Principal Library Assistant – Barbican Library

  • Contract
  • London

Barbican & Community Libraries (City of London Corporation)


Job Summary

Do you thrive in a dynamic environment and enjoy working with people? Would you embrace the challenge of working in a busy public library with a vibrant exhibitions programme? Barbican Library is looking for a Principal Library Assistant to join our team.

Job Description

This is a key role in ensuring the smooth day-to-day running of library operations, and is also instrumental in the organisation of exhibitions and events. You’ll be based primarily in the Music section of Barbican Library, assisting with the provision of stock, online resources, and performance sets for local music groups, as well as helping to deliver a thriving exhibitions and events programme.

You will also assist the Library Manager in the general library with tasks such as creating staff timetables, and provide other operational and financial support including staff management. You’ll work on public service desks throughout Barbican Library to provide an outstanding experience for all visitors, and act as Duty Manager when required.

Please note:
This is a full-time role based on a two-week rota (70 hours spread over two weeks). You will be required to work alternate Saturdays with every Monday off in lieu and extended hours on Tuesdays and Thursdays. The hours are:

Mondays – Off
Tuesdays – 9.15-6.00
Wednesdays – 9.15-5.30
Thursdays – 9.15-7.30
Fridays – 9.15-5.30
Saturdays (alternate) – 9.15-4

For further information or for an informal chat about the role, please contact: Charlotte Jones, Email: [email protected]
Closing date: 23:59pm on 27 April 2026.
Interviews will be held on 1 & 2 June 2026.

Salary: £38,080 – £42,150 per annum including Inner London Weighting
Contractual Hours: Hours are based on a two-week rota system (working 32 hours one week and 38 hours the other week)
Basis: Permanent
Workplace category: Workplace based

Job Requirements

What we’re looking for:

– Someone flexible, outgoing, practical, and positive
– An excellent communicator
– Strong front-line customer service skills
– Staff management experience
– Great IT skills
– Someone passionate about music of any genre, and ideally with the ability to read music
– A background working in libraries, arts administration or events management would be beneficial, but not essential

Job Overview

  • Job Title: Principal Library Assistant – Barbican Library
  • Salary: £30k-£40k
  • Hours:
    Full time
  • Artform: Libraries
  • Role: Customer Service
  • Contract: Permanent
  • Closing date: Mon, 27 Apr 2026

  • Location:

    London

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Job: Principal Library Assistant – Barbican Library

Job: Principal Library Assistant – Barbican Library

Organisation: Barbican & Community Libraries (City of London Corporation)

Postcode: EC2Y 8DS

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