Staff Development Weekly Update

ALN Staff Development Update #117 – 14 October 2026

This weekly update is intended to keep you up to date on ALN’s staff development programme; to highlight interesting initiatives being undertaken by ALN or its members; and to promote job opportunities in our member libraries. If you have any queries or any content you’d like to include, please get in touch at: academiclibrariesnorth@sconul.ac.uk

ALN Events

Thanks to everyone who has stepped up to present on the 2026-2027 programme so far – we really appreciate it! We’ll be adding to this list gradually over the year so please keep coming back to check for new content.

October 2026

Joining the ALN Mentoring Scheme – Information Session 2 
Hosted online by ALN
Date: Friday 23 October 2026
Time: 10.00 – 11.00

November 2026

Supporting Student Systematic Reviews
Hosted in-person at Leeds Trinity University
Date: Monday 9 November 2026
Time: 10.00 – 11.30 (with optional campus tour afterwards)
Numbers are limited so book early to avoid disappointment

Reading Lists: keeping them relevant and making the most of library collections and beyond…
Hosted online by LJMU
Date: Wednesday 18 November 2026
Time: 12.00 – 12.45

Research funding for librarians: reflections on the Research Catalyst programme 2025-26
Hosted online by Sunderland
Date: Monday 30 November 2026
Time: 10.00 – 11.30

December 2026

** New Series** Career Conversations…with Alex Wheeler (Manchester Met)
Hosted online by ALN
Date: Thursday 3 December 2026
Time: 10.00 – 10.45

Celebrating individual and institutional successes

We would love to create a space in our updates to help to celebrate the successes of individuals within our member libraries and those of the library services in general. Does your institution have something to share? Any project wins or individual achievements that you would like to share with your colleagues in other ALN institutions, both big or small? Please get in touch with us so we can start to share and celebrate together – academiclibrariesnorth@sconul.ac.uk. We can’t wait to hear from you!

Frontline Forum 2026/27

The Frontline Forum organising team has been busy planning dates for the 2026/27 academic year!

The first Frontline Forum will take place on:

Monday 16 November 2026 – 10.00 – 11.30 – Topic: engaging students at the start of term

Take a look on our Frontline Forum webpage for more information and our past Frontline Forums here.

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About the Forums

The Frontline Forum is an online discussion and development space for teams working directly with students and users. The forums are an opportunity to share best practice, engage with other ALN activities and learn about different service models and delivery types offered by different universities. The forum is aimed at staff who work on frontline desks and provide the first line of support to students and other library users.

ALN Conference 2026

We were delighted to award 13 sponsored places for this years conference. Their reflections and thoughts have been brought together and supplement the recordings below. We love all of the submissions from cartoons, drawings, photos and text.

As a reminder, the theme of our conference was ‘Reimagining Openness in Academic Libraries’ and looked at what “open” really means in academic libraries today. We had such a broad range of speakers, workshops and keynotes that helped make both days of interest to colleagues working across all library services. Resources from both days are available on the ALN website. We have now completed the checking and editing of recordings to ensure they are all accessible and they are now available on our Conference 2026 playlist on YouTube.

Save the Date!
For our 2027 conference, the online day (via Teams) will be Wednesday 23 June and the in-person day will be taking place on Tuesday 13 July 2027 at the Creative Centre at York St John University.

If you have any queries about the conference, please contact ALNConferenceTeam@gmail.com.

ALN Skill Up Series

Have you seen that we introduced a new series last academic year called Skill Up with ALN? These hour long sessions offer an opportunity to learn about different roles and areas of library life and aim to demystify areas of the library service. We have already run two sessions this year and have some more topic ideas for the 2026/27 academic year but if you have any ideas, please do share them with us.

ALN SD Offer Infographic

Do you think you know all that ALN offers to support your staff development? Why not check out our Staff Development Infographic to see the full list of activities. Let us know how you got on. Did you get all of them?

ALN Annual Review 2025

Free External Self Directed Opportunities

There are many different places to find a range of freely available materials.

After consulting with members of our Staff Development Group we have begun to pull these together in one document which helps to highlight resources that other information professionals have found useful or have recommended to others to use.

If you’d like to give us feedback on any resources you’ve used, want to suggest your own or report any broken links, we’d appreciate your thoughts via this webform.

