The job requirements are detailed below. Where applicable the skills, qualifications and memberships required have also been included. Workplace role categories describe our approach to workplace attendance
Salary: £38,080 - £42,150 per annum including Inner London Weighting
Contractual Hours: 35 hours per week
Basis: Permanent
Workplace category: Workplace based
Attachments: Job Information Pack
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Principal Library Assistant
Barbican Library
Do you thrive in a dynamic environment and enjoy working with people?
Would you embrace the challenge of working in a busy public library with a vibrant exhibitions programme?
Barbican Library is looking for a Principal Library Assistant to join our team. This is a key role in ensuring the smooth day-to-day running of library operations, and is also instrumental in the organisation of exhibitions and events. You’ll be based primarily in the Music section of Barbican Library, assisting with the provision of stock, online resources, and performance sets for local music groups, as well as helping to deliver a thriving exhibitions and events programme.
You will also assist the Library Manager in the general library with tasks such as creating staff timetables, and provide other operational and financial support including staff management. You’ll work on public service desks throughout Barbican Library to provide an outstanding experience for all visitors, and act as Duty Manager when required.
What we’re looking for:
-
Someone flexible, outgoing, practical, and positive
-
An excellent communicator
-
Strong front-line customer service skills
-
Staff management experience
-
Great IT skills
-
Someone passionate about music of any genre, and ideally the ability to read music
-
A background working in libraries, arts administration or events management would be beneficial, but not essential
Please note:
This is a full-time role based on a two-week rota (70 hours spread over two weeks). You will be required to work alternate Saturdays with every Monday off in lieu and extended hours on Tuesdays and Thursdays. The hours are:
Mondays - Off
Tuesdays - 9.15-6.00
Wednesdays - 9.15-5.30
Thursdays - 9.15-7.30
Fridays - 9.15-5.30
Saturdays (alternate) - 9.15-4
This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act and as part of the selection process the successful applicant will be required to obtain a standard Disclosure & Barring Service check.
The City of London Corporation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
The City of London Corporation is currently undergoing a programme to ensure that our pay and reward practices are competitive and equitable across the whole organisation, to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to thrive in the work that we do.
In addition to a competitive salary and membership of the excellent Local Government Pension Scheme, you can look forward to an all-round package of life-improving benefits and offers – from interest-free season ticket and bicycle loans to discounts on health and wellbeing, arts and culture.
Closing date: 23:59pm on 27 April 2026.
Interviews will be held on 1 & 2 June 2026.