Library Assistant

Information Services- Library

Unfortunately, this role is not eligible for visa sponsorship in line with Home Office requirements. Applicants will therefore be unable to secure a Skilled Worker visa for this role and will require an alternative source of right to work in the UK.

The Post - REQ000633 - Library Assistant

The University of West of Scotland are currently recruiting forLibrary Assistant to work within the UWS Library in Paisley. Paisley Campus Library provides services to students and staff from University of the West of Scotland, visitors and other users.

The successful candidate will be a key member of the library frontline team with a particular focus on user education, supporting students to use the library, develop their digital skills and access related information and support services.

In addition, you will be expected to support the day-to-day operation of Paisley campus library and will operate as a member of the library collections team, carrying out operations related to the lifecycle of resources, including maintenance, review and storage or disposal, following agreed processes and procedures, which may include specialist procedures relating to archive materials. You may also have the chance to provide local support for other agreed areas of UWS library activity, such as working with the engagement and promotion or reading list teams.

The postholder will work as part of a team to provide in person and virtual support to all users of the library, including remote support for UWS students based at other campuses and will work with colleagues to maintain a suitable library environment for users. Main responsibilities include assisting students and lecturers to access library resources, both in online and in print, and supporting students to develop their skills in using Microsoft Office software and to navigate online support services provided by their institution. You will create a positive learning space for students and staff, provide library tours and induction support for new users, and carry out administrative and physical activities associated with the day to day running of the library.

Working hours are Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm (some flexibility may be required to maintain service delivery)

The successful candidate should have the following:

• HNC or equivalent level of work experience.
• Evidenced experience of working or volunteering within a customer service environment or technical service relevant to an allocated responsibility area.
• Ability and willingness to learn new procedures and systems quickly.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Awareness of equality, diversity and inclusion guidelines and policies.

About Us

University of the West of Scotland is a placemaking institution that is proud to be an integral part of its local communities, with a national and international reach: the University has four campuses in Scotland in Ayr, Dumfries, Lanarkshire and Paisley, as well as a campus in London Docklands. UWS has almost 100 international partnerships and its student community comprises more than 100 nationalities.

UWS is committed to providing education opportunities for all, empowering individuals to reach their full potential. The University creates meaningful impact locally, nationally and globally through innovative learning and teaching, pioneering research, and transformative partnerships. UWS is committed to the United Nations Sustainable Development Group (UNSDG) goals and was ranked joint 1st in Scotland and joint 4th in the UK for quality education Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG4); and 1st in the UK and 39th globally for our contribution to decent work and economic growth (SDG8) in the Times Higher Education Sustainability Impact Ratings 2026.

90% of UWS research was classed as world-leading, internationally excellent, or recognised internationally in the REF (Research Excellence Framework) 2021.

Our professional services teams are the backbone of UWS, providing robust and innovative solutions to support the vast range of work across learning and teaching, and research and innovation. You will join a supportive and dedicated team, playing a key role in a range of work that will help drive forward our ambition to deliver world-leading research, and graduates who will design, shape and build a new future.

We offer our staff a caring and supportive environment, across five campuses, and a competitive benefits package which includes:

• 24 days of annual leave, plus a further 12 days for public/university holidays
• An additional days leave on your birthday
• Defined benefit contribution pension scheme (including death in service benefits upon joining the scheme
• A flexible approach to working pattern and work-life balance
• Employee discount scheme across 3,500 retailers
• Fitness facilities across our campuses
• Access to a range of health and wellbeing resources, including occupational health, physiotherapy and access to our Employee Assistance Programme
• Professional, career and research development opportunities.

Closing Date: Tuesday 20th October 2026

Interview Date: Monday 9th November 2026

Please note that the appointment will be made on the first point of the salary scale (unless by exception, where evidence would need to be provided).

The University reserves the right to shorten/extend the closing date of any position where a high/low volume of suitable applications are received. Therefore, if you are interested in this role, an early application would be encouraged.

You can find out more about how the University uses your personal data as part of the recruitment process by looking at the UWS HR Applicant Privacy Notice.

UWS are committed signatories to the Armed Forces Covenant.

UWS is committed to equality and diversity and welcomes applications from underrepresented groups.

UWS is a "Disability Confident" employer.

University of the West of Scotland is a registered Scottish charity, no. SC002520