EDI Innovation Fund Projects

In May 2025, we funded 4 projects, two of which have shared their findings – see below – and one project team contributed to the in-person day of the ALN Conference 2026:

• Calm Spaces. Aim: To evaluate and develop calm spaces at the University of Huddersfield and Sheffield Hallam University. It is hoped that the results of the project will have a positive impact on student wellbeing. (Huddersfield and Sheffield Hallam)
  Outputs: Calm Spaces Project Case Studies
• Accessible Library Induction Guides. Aim: To investigate offering basic library services guides in different formats: print, large print, audio, video, and online to make library guidance more accessible to students. The project teams will work with students in the creation of the guides and students will review the content of library induction sessions and create a list of “library essential facts”. (Chester)
  Outputs: Best practice in accessible library guides and Dos and don’ts accessibility checklist and Print accessibility checklist
• Inclusive Academic Reading Project. Aim: To investigate the habits, preferences, and motives of undergraduate and postgraduate students regarding university reading lists and academic reading preferences; and to develop an evidence base to enhance retention, progression, and completion rates, with a particular focus on students from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds. (Manchester Met and Sheffield Hallam) You can see the presentation from Manchester Met and Sheffield Hallam colleagues at the ALN 2026 conference at this link (see 2b)

• Reducing barriers and supporting people seeking sanctuary in realising their academic potential. Aim: To evaluate, expand and evolve the University of Hull’s Sanctuary Associate Membership scheme, utilising UX research methods, for example, customer journey mapping, card sorting, creating user personas and user benchmarking to evaluate the use of our current provision and identify user challenges. (Hull) 

Outputs for the remaining project will be shared as soon as they are available.

Mentoring

ALN Group Co-Chair Vacancies

We’re looking for co-Chairs for a few of our groups. It’s a great professional development opportunity – please get in touch if you are interested or would like to know a bit more about what it entails.

You can see more information here on what the groups do, along with videos of some of our current chairs talking about their experiences chairing a group, as well as our role overview, providing more details on the roles.

These are the groups with current vacancies:

• Academic Skills CoP – 2 vacancies
• Technology – 1 vacancy

Call for SCONUL Contributions/Involvement

Help shape a new tool for long-form open access strategy development
Deadline for expressions of interest: 23 October 2026
As part of the Advancing Long-form Open Access Practice Project, RLUK, in partnership with SCONUL and ARMA, commissioned Information Power to investigate the challenges and opportunities that UK research institutions are facing in responding to the evolving OA long-form publishing landscape. The reports from this project will soon be published. One of the project outputs is a Strategy Development Tool to support institutions to develop their own long-form OA strategies. We would like to refine this tool based on feedback from the community, prior to its publication, and gain insight about how to best encourage its use. An online workshop will take place from 11-12:30 on Tuesday 10 November. We welcome interest from librarians and information professionals and research support managers. We will select participants to ensure participation from across the UK and to reflect the diverse range of institutions. We will let everyone know on 26 October if they have been selected. We will share the draft strategy tool with participants at this time as well. If demand is high, then a second workshop on using the tool may be possible. Please send applications to info@informationpower.co.uk. It would be helpful if you could indicate your role; whether you are applying as an individual or if you have been selected to represent your organisation; and the name of your institution.

Call for new members: Advocacy and Service Development Task and Finish Group
Deadline for expressions of interest: 23 October 2026
SCONUL’s Advocacy and Service Development Task and Finish Group is seeking new members. The group supports members in advocating for their services and in managing and communicating change. Its work focuses on building confidence and expertise across the sector, helping ensure that the value and contribution of academic and research libraries is clearly understood within institutions and more widely. The group continues the work of the previous Advocacy and Service Development project group, reflecting members’ priorities around strengthening the profile and impact of their libraries. This is a valuable opportunity to contribute to SCONUL’s work and help shape support for the community. Please do consider putting yourself forward and joining the group. To apply, please email ann.rossiter@sconul.ac.uk with a short paragraph outlining your interest and experience.

SCONUL new shared service: the Organisational Development Knowledge Base (ODKB)
SCONUL’s new shared service, the Organisational Development Knowledge Base (ODKB) is now live, and we are inviting members to add their data. The ODKB is a searchable database of job descriptions and organisational charts, allowing you to share and reuse information and resources quickly and easily. It will allow you to compare JDs for similar roles, including salary information, and to distinguish newly created or reviewed JDs. It will also allow you to review organisational structures for any participating member institution. We would like to thank to all of those who have contributed so far including by providing data for the pilot. Particular thanks go to Davina Omar, Director of Library Services at the University of West London who has led the development of this project.

