Stock & Reader Development Officer

Job Introduction

Working Hours: 16 hours per week

Interview Date: 04 December 2026

Could you help us build great collections, inspire readers and bring our libraries to life?

As Stock & Reader Development Officer, you’ll have an opportunity to help shape what our customers discover on the shelves and what happens beyond them. You’ll lead the development and presentation of our collections across Rutland’s four libraries, using your knowledge of readers, stock and trends to keep our offer relevant, accessible and engaging. You’ll also develop reader-focused activities and events which encourage reading, learning and community engagement, working closely with the Library Team Leader and colleagues across the service.

About the Role

In this role, you will:

• Oversee the day-to-day management, development and presentation of library stock across Rutland’s four libraries, including purchasing for allocated stock areas.

• Use stock usage, reservations and collection data to identify trends, respond to customer needs and support effective collection development.

• Develop and coordinate reader development activity, including displays, themed promotions and reading initiatives, working creatively with colleagues across the service.

• Provide guidance and direction to frontline colleagues on stock management and presentation, helping to maintain high and consistent standards across our libraries.

• Line manage the Stock & Bibliographic Services Practitioner, delegating work and supporting the delivery of wider collections and reader development projects.


Additional Requirements 

The successful candidate will be required to undertake an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. Costs for the DBS are covered by Rutland County Council.

Please note that you will need a full driving licence to enable you to travel across the county.

About You 

This is an excellent opportunity for someone with a passion for books, libraries and reading to take a key role in developing Rutland’s library collections and reader offer, while building their experience in a specialist area of library service delivery.

To succeed in this role, you will be:
• An organised and proactive colleague with library experience or qualifications, able to coordinate work, prioritise tasks and work independently.

• Experienced in working with library stock, collections or bibliographic services, with enthusiasm for reader development and reading.

• Confident using computerised systems and maintaining accurate records and information.

• Able to use information and data to monitor activity, identify issues and support effective decision-making.

• An effective communicator who can provide guidance and direction to colleagues and work collaboratively across the service.

• Committed to providing high-quality, inclusive library services and encouraging reading and engagement across our communities.


Informal enquiries:

For an informal conversation about the role, please contact James Kearney, Library Team Leader at jkearney@rutland.gov.uk. 

We review applications frequently; however, in periods of high demand, the role may close earlier than advertised, so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible.

Our benefits:

• Competitive salary
• Generous annual leave entitlement
• Local Government Pension Scheme
• A strong focus on health, wellbeing, and work-life balance 

For further information on the benefits of working for Rutland, please see our careers page: Jobs and volunteering | Rutland County Council

Our Values

Our values – Passionate, Ambitious, Work Together, and Make a Difference – guide everything we do. We’re looking for people who share these values and want to contribute to strong, supportive teams that deliver positive outcomes for our communities.