Responsible to: Line manager
Responsible for: Senior Library Assistant
MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Under the direction of the line manager
Key Result Area 1 – Service Delivery
1. To ensure that all designated services operate to agreed service standards, deliver excellent customer service and comply with current Libraries NI policies and procedures with particular emphasis on;
a) the management of systems appropriate to the section,
b) provision of information, advice and support to library customers, partners and staff as appropriate,
c) advising customers and library staff on resources appropriate to their needs and assisting them to exploit the full potential of resources in all formats,
d) providing timely and efficient bibliographical / technical support to customers of the service to ensure that the needs of end customers are met,
e) development and provision of lifelong learning and other services, as appropriate, and support and guidance in their use,
f) liaison with suppliers and internal customers on the day to day operation of library contracts and other resource management issues,
2. Develop and maintain Libraries NI commitment to equality and diversity in the delivery of library services participate in the development, delivery, co-ordination and review of effective services, in line with the corporate, business and service plans through;
a) participation in the monitoring of and reporting on targets and action plans to meet overall library objectives and implementing agreed remedial action,
b) identifying opportunities for service improvements, funding, income generation and partnerships, preparing reports and costed proposals,
c) supervision of agreed projects, in co-operation, where appropriate, with funders and partners,
d) delivering appropriate training to staff and customers,
e) participating in consultation with customers.
3. Participate in the promotion and marketing of the service to increase participation and raise awareness of Libraries NI’s key role as a resource for learning, information, cultural heritage and reading in the community to include;
a) development of resources for communities,
b) development of digital content,
c) planning and delivery of training, reader development, learning and information skills and cultural heritage programmes for all customers,
d) targeting services appropriately through partnership development
e) advocacy and stakeholder engagement
f) organisation and management of promotional events as required.
4. Respond to comments and complaints from the public and/or internal customers, including those regarding decisions made within policies and procedures by staff, within the guidelines of the Libraries NI complaints procedure.
5. Support Libraries NI commitment to equality and diversity in the delivery of library services.
Key Result Area 2 – Policy Support
1. Work collaboratively to support colleagues, staff and line managers to achieve service objectives.
2. Deputise as appropriate for the line manager as required.
3. Participate in the development and delivery of Libraries NI initiatives through working groups or operational teams as
required.
4. Represent the area and/or Libraries NI at internal and/or at external meetings to coordinate agreed activities.
5. Contribute to the planning, delivery and evaluation of training programmes for library staff and customers as required.
6. Contribute to the development and implementation of overall library service objectives, in line with the corporate,
business and service plans through;
a) carrying out research required by the line manager or the senior management team,
b) participating in teams and meetings as required,
c) participating in consultation with customers,
d) collating and analysing management information,
e) preparing reports and costed proposals.
7. Undertake continuing professional development in all relevant aspects of library and information management including;
a) attendance and participation in relevant courses, training, conferences etc.,
b) reading relevant literature,
c) maintaining an awareness of developments in areas relevant to the section, and relate and apply this knowledge to library
provision.
Key Result Area 3 – Staff Management and Development
1. Recruit, train, motivate, appraise and discipline staff.
2. Manage the performance of designated staff to ensure consistently high standards are maintained, to deliver excellent customer focused library services.
3. Provide leadership and motivation, and ensure the creation and maintenance of effective working relationships, and the health, safety and welfare of staff in compliance with legislation.
4. Ensure knowledge and skills of staff are developed and maintained through contributing to the identification of training and development needs and to the planning, delivery and evaluation of training programmes.
5. Influence positive organisational culture and support change management processes.
6. Implement relevant HR policies and procedures as required.
7. Take part in the recruitment and selection of staff to agreed levels.
Key Result Area 4 – Resources and Systems
1. Participate in collection development and management activities in respect of print, audio-visual, ephemeral and digital collections including;
a) assisting in the formulation, implementation and review of policies
b) develop and supervising processes and functions within the section, as required, in accordance with agreed policies and procedures,
c) resource/collection analysis,
d) assessment of customer needs and collection usage,
e) exploitation and promotion,
f) liaison when required with library suppliers in accordance with tender arrangements and standing orders.
2. Assist the line manager in the management and deployment of ICT, including;
a) the planning of ICT use to develop relevant library services,
b) the development, delivery and monitoring of agreed training in library management systems and ICT use,
c) liaison with ICT staff and service providers to identify and resolve problems and ensure continuity of service.
3. Prepare layouts, shelving plans and equipment lists as required.
4. Assist the line manager, as required, with the implementation of relevant projects.
5. Manage any delegