way:
- 2-3 days in the office.
- Work both from home and libraries across North Somerset, depending on the task at hand.
Training is provided to help balance work-life and manage time effectively, with an emphasis on communication for team touchpoints and planning in-office days for collaboration.
About You
We are looking for an individual who is a passionate advocate for libraries, with a good understanding of the role that libraries play in supporting the digital, information and skills needs of people in all sections of society. You must have significant experience of working in libraries or related services where the delivery of excellent customer service is a priority.
You should also have achieved, or be working towards, an approved professional qualification relevant to one or more service areas e.g. library and information studies, information management, or CILIP accredited qualifications.
Experience in promoting and raising the profile of services through effective communication and social media campaigns to engage diverse audiences is desired.
You will need to be adaptable, work well under pressure and be able to solve problems with innovative solutions. You will have experience of managing others and be a good communicator with excellent ICT skills. You will need to manage, organise and prioritise your own work. We’re seeking a dynamic team player who thrives in collaborative environments both within libraries and across wider Council teams demonstrating a supportive management style, a positive attitude to change, and a proactive, ‘can do’ approach to challenges.
You will be expected to become a chartered member of the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals (CILIP). Active involvement in professional networks within the sector or commitment to joining and engaging with (if not already a member) is expected.
What We Offer
At North Somerset Council, we value our employees and provide a supportive and inclusive work environment.
We offer:
- Competitive salary and benefits.
- Flexible working arrangements.
- Local Government Pension.
- Opportunities for professional development.
- Inclusive Staff groups including Carers, Disabled, LGBTQ+, REACH (Race, Ethnicity, and Cultural Heritage), and Young Staff Forums.
- Opportunity to purchase up to an additional 10 days annual leave each year.
- Dedicated in house Wellbeing Team.
- Salary sacrifice Cycle to Work and Electric Vehicle schemes.
Proud member of the Disability Confident employer scheme
Disability Confident
About Disability Confident
A Disability Confident employer will generally offer an interview to any applicant that declares they have a disability and meets the minimum criteria for the job as defined by the employer. It is important to note that in certain recruitment situations such as high-volume, seasonal and high-peak times, the employer may wish to limit the overall numbers of interviews offered to both disabled people and non-disabled people. For more details please go to Disability Confident.