External Events and Opportunities

NLISN Event on Intersectionality
Date: Wednesday 21 October 2026
NLISN is putting on an in-person, one-day event ‘Intersections: Identity, Neurodivergence, and Library & Information Work’ which will take place at City St George’s University, Clerkenwell campus, London. Travel advice and specific room information for the event will be shared in due course. The goal is to bring together neurodivergent LIS workers and allies to talk about how neurodivergence sits alongside the other parts of who we are, and how all those different overlaps shape our working lives, our careers, and our wellbeing. We’re particularly interested in how neurodivergence interacts with things like race and ethnicity; gender and gender identity; sexuality; age and career stage; disability and long-term health conditions; menopause and hormonal change; nationality, migration and culture; and professional role or status (leadership, casual and precarious work, student workers, and so on). Bookings are now open for the event with tickets priced at a cost of £25. NLISN has tried to keep costs to a minimum but if you need a free place and a bursary towards travel expenses they will aim to make some available, please get in touch to ask for details. Anyone accepted to speak on the day will be offered a free ticket.

Library Operations Assistant (Part-Time)
Location: Leeds Trinity University
Grade/Salary: Grade 3/From £24,546 per annum (pro rata)
Contractual hours: 32.5
This advert will close when a suitable number of applications have been received.

Leeds Trinity University is a renowned institution located in the heart of West Yorkshire, dedicated to providing a transformative educational experience. Within the university, Leeds Trinity University Library and Learning Services is a dynamic and well-utilised provision, underpinned by a strong emphasis on inclusivity and student-centred service.

This role will be located within the Library provision, primarily working from our City Centre Campus Library with one working day at the Andrew Kean Learning Centre on the Horsforth campus. Reporting to the Library Operations Team Leader, the successful candidate will help to provide an effective frontline service for library users and maintain support services essential for the daily operation of the library. This includes first line enquiry services, circulation duties, shelving tasks, and promotion of the service.

Applicants must have experience of providing service to users/customers, along with a good knowledge of Microsoft Office software.

Previous recent experience of working in a library or information service, and of using a Library management system is desirable.

Excellent interpersonal, communication and customer service skills are essential.

Applications can be for the full 32.5 hours, or for a portion of the hours specified. To apply, please submit a covering letter with your CV and indicate your preference in your covering letter.

Library Experience Coordinator
Location: Manchester Metropolitan University
Grade/Salary: Grade 6/£31,236 to £34,610
Contract Type: Full Time, Permanent
Closing Date: Thursday 15 October 2026
Interview Date (provisional): Wednesday 11 or Thursday 12 November 2026

Do you have experience of managing or supervising a team in a busy customer focused environment? Are you looking for a new challenge?Can you bring your skills and experience to a dynamic library setting? If you are a forward-thinking team leader who likes to drive innovation, loves developing team members, and has experience of creating a friendly and inclusive environment that thrives on excellent customer service, then our Library Experience Team could be the opportunity for you!

About the Role

As a Library Experience Co-ordinator, you will:

• Lead day-to-day service delivery and operational activity
• Respond positively and promptly to customer feedback and escalated complaints
• Manage and support Library Experience Advisers and Assistants to deliver excellent customer service both face-to-face and online
• Work collaboratively with other Library managers to plan and deliver projects that support organisational objectives
• This is a full-time permanent vacancy (35 hours per week). Evenings, weekend, and bank holiday working may be required.

About you

We are looking for someone who:

• Has experience delivering high-quality customer service and strong communication skills
• Has managed or supervised a team in a customer-facing environment
• Can identify and resolve day-to-day operational issues effectively
• Enjoys supporting and developing team members

We recognise that people may hesitate to apply unless they meet every requirement. If you are excited about the role and believe you can contribute, we encourage you to apply.

