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How to become a library and knowledge services assistant
To become a library and knowledge services assistant, you’ll need to have a good standard of education, including a qualification in English. You’ll also need experience of working in a library or a customer service role.
What is a library and knowledge services assistant?
Library and knowledge services assistant are the first point of contact at the library. They respond to and manage enquiries from service users. Library assistants monitor the availability of online resources, books, and other items to make sure that they are easily accessible to users.
Starting your career as a library and knowledge services assistant
Choosing subjects at school
School subjects that could lead to a career as a library and knowledge services assistant include:
- English
- Mathematics
- Business Management
- Information Systems
Work placements and volunteering
You may find it helpful to get some healthcare experience by doing a work placement or volunteering. You’ll get training, increase your knowledge, and learn new skills. This could help you when applying to college or a new job with NHSScotland.
Get to know the role
Library and knowledge services assistants need excellent communication and organisational skills. You’ll assist service users to access resources from the library and help with the day to day running of the library. You will also have proficient IT and digital skills for using databases and creating documents.
Library and knowledge services assistants need these skills:
- communication
- organisation
- time management
- team-work
You could work with:
- clinical librarian
- library services manager
- senior library assistant
- library assistant
You could work in:
- hospital library
- community library
- public health library
Learning and development
You will be encouraged to develop your career in the NHS. As well as learning specific to your role, you'll need to complete mandatory training, including:
- health and safety
- occupational health
- fire safety
- counter-fraud
- moving and handling
- safe information handling
Your NHS employer will confirm their mandatory training requirements during your induction.
Career progression
You’ll be encouraged to develop in your role at NHSScotland. With experience you could progress to:
- senior library and knowledge services assistant
Professional bodies
Once you’ve qualified, you can also join the:
- Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals
Explore careers
Discover the skills and qualifications you’ll need for each role and what the work will be like.
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