Assistant Resources Officer

Hours: 37 Hours Per Week

Interview Date: 4th November 2025

Closing Date: 12th October 2025

Salary: Grade 3 (£25,583 - £26,402 FTE)

**Once you have submitted your application, please email recruitment@inspireculture.org.uk with your name, vacancy title and application reference so that we can check that your application has been received**

Inspire, Culture, Learning and Libraries is a charitable Community Benefit Society delivering library, cultural and learning services across Nottinghamshire with a vision to inspire people to read, learn and enjoy culture.

An opportunity has arisen to join the Acquisitions Department who handle the process of acquiring books and other library resources.

We’re looking for someone with excellent IT and administration skills and an eye for detail to work as part of our small team. The role will include unpacking deliveries, receipting and invoicing orders, handling books, cataloguing materials and processing interlibrary loans.

You will be friendly, professional and enthusiastic and committed to working on your own initiative and problem-solving as well as being an excellent team member. You will have an interest in libraries and all that libraries offer, and have excellent customer service skills.

For any queries, please contact Suzanne Lyons at Suzanne.lyons@inspireculture.org.uk or 0115 8044331

Job Description

Job Title: Assistant Resources Officer

Grade 3

Job Purpose

To contribute to the effective day-to-day running of all aspects of the Acquisitions Department, providing a consistently high-quality service

Key Responsibilities

1. To carry out the stock handling, processing, servicing, ordering, receipting and invoicing functions of the department to ensure the smooth acquisition of books and other resources for public libraries in Nottinghamshire and Nottingham City, and the Education Library Service.
2. To answer queries from suppliers and staff and undertake problem resolution, including order progress and payment issues.
3. To deliver the highest possible standard of customer service to libraries, suppliers and customers, and work flexibly to meet business needs and customer demand.
4. To be responsible for the smooth running of the Acquisitions Department in the absence of the Resources Officer.
5. To undertake interlending routines and procedures, including responding to availability queries from library customers and other library authorities.
6. To create and modify catalogue records for book stock, and all other types of library resources.
7. To supervise the organisation, maintenance, loan, and allocation of resources kept at Inspire HQ.
8. To maintain and operate efficient and effective record keeping and management systems, both computerised and manual, and collate, maintain and present statistical information as required.
9. To support libraries in stock work when necessary, including on site, and training and support of staff under the direction of the Resources Officer.
10. The post holder will work in accordance with all Inspire policies and procedures, Inspire Brand guidelines, all funder’s contractual requirements, and professional best practice.
11. The post holder will perform any duties or tasks assigned by management required to meet service needs as appropriate to the role.
12. The post holders will assume the role of Appointed person and/or First Aider as required.

Education and Knowledge Required for the role

1. Knowledge of and interest in the library service, its aims and objectives
2. Comprehensive knowledge of the principles and practices of excellent customer service
3. Good levels of literacy and numeracy

Skills and Experience

1. Experience of using computers, including email, the internet, Microsoft Office, and databases
2. Experience of using, or the ability to quickly understand, specialist software, such as library management systems, ordering and finance systems.
3. Ability to understand and follow stock ordering, receipting, cataloguing, interlending and accounting procedures and protocols.
4. Experience of organising own work and working independently as required, including prioritisation skills, with a high standard of accuracy and attention to detail.
5. Experience of working in, and contributing to, a team, and an understanding of teamwork. 

Role Dimensions

1. To work as part of a team to undertake all aspects of the acquisitions process.
2. A readiness to carry out work that can be repetitive and routine as well as the ability to work independently, pay attention to detail and problem solve.
3. The role includes manual work including lifting boxes, handling library materials and pushing trolleys. 

Inspire Competencies

Customer Service (Competency Level 3) 

1. Demonstrates effective customer service skills – in person, online or on the phone - identifies and satisfies customer needs, adjusting their style with a friendly and professional approach as appropriate for the customer
2. Responds positively to customer concerns, acts to resolve or reassure customers as needed, agrees solutions with the customer or hands over to an appropriate colleague
3. Responds positively to any complaint or suggestion and seeks to resolve it within limits of their authority or hands over to a more senior manager as appropriate

Deliver the service offer (Competency Level 3)

1. Advises and promotes the Inspire Service Offer to customers – to meet their immediate needs and other services that could be of interest or benefit them
2. Embraces any changes to the offer and any associated changes to processes or working practices positively
3. Shares feedback about the Inspire offer with their line manager and contributes to meetings, discussions and related activities to ensure service delivery and/or improve our offer

Communicating well (Competency Level 3)

1. Communicates effectively in person, one-one-one, and in writing respectfully and in a style appropriate to the person and situation
2. Communicates effectively in a meeting or other group situation, respectfully and in a style appropriate to the group and situation with a solutions/can do approach
3. Debates, positively challenges and/or discusses issues with colleagues and line manager, sharing views and acknowledging and respecting the views of others, seeks to reach agreement and respects the final decision made

Working together (Competency Level 2)

1. Adopts a friendly, helpful, supportive and respectful manner when working with others
2. Acts in a way that shows they are trustworthy, reliable and transparent in their dealings with others

Managing others (N/A)          

Leading the way (Competency Level 1)

1. Incorporate the spirit of Inspire’s mission, vision and values in the work they do with customers, colleagues and stakeholders

Working efficiently and cost effectively (Competency Level 3)

1. Uses Inspire resources and their time effectively to meet service demand, objectives and/or targets
2. Plans ahead, making best use if time and resources available to achieve service delivery, maximising the use of technology available, minimising unnecessary travel or waste, prioritising work and working within spending limits
3. Resolves competing or conflicting demand for resources and time effectively to meet the needs of themselves, colleagues and customers 

Skills and qualifications (Competency Level 2) 

1. GCSE (Grades 4-9, previously A-C)) Inc. English and Maths or Level 2 Diploma (1st Diploma)
   • Including: Demonstrable IT Skills (Inspire Recruitment Activity/test)
   • Use of Internet – information searching
   • Microsoft Office – Basic Skills
   • Good verbal and written communication skills

**Once you have submitted your application, please email recruitment@inspireculture.org.uk with your name, vacancy title and application reference so that we can check that your application has been received**