Academic & Study Skills Tutor
Location: Manchester Metropolitan University
Grade/Salary: Grade 8/£41,064 to £47,389
Contract: Permanent, Full Time
Closing Date: Sunday 18 October 2026

We’re seeking a dynamic and forward-thinking Academic and Study Skills Tutor to join our creative and collaborative team of learning development specialists. This is a full-time, permanent role offering the successful candidate the opportunity to shape impactful learning experiences. We’re looking for someone who thrives on innovation, takes initiative, and is passionate about empowering students through a student-centred approach to learning.

Our tutors are innovative educators who actively shape the development and delivery of Learning Development provision. They design and lead diverse teaching and learning activities that promote academic success and enrich the student experience. Ultimately, through creative approaches and collaborative practice, they empower students to take ownership of their learning and excel at Manchester Metropolitan University.

We’re especially keen to hear from candidates who bring fresh perspectives, diverse professional backgrounds, and a proactive, solutions-focused mindset. If you’re passionate about inclusive education and empowering students to thrive, and you hold a degree and a relevant teaching qualification (e.g. PGCert or FHEA), we’d love to receive your application.

What does the role involve?

As an Academic and Study Skills Tutor, you’ll work with students across all levels and disciplines in a variety of settings from one-to-one tutorials to group sessions. We teach both on-campus and online to support students’ academic development by:

• designing and embedding study skills and academic literacy sessions within credit-bearing degree courses.
• leading and enhancing our co-curricular offer, including workshops, short courses, one-to-one tutorials, and online resources.
• creating engaging digital and multimodal materials that encourage independent learning and enhance our team’s offer.
• developing and leading projects that enrich the student experience and drive continuous improvement.
• adopting research-informed, reflective practice to shape teaching and contribute to service development.
• championing inclusive, student-centred education and collaborating creatively with stakeholders including students, academics, and other professional service colleagues.
• responding proactively to changing demands, prioritising effectively to meet deadlines and deliver high-impact outcomes.

Special Collections Assistant
Location: Manchester Metropolitan University
Grade/Salary: Grade 4/£26,093 to £27,319
Contract Type: Full Time, Permanent
Closing Date: Sunday 18 October 2026
Interview Date: Monday 23 November 2026

Are you passionate about Special Collections and providing a brilliant service for students, and researchers? Are you looking for an opportunity to work with unique and historically significant collections within a dynamic university environment? Are you organised, detail-oriented and confident using digital systems and databases? Are you motivated by a varied role that combines public-facing work with behind-the-scenes collections management? If so, this could be the role for you.

At Manchester Metropolitan University, we believe in working together as one. We are proud to create amazing spaces where colleagues can do their best work and thrive.

Our Special Collections include objects, artworks and archives. They are a vital part of life at the University and are used extensively for teaching, research and inspiration.

About the Role:

As the Special Collections Assistant you will be a valued member of the Special Collections team, within the Library & Cultural Services department. You will make a significant contribution to the delivery of customer-focussed reader and enquiry services, and assist with the development, management and care of the collections. Your work will support an active engagement programme which seeks to boost engagement with academic audiences through teaching, learning and research, and with public audiences through a programme of displays and events.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver a high-quality customer service for Special Collections users and enquiries.
• Retrieve, handle and care for rare books, archives and other special collections material.
• Support the cataloguing, documentation and processing of collections.
• Assist with digitisation, metadata creation and copyright-related activities.
• Contribute to the preservation, storage and environmental monitoring of collections.
• Support the delivery of teaching sessions, exhibitions, events and reading room services.
• Undertake administrative tasks, data collection and reporting to support service delivery.
• Promote Special Collections through outreach, engagement and communications activities.
• Develop knowledge of the collections to support users and enhance access.

This is a fully campus-based role. For informal enquiries, please contact Jayne Evans at j.e.h.evans@mmu.ac.uk.

Space & Facilities Assistant (Part Time)
Location: University of Liverpool
Hours of work: Part-time – 21 hours per week: Sunday – Tuesday 2pm – 10pm
Contract: Permanent
Closing Date: Monday 19 October 2026

It is an exciting time to join Libraries, Museums and Galleries as we are recruiting for our Customer Experience Team in the Libraries. As Space and Facilities Assistant, you will join a welcoming, high-performing team to provide a customer focused, high-quality service and environment to library users. This is a key, hands-on role undertaking a range of duties to maintain a safe and comfortable environment in our library buildings. You will play an active part in contributing to the development of student focused services and spaces as part of our front-line team.

