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Branch Library Manager

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Location:

Ardoyne Library

Salary Range:

£29,064 - £31,021 (NJC Points 13 – 17)

Working Hours Per Week

Advertising End Date:

20 Nov 2025

Vacancy Type:

Temporary - Part Time

Job Purpose and Information

Under the direction of the Line Manager to supervise the service points on a day-to-day basis and provide direct services to the public; to assist in the development of the service to meet the learning, information, leisure and cultural needs of the local community.

This is a temporary post, subject to review, pending the organisation and structure review and dependent on business need. Please note these posts are for a period of six months and may be extended, made permanent, or terminated for any valid reason.

Job Description:

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.

Person specification/Terms and Conditions:

PERSONNEL SPECIFICATION

Applica

Applicants must provide evidence that, by the closing date, they meet the following criteria:

ESSENTIAL

Qualifications and Experience

a minimum of two GCE A levels OR equivalent or higher qualification PLUS a minimum of two years’ experience working with the public in a customer focused environment within the last five years
OR

a minimum of three years’ experience, working with the public in a customer focused environment within the last six years

Experience
experience of contributing to the promotion and delivery of front line customer services to a diverse range of people
experience of using current Information Communication Technology (ICT) systems/applications in a work context
experience of working in partnership OR collaboration with internal and/or external customers
experience of working effectively within a team environment to meet organisational goals/objectives.
Other Constraints and Requirements
ability to work a mix of mornings, afternoons, evenings and weekends, both at base and in other service points as required to support business need
have no criminal record which would prevent working with children and/or adults at risk.

DESIRABLE

Experience

experience of managing staff.
experience of working in a public, academic or specialist library

The above essential criteria will be used for shortlisting purposes. If deemed necessary essential criterion 1 may be enhanced and/or Desirable criteria may be used for shortlisting.

LIBRARIES NI IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES EMPLOYER

It is essential that candidates provide sufficient details, using examples and dates where appropriate to demonstrate that they meet these requirements. It is not sufficient to simply list duties and responsibilities. Libraries NI will not make assumptions from the title of the post or the nature of the organisation as to the skills and experience gained. If you fail to provide sufficient detail, including the appropriate dates needed to meet the essential criteria, your application will be rejected.

SELECTION PROCESS

SHORTLISTING

Shortlisting will be carried out on the basis of the information provided against each specific criterion as presented on the application form. Applications will first be considered against the essential criteria. Where necessary enhanced criteria and/or desirable criteria may be applied.

Only shortlisted candidates will be called to the next stage of the selection process.

NB: In addition shortlisted candidates will be expected to demonstrate the following essential requirements throughout the selection process.

Examples of the Knowledge & Skills and Personal Qualities to be demonstrated will include but not limited to:

ability to lead, develop, manage and motivate a team.
competence in use of MS Office, including MS Outlook, Word and Excel
knowledge of books and reading, library resources and ICT applications in a library context (including social media platforms).
good organisational skills including ability to prioritise and meet competing deadlines
ability to interpret statistical information
problem solving skills.
Ability to manage available resources effectively, including building maintenance, with a good working knowledge of Health and Safety responsibilities

positive approach to customer service and engaging with customers (internal and external) through oral and verbal communication
ability to work on own initiative and without supervision to meet targets/deadlines
sensitive, approachable, assertive, confident
tactful and diplomatic
flexible
resilient.

Reserve Lists

Where a competition identifies more appointable candidates than there are available vacancies, a Reserve List will be created in order of suitability for up to 12 months to fill the same job role, normally within the same location/geographical area without further testing of merit

LIBRARIES NI IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES EMPLOYER

We welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons. All appointments will be made on merit.

Guidance Notes for Applicants

Application forms should be completed in conjunction with the Notes of Guidance for Applicants which may be downloaded with the application pack from Libraries NI staff Intranet: Guidance Notes for Applicants

TERMS AND CONDITIONS
This is a temporary appointment. The successful candidate will be employed on NJC terms and conditions of service and membership of the Northern Ireland Local Government Pension Scheme is automatic for persons eligible to join. Further information about pensions is available on the NILGOSC website www.nilgosc.org.uk

Where applicable the appointment will be subject to satisfactory completion of all procedural and pre-employment checks.
Where applicable the successful candidate will be subject to a probationary period of six months.

An unpaid meal break of 30 minutes will normally be taken by employees who are contracted to work 4 hours or more per day.

Travelling and Subsistence
Travel expenses at rates approved by Libraries NI will be paid in respect of approved journeys necessary as an employee of Libraries NI.

Mobility Clause
The post will be located in an agreed location, or at any alternative premises as may be reasonably required and may be subject to change following consultation with the post holder.

Excess Fares
If you are in receipt of excess fares, this provision will cease on appointment.

Libraries NI complies with the AccessNI Code of Practice regarding the handling, use, storage etc. of Disclosure of Information. Applicants requiring further information on this should refer to AccessNI’s website www.accessni.gov.uk

Libraries NI has adopted a ‘Smoke Free Workplace Policy’.

To view Libraries NI’s privacy statement please visit www.librariesni.org.uk or ask Human Resources staff for a copy.

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Job Specific Information