Glen Durrant, a mobile library driver working for the mobile library service at Norfolk County Council.

Mobile Library Worker

Answers supplied by Glen Durrant, a mobile library driver working for the mobile library service at Norfolk County Council. Norfolk
County Council's mobile library service provides a lifeline to people who would not otherwise be able to get to one of the county's 46 static libraries. At present, some 13 mobile libraries regularly visit more than 2,000 stops, usually every two or four weeks. A further four vehicles serve residential homes. Stops are designed to be as convenient as possible for users so regular visits include supermarkets, pubs, schools, mobile home parks and post offices. The vehicles are on the road six days a week, each carrying about 3,000 items on board — ranging from picture books to large print novels, tapes, videos and CDs. The largest vehicle currently in use in Norfolk is 28ft long and weighs more than 10 tonnes.

What does the job entail?
The first job of the day is to check that the vehicle is safe and legal to use and that the library stock is correct. Then it’s out into the county. As well as serving customers, there are administrative tasks to do, such as collecting statistics, filling out request forms and restocking the shelves. At the end of the day, tasks typically include cashing up, refuelling, computer updates and preparations for the following day. No two days are the same.

What skills and qualifications are needed?
You need to have good customer service skills as the main part of the job involves interacting with people on a daily basis and providing a valued customer service to the public. You may get to know some of your customers well as you will see them on a regular basis, so an interest in working with people is key. Administrative skills will be needed and you need to be able to use a computer. A full, clean current LGV driving licence (class C) valid in the UK will be needed and you would need an understanding of basic vehicle maintenance procedures such as washing, cleaning, checking fluid levels and checking your vehicle for general road-worthiness.

What type of person will fit in?
Someone who is community spirited and able to communicate with all types of people. The work can sometimes be unsupervised so you need to be trustworthy, motivated, responsible and have the ability to manage your workload effectively.

What are the pluses and minuses of the job?
Mobile library drivers and assistants need to be able to work between 8am and 8pm when required, including some Saturday mornings, so the hours may not suit everyone.
The best bit is dealing with the customers, who are genuinely passionate about the mobile library service.

What opportunities exist for career progression?
There are various roles available within the Library Service. Drivers or assistants have gone on to manage branch libraries or into fleet management.

What can I expect to earn?
From April 2005, starting salaries will be £14,364 rising to £15,372, plus an allowance for working on Saturdays.

Any hints on getting a job in this area?
There are often vacancies locally for drivers and assistants. Vacancies are advertised in the local press and on the county council’s website www.norfolkccjobs.com. If you would like to get a feel for the mobile library service or to prepare for an interview it may be worth visiting as a reader if you can.