Responsibilities and duties include:

– Contribute to the development of all library spaces to enhance the user experience and maintain a safe environment.
– Communicate effectively with all colleagues across various shift patterns to ensure a consistent service delivery and a safe working environment and facilities.
– Participate in relevant training including Manual Handling, First Aid and Fire Warden responsibilities.
– Patrol all public areas of the library to ensure appropriate use of facilities and equipment, follow-up building and maintenance issues and help to maintain a safe, clean and tidy environment.
– Monitor the safety of the building and facilities, reporting any health and safety issues.
– Act as a point of contact for external contractors to support building works.
– Prepare spaces and furniture in preparation for meetings and events.
– Respond to and act on fire alarm and exit activations, taking appropriate action.
– Carry out fire system tests, maintain fire records and carry out appropriate checks on fire doors, emergency lighting and fire alarms.
– Open and close library buildings, when necessary, ensuring appropriate alarm systems are set.
– Liaise with other departments and external agencies to help maintain safety and security in library buildings.
– Monitor printers / photocopiers responding to any issues including checking stock of paper.
– Provide excellent customer service and support responding to building and maintenance issues from colleagues and library users.

Customer Services Assistant
Location: Durham University
Grade/Salary: Grade 2/£13,431.37 – £13,585 (which is pro rata the full time salary of £24,752 – £25,025)
Contract Type: Open-Ended/Permanent, Part Time
Closing Date: Wednesday 21 October 2026

We welcome and encourage applications from members of groups who are under-represented in our work force including people with disabilities, women and black, Asian and minority ethnic communities. For more information on our EDI strategy and values, click here

The Role
The Customer Services Team is part of University Library and Collections. We provide front-line (face to face and virtual) customer, visitor and enquiry services across our department. This includes visitor services at our museums and visitor attractions: Palace Green Library, Oriental Museum and Durham Castle, as well as user services in our Libraries and study spaces 7 days a week, including 24/7 opening during part of the academic year.

Customer Services Assistants play a vital role in delivering a high quality experience to our customers. Work can include engaging with customers in a reception role enabling entry and exit to the library and supporting with User Experience (UX) activities, through to shelving returned library materials; processing new books to moving materials between sites. The role is key in maintaining an excellent work and study environment, conducting furniture checks, ensuring the replenishment of multi-functional devices and keeping the buildings tidy and safe for our customers

Customer Services Assistants work Monday to Sunday, working early morning, day and evening shifts as part of a standard rota, covering between 7.45am and 10pm, including Bank Holidays at any of our Library and Collections sites. Working pattern to be agreed locally but will include weekend working every week.

Library work involves considerable manual handling and physical activity, for example: packing and lifting books, lifting boxes, and pushing trolleys. Appropriate training will be provided.

Any role holders who hold the appropriate UK driving licence may be required to drive University vehicles including manual transmission vans.

Education Manager (Poetry Library)
Location: Manchester Metropolitan University
Grade/Salary: Grade 7/£35,608 to £39,906
Contract Type: Full Time, Permanent
Closing Date: Sunday 25 October 2026
Interview Date: Monday 30 November 2026

Are you passionate about high-quality and inclusive poetry experiences for children, young people and educators?

At Manchester Metropolitan University, we believe in working together as one. We are proud to create amazing spaces where colleagues can do their best work and thrive. Join our diverse team that supports each other and is dedicated to excellence.

In 2021, Manchester Met opened the North West’s first public Manchester Poetry Library (MPL). Our department of Library & Cultural Services is seeking a dynamic Education Manager to join the Poetry Library team. In this position, you will work with poets, students, staff and a wide range of schools and partners to play a pivotal role in supporting poetry and literature events with Manchester Poetry Library that are open to all.

About the Role:

As the Education Manager you will be responsible for the organisation, facilitation and evaluation of Manchester Poetry Library’s (MPL) year-round Learning programme, including strategic partnerships and projects with schools, colleges and community partners.

