JOB SUMMARY:

The Senior Librarian will oversee the daily operations of the LS6 Library of Things (LS6 LOT), ensuring smooth borrowing and returns, coordinating volunteers, and maintaining the library’s inventory system. They will play a key role in engaging with members, promoting financial contributions through the pay-as-you-feel model, and supporting the growth and sustainability of the library.
The post holder will work alongside volunteers during public opening hours (Friday 4-6pm, Saturday 1-4pm) and will need to arrive before sessions to prepare ie, putting out the reserved items ready for collection and ensuring items are in available, clean and in working order.
In addition to day-to-day duties, the Senior Librarian will lead the development of the “Warmer Homes” scheme, helping members access tools and advice to make their homes more energy-efficient. They will also attend and report at monthly Project Management Group (PMG) meetings, providing updates on operations and identifying areas for improvement.
This is an exciting opportunity to become an employee of LS6 LOT, helping to shape the future of the library and its impact on the community. We are looking for someone who shares our values, is passionate about sustainability and community action, and is eager to contribute to the library’s long-term success.

DESIRABLE

• Customer facing experience.
• Live locally near the LS6 Leeds area.
• Previous library experience or stock management experience.
• A knowledge of volunteering.
• An interest in environmentalism and community-based action.
• Experience using library software like MyTurn or LendEngine, but training will be provided.
• Experience of simple electrical PAT testing, but training can be provided.
  Time requirements: The role will be for 10 hours a week. There is a little flexibility to work around how much is required that week and the library opening times.
  Salary: The post is fully funded for 2 years at £15.23 per hour. The Library intends to work to increase its income to enable the post to be continued but this cannot be guaranteed.
  Line management and support: The Senior Librarian will be managed by a named member of the project management group.
  Annual Leave: Annual leave will be 56 hours per year calculated on a pro rata basis relative to a full time post of 37.5 hours, This will be agreed in liaison with the line manager.
  Training: An induction package will be provided by members of the Project Management Group. After that if the post holder or PMG identifies a training need, the library will endeavour to support this.
  Location: The bulk of the work will need to be in the Library building but some work may be completed at the post holders home, in liaison with the PMG.Ideally, we are looking for someone who lives in LS6 as we would like to build local community connections and reduce our carbon footprint. However, we welcome applications from anyone in Leeds.

WHO WE ARE:

The Buy Nowt LS6 Library of Things (LS6 LOT) was launched in November 2021, as the first and currently only project of Buy Nowt LS6 CIC. The CIC (Community Interest Company) was set-up by local residents to address inequality, tackle climate change, localise our economy and promote a sense of community connectivity. Buy Nowt LS6 CIC was registered at Companies House in September 2021. LS6 LOT has 2,884 members and around 100 loans per month.
Environmental and social benefits are at the heart of what the LS6 LOT seeks to provide. The library offers people living in and strongly associated with the LS6 postcode, the opportunity to donate and borrow things, other than books. (For example: Gardening, DIY, camping, cooking, party items). Most of the items in the LS6 LOT have been donated. Our members handbook is available on our website (www.buynowtls6.com) which provides more details of how we operate and is based upon the principles from the Buy Nothing Project .

OUR PRINCIPLES ARE:

• We believe local groups strengthen the social fabric of their communities and ensure the health and vitality of each member.
• We come from a place of abundance - not scarcity.
• We give, we ask, we share, we lend, and we express gratitude.
• We will not profit from money received for items, services, donations or grants. Any monies we receive will go back into the running and development of the Buy Nowt LS6 - Library of Things.
• We prioritise repairing and seeking second hand items before buying new.
• We measure wealth by the personal connections made and trust between people alongside the positive environmental and social impact made.
• We value people and their stories and narratives above the ‘stuff.’
• We are inclusive at our core and do not discriminate based on age, race, gender, religion, background, sexual orientation, disability, cultural or socio-economic background.
• We value honesty and integrity in all our interactions.
• We value all contributions the library as equal whether financial or not; the human connection is the value to the project.
• We believe in a Pay-as-you-feel revenue model in both donations and membership.
• We believe every person deserves access to the items they want to borrow, regardless of the scale of their financial contribution in exchange for the borrowed items.

PLEASE NOTE THAT THE SENIOR LIBRARIAN WILL BE WORKING ALONGSIDE AN EXPERIENCED TEAM OF VOLUNTEERS WHO WILL BE ASSISTING WITH MANY OF THESE TASKS.

• Organise, catalogue and store items in the Library of Things.
• Maintain and update the library’s online inventory system.
• Manage ongoing operational tasks, including troubleshooting issues such as broken or unreturned items.
• Provide ‘Front of House’ customer service when the Library is open to members of the public.
• Assist walk-in borrowers to set up membership registration and borrowing.
• Handle monetary donations and process payments via a card reader.
• Track items on the library system and coordinate with borrowers regarding pick-up and drop off times.
• Recruit and train new volunteers for the role of librarian.
• Organise and manage volunteer rotas to ensure shift cover.
• Develop and maintain the “Warm Homes” scheme.
• Uphold Buy Nowt LS6’s principles and help set high standards.
• Contribute to a safe and inclusive environment, in which everyone feels welcome, regardless of gender, sexuality, race or other factors.
  (No job description can be entirely comprehensive, and the job holder will be expected to carry out such other duties as may be required from time to time, and which are broadly consistent with the job description and status of the post within the organisation).