Library, information and archive services assistant
Level 3 · AdvancedBusiness and administration 1.5 yr typical
About this apprenticeship
What it involves
A library, information and archive services assistant helps people access information, resources, and collections in public libraries, academic libraries, archives, or information services. At level 3, apprentices develop skills in cataloguing, digital information management, customer engagement, and collection care. The role leads to library assistant supervisor, archives assistant, or information specialist positions.
On the job
What you’ll learn
Library and information science principles including classification and cataloguing
How to support customers in finding, evaluating, and using information sources
Digital library systems, online databases, and information retrieval tools
Archive and records management principles including preservation and access
Copyright law and data protection as they apply to information services
Community engagement and reader development techniques
Equality and inclusion as they apply to library and information services
On the job
What you’ll do day to day
Issue, return, and renew library materials using the library management system
Catalogue and classify new stock following agreed metadata standards
Help customers locate physical and digital resources to meet their needs
Support the delivery of reading groups, storytimes, or information literacy sessions
Maintain, repair, and manage the physical collection to preserve its condition
Carry out archive searches and retrieve documents for researchers
Respond to enquiries in person, by phone, and via online chat or email
The deal
How this apprenticeship works
You earn a wage from day one. You are a paid employee, not a student. There are no tuition fees - the training is funded by your employer and the government.
About 20% is “off-the-job” training. Roughly a day a week is spent learning away from your normal duties - at a college, training provider, or online - working towards a recognised qualification.
It ends with an end-point assessment (EPA). Near the end, an independent assessor checks you can do the job to the national standard - through tests, a project, a portfolio or an interview. Pass it and you are fully qualified.
How to get there
What you need to start
Level 3 (Advanced) - roughly A-level level. Employers usually look for some GCSEs (often English & maths around grade 4/C) or a Level 2 apprenticeship first. English & maths can sometimes be finished during training.
What’s next: Can lead to a Level 4/5 (Higher) apprenticeship, or straight into the role.
Entry requirements are set by each employer and can vary - always check the specific vacancy.
Hear from employers
What it’s really like
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