The role will:

manage and coordinate projects and outreach activities inspired by our poetry collections, including our poetry with, for, and by, children and our multilingual poetry collection
work closely with schools, teachers and education professionals to design and produce CPD resources, materials, and delivery of activities, ensuring efficient and effective high-quality programmes and activities
focus on inclusive opportunities that engage non-traditional arts and heritage attenders, with reader and writer development opportunities that understand and overcome barriers to engagement
This is an exciting opportunity for a highly motivated individual who:

has experience of working in literature, libraries, heritage, museums, archive learning or outreach and collaborative working with school and communities, not for profit and public sector is desirable
is passionate about promoting inclusive poetry and literature events with children, young people and teachers and educators.
has a commitment to working with people to enhance lives through co-curation, co –production, and collaborative support and partnerships.
thrives in a fast-paced and inclusive environment.
is an experienced project manager with excellent communication, and interpersonal skills.
Hybrid working is offered for this role, where you will be able to work a proportion of time on campus and a proportion remotely. We recognise the benefits and importance of an environment that supports flexible working and are open to conversations throughout the application process.

Senior Library Assistant
Location: Newcastle University
Contract Type: Fixed Term, Full Time
Salary: £30,180
Closing Date: Sunday 25 October 2026

The Role

This is an excellent opportunity to work in a supervisory role within the Content and Discovery team. This role involves day-to-day management of metadata processes including the creation of new bibliographic records and acting as the first point of contact for bibliographic queries. You will also support the Metadata Librarians with their work on content discovery and collection management.

In order to be successful you will have experience of working in an academic library or an equivalent setting, including use of integrated library computer systems, you should have detailed knowledge of a Library Management System’s Acquisitions and Cataloguing modules, and of general acquisitions and cataloguing procedures. Demonstrable experience of staff supervision, with excellent customer service skills.

The post is suitable for blended working and is fixed term until 17th May 2027.

Informal enquiries may be made to Pamela Dodds (Pamela.Dodds@ncl.ac.uk).

Interviews are expected to be held in person.

Key Accountabilities

• Creating and/or enhancing original bibliographic records for Library resources when an existing bibliographic record isn’t available for download.
• Overseeing high quality metadata and description processes to maximise discoverability.
• Acting as first point of contact for queries from Library Assistants working on bibliographic records, including supervising the staff and workflows relating to this.
• Working with metadata suppliers to maintain streamlined and efficient workflows, and to achieve business improvements.
• Maintaining consistency in classification and item description.
• Monitoring specified shared mailbox(es), responding to emails in a timely manner.
• Providing regular monthly and annual reports on new stock added to the Library.
• Helping set team priorities in pursuit of achieving the aims of Special Collections cataloguing strategy.
• Creating and enhancing early printed book and Special Collections catalogue records to recognised international standards, incorporating copy-specific information to ensure accessibility.
• Playing an active role in relevant meetings, including both Content and Discovery and Special Collections team meetings.
• Liaising with Special Collections and Store teams regarding the cataloguing and re-shelving of materials.
• Contributing to Special Collections blogs where appropriate.
• Supporting the Metadata Librarians’ work on content discovery and collection management.

Any other duties, consistent with the post’s grade, as requested by senior colleagues.

Digital Librarian 
Location: Manchester Metropolitan University
Grade/Salary: Grade 7 (£36,320 to £40,704)
Contract Type: Permanent, Full Time
Closing Date: Tuesday 27 October 2026

Are you passionate about improving digital services and creating seamless access to knowledge, culture and research?

This is an exciting opportunity to play a leading role in developing and enhancing the systems, platforms and services that underpin access to our library, cultural and research collections. As we continue to transform our digital services and explore new opportunities through emerging technologies, AI and automation, we are looking for someone who enjoys solving problems, working collaboratively and using technology to improve the experience of students, researchers and staff.

About us

Library & Cultural Services supports teaching, learning and research across the University and holds a rich and diverse range of collections, including Library resources, Special Collections, the Poetry Library and the North West Film Archive. We are delivering ambitious plans to modernise our systems and services, ensuring our digital services remain innovative, sustainable and responsive to changing user needs.

As part of one of the UK’s largest universities, you will join a collaborative and forward-looking team, working alongside colleagues across Professional Services and cultural heritage sectors to create exceptional digital experiences for our community.

About the role

Reporting to the Digital Services Manager, you will play a key role in the development, implementation and continuous improvement of the platforms, systems and services that support discovery, access and engagement across Library & Cultural Services.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Supporting the development and management of library and cultural services systems, digital platforms, websites, applications and databases.
• Leading the delivery and continuous improvement of electronic resources and digital collections to ensure reliable and seamless access.
• Contributing expertise in areas such as metadata, discovery services, websites and digital content management.
• Using data, user insight and UX approaches to inform decision making and improve services.
• Exploring opportunities to use emerging technologies, AI and automation to enhance service delivery and operational efficiency.
• You will also contribute to projects that support strategic priorities across Library & Cultural Services, helping to shape the future of our digital infrastructure and ensuring services remain accessible, user-focused and aligned to the needs of teaching, learning and research.

About you

You will be an experienced library or information professional with a strong interest in digital services, systems and technologies. You will enjoy analysing problems, identifying opportunities for improvement and working collaboratively with a wide range of colleagues and stakeholders.

We are looking for someone who can demonstrate:

• Experience of working with library or cultural services systems, discovery platforms, repositories or related digital services.
• Enthusiasm for innovation and the potential of new technologies to transform library services.
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills.
• Excellent organisational skills and the ability to manage competing priorities.
• A commitment to delivering excellent customer service and continuously improving the user experience.
• Most importantly, you will be excited by the opportunity to help shape the future of digital library and cultural services within a large and ambitious university.

Further information and how to apply

For any enquiries please contact Emily Shields, Digital Services Manager, at e.shields@mmu.ac.uk.

Assistant Librarian
Location: Newcastle University
Contract Type: Open Ended, Part Time
Salary: £37,369 to £39,560
Closing Date: Sunday 1 November 2026

The Role

This role represents an exciting opportunity to join the Library’s highly regarded Academic Engagement team at a pivotal time, as the University undertakes a programme of curriculum transformation. Working in partnership with academic colleagues, you will support the development of students’ digital, information and research skills by designing, developing and delivering high-quality teaching activities and learning resources to suit blended methods of delivery. You will also provide one-to-one support to both staff and students, helping them to make effective use of a wide range of information resources and digital tools.

You will act as a key contact for Schools, promoting Library services and gathering feedback to support service development and enhancement. This is a varied and rewarding role, offering opportunities to collaborate with diverse groups of staff and students, and to contribute to a wide range of projects and initiatives within the library and the wider University.

We are looking for someone who can bring enthusiasm and experience of delivering engaging digital, information and research skills teaching to different users. You will have excellent communication skills and good understanding of information resources and tools, including reference management systems, with the ability to adapt to new platforms and technologies.

This role is offered on a part-time basis (0.8 FTE) with the required working pattern of Monday – Thursday from Monday 4th January. The role is suitable for blended working, with a minimum of 60% to be worked on campus. If you would like to know more about the role, please contact Aimee Watson-Cook (aimee.cook@newcastle.ac.uk).

Key Responsibilities

• To design and deliver high-quality and innovative digital, information and research skills teaching to students at all levels, tailored appropriately to different disciplines. This includes collaborating with colleagues from our Academic Skills Team on the development and delivery of embedded teaching and online learning materials, in support of student learning and university education initiatives.
• To develop, create and maintain high-quality and interactive online multimedia learning resources and activities across a wide range of subjects and levels of study to support the Library’s skills programmes. This includes development of online learning resources such as online subject guides, videos, and interactive learning materials for the University’s virtual learning environment.
• To provide one-to-one support in the use of academic information resources, including specialist databases and digital tools.
• To support the Faculty Engagement Librarians by acting as a key point of contact for Schools. This includes working in partnership with academic colleagues to ensure that the Library’s digital, information and research skills provision meets the needs of students, and representing the service at School meetings.
• Develop and maintain publicity materials, including digital and web ready content, with particular emphasis on relevant services and resources to academic staff and students. This includes planning and organising promotional events.
• Contribute to Library wide and sectional objectives and projects, and Library groups, co-ordinating Academic Engagement support for specific area(s) of Library activity, including undertaking relevant user research and evaluation activities.
• Work with Faculty Engagement Librarians to identify and evaluate new and emerging digital tools, platforms and resources for Academic Engagement activities and future service development.
• Work with the Library’s Education Outreach and Transition team to support the development of Library’s outreach activities, including information literacy activities.
• Coordinate and supervise the work of the Senior Library Assistants and temporary staff mainly in teaching-related activities.
• Participate in relevant networks and communities to ensure that work is informed by the latest developments in digital, information and research skills development, academic practice and pedagogical research.

Any other duties within the scope and general nature of the grade which may be required.