Reference Services Assistant
Venesky-Brown’s client, a public sector organisation in Edinburgh, is currently looking to recruit a Reference Services Assistant for as soon as possible until the 18th of July 2026 on a rate of £16.98/hour PAYE – working 9 hours per week. This role will be based in Edinburgh.
Responsibilities:
– Deliver high-quality customer services to personal and remote users acting without close supervision, using judgement on when to refer to managers or specialist staff.
– Act as the first point of contact for all remote enquiries, channel these to the correct area and, where applicable, conduct research to enable written responses in line with current customer service standards and timescales. Provide an enquiry service to in-person users, including advice/guidance in the use of the online catalogue, and our printed and digital resources.
– Provide supervision, intervening as necessary to ensure that material is correctly handled by users and that Terms & Conditions and appropriate copyright, security and preservation policies are observed.
– Contribute to and/or lead on the preparation and delivery of a range of user education activities, including reader workshops, guides and displays.
– Provide a reprographic and document supply service to remote users, including financial transactions and licensing requests, following appropriate policies, standards, and copyright legislation.
– Contribute to the conservation, security, and collection development of stock by undertaking regular audits and reviews of a designated area.
– Contribute to the delivery and development of operational policies, processes and procedures related to reading room and enquiry services.
– Participate in projects and working groups across the organisation in accordance with agreed work plans.
– Participate in evening and Saturday duties on a rotational basis, including acting as Assembly Area Manager in evacuation situations when on duty.
– Provide other duties as designated by their Line Manager.
Essential Skills:
– Excellent customer service skills – understand and aspire to meet actual and potential customers’ needs
– Excellent team working skills – ability to work with others to achieve shared goals and recognise the value of diverse perspectives
– Excellent verbal and written communication skills – ability to understand, interpret and present both verbal and written information
– Excellent search and retrieval skills – ability to use resource discovery tools to find material relevant to particular topics
– Problem solving skills – ability to identify problems and to evaluate and select methods to resolve them
– Attention to detail – ability to be thorough and accurate when performing work
– Time management skills – ability to prioritise workload and work to targets
– Customer-focused with a strong desire to achieve consistently high standards
– Interpersonal skills – ability to show respect and empathy for others
– Flexibility and adaptability – ability to change and adapt behaviour or work methods in response to new information, changing conditions, or unexpected obstacles
– Supportive and positive approach to work
– Self-motivated with an ability to work independently.
– Experience of working in a customer service, information, or arts administration role
If you would like to hear more about this opportunity please get in touch.
Responsibilities:
– Deliver high-quality customer services to personal and remote users acting without close supervision, using judgement on when to refer to managers or specialist staff.
– Act as the first point of contact for all remote enquiries, channel these to the correct area and, where applicable, conduct research to enable written responses in line with current customer service standards and timescales. Provide an enquiry service to in-person users, including advice/guidance in the use of the online catalogue, and our printed and digital resources.
– Provide supervision, intervening as necessary to ensure that material is correctly handled by users and that Terms & Conditions and appropriate copyright, security and preservation policies are observed.
– Contribute to and/or lead on the preparation and delivery of a range of user education activities, including reader workshops, guides and displays.
– Provide a reprographic and document supply service to remote users, including financial transactions and licensing requests, following appropriate policies, standards, and copyright legislation.
– Contribute to the conservation, security, and collection development of stock by undertaking regular audits and reviews of a designated area.
– Contribute to the delivery and development of operational policies, processes and procedures related to reading room and enquiry services.
– Participate in projects and working groups across the organisation in accordance with agreed work plans.
– Participate in evening and Saturday duties on a rotational basis, including acting as Assembly Area Manager in evacuation situations when on duty.
– Provide other duties as designated by their Line Manager.
Essential Skills:
– Excellent customer service skills – understand and aspire to meet actual and potential customers’ needs
– Excellent team working skills – ability to work with others to achieve shared goals and recognise the value of diverse perspectives
– Excellent verbal and written communication skills – ability to understand, interpret and present both verbal and written information
– Excellent search and retrieval skills – ability to use resource discovery tools to find material relevant to particular topics
– Problem solving skills – ability to identify problems and to evaluate and select methods to resolve them
– Attention to detail – ability to be thorough and accurate when performing work
– Time management skills – ability to prioritise workload and work to targets
– Customer-focused with a strong desire to achieve consistently high standards
– Interpersonal skills – ability to show respect and empathy for others
– Flexibility and adaptability – ability to change and adapt behaviour or work methods in response to new information, changing conditions, or unexpected obstacles
– Supportive and positive approach to work
– Self-motivated with an ability to work independently.
– Experience of working in a customer service, information, or arts administration role
If you would like to hear more about this opportunity please get in touch.
