In August 2000, Malcolm answered an advertisement in the local Avon Advertiser newspaper for a Weekend Library Attendant and was called to interview. He did not get the job, losing out to a more suited candidate, however, the job did become available again in March the following year and Malcolm was appointed immediately.

The work was primarily looking after security at the library building at the Talbot Campus of the university but the scope braodened as Malcolm settled in and looked for things to keep him interested and busy. On occasions he would open the library in the morning then close it at night. During the day he would patrol the library halls to ensure the regulations were being respected. He would assist students if required, most especially those who had a disability. He was required to take a headcount several times each day and record the figure. There were some photo-copiers within the library and Malcolm never liked being asked for help with those as they were quite complicated and any spoiled copies had to be paid for.

In quiet times, he would help reshelf the returned books. In busy times he might assist in issuing books if there was a shortage of staff. He also voluntarily saw to some items of maintenance such as repairing the security scanner at the exit door. The job had certain perks. It was permitted to loan any of the books or videos also Malcolm made use of the computers if available.

Whereas Malcolm may have been regarded as a bit of an outsider at first, he was soon accepted for the manner in which he tackled anything that needed doing, whether asked or not. On several occasions he was asked to work at the old library in Bournemouth centre and, being a rather tedious job, he was told that anyone doing that stint usually took some magazines from the library to read, so he did just that.

In September that year, Malcolm's appointment was made permanent. Unfortunately, being part-time, the salary did not come to much so Malcolm decided to leave. He received a card with many nice comments written into it.