Responsible to: Line Manager
Responsible for: up to a maximum of 15 branch library staff, (in some circumstances the supervision will be shared)
MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Core services to clients
Under the direction of the Appropriate Line Manager:
1. Ensure that all services are provided to consistently high standards and comply with current library policy and procedures with particular emphasis on:
a. the operation of the circulation system appropriate to the service point
b. client care
c. assisting clients to make best use of the library service
d. providing an efficient and effective request service
e. assisting clients with reference and information enquiries
f. providing advice and assistance on library resources within or without the service.
2. Under the direction of the relevant Officers ensure that the service is developed effectively for all client groups in the community e.g. children, adults, elderly people, people with disabilities etc. through activities to promote library materials/services, reading and literacy to the above client groups.
3. Under the direction of the appropriate officer ensure that clients have access to a suitable range of resources which meets their needs in line with the stock policy and that resources are maintained in good condition and arranged according to stock policy and agreed procedures.
4. Supervise the day to day delivery and routine procedures of client-focused library services in the areas of learning, information, leisure and culture.
5. Ensure that statistics and file systems are maintained as required.
6. Assist the appropriate Officer/s in promoting and marketing the library as the hub of learning, information, leisure and culture in the local community and take responsibility for routine aspects of:
a. maintaining and developing community information
b. updating information relating to community profile
c. maintaining contacts with local community groups/agencies who use library premises as out centres or for courses, meetings, exhibitions etc.
d. managing the branch ‘what’s on’ diary.
7. Provide the first response to comments and complaints from the public within the guidelines of the Library Services complaint procedure.
Staff Management
1. Manage, supervise and appraise the senior library assistant/s, library assistants and ancillary staff at the service point.
2. Ensure the service point functions effectively by operating the timetable and duty rota.
3. Ensure time-sheets are completed and returned accurately and on time.
4. Lead and motivate staff to encourage maximum performance and provide appropriate opportunities for communication.
5. Supervise staff to ensure consistently high standards are maintained:
a. staff performance (including attendance, timekeeping etc.)
b. staff morale
c. staff welfare.
6. Assist relevant officers in identifying the training needs of staff and provide on site refresher and induction training for library assistants on routine aspects of branch library work in line with library service policies.
7. Maintain current awareness on library matters through: reading the relevant literature.
8. Attendance and participation in relevant courses, conferences/etc. in compliance with Libraries NI Staff Development Policy, including Staff Appraisal.
Premises and Administration
1. Ensure the routine maintenance of library premises, maintain files and records as required and refer any problems which cannot be dealt with locally to the appropriate officer.
2. Ensure that appropriate action is taken to comply with Health and Safety requirements for the benefit of staff and clients. Notify the appropriate officer of any major issues promptly.
3. Ensure that financial procedures and record keeping are adhered to.
4. Supervise all clerical/electronic functions at the service point.
5. Ensure adequate stationery and cleaning supplies for the service point from administration Department on a regular basis.
6. Where appropriate, act as duty officer while on the premises and ensure that a duty officer rota is in place for all hours when the library is open to the public. Ensure that the duty officer secures the building and its contents and that all staff is briefed in dealing with emergencies.
7. Ensure that a booking system for facilities used by community groups is in place.
8. Ensure that all equipment is handled with care, maintained according to Libraries NI policy, properly secured and that the service point inventory is accurate and up- to- date.
9. Ensure that library guiding, signage and publicity materials are well maintained and replaced as required.
10. Ensure that the library is cleaned to a satisfactory standard and notify appropriate officer of cleaning problems.
11. Ensure that the library environment is safe, comfortable and welcoming for clients.
12. Any other duties relevant to the grade as required by the Director or his/her designated officer from time to time.
This job description is intended to indicate the broad range of responsibilities and requirements of the post. It is neither exhaustive nor prescriptive. Libraries NI reserves the right, in consultation with the post holder, to amend the job description to meet the changing needs of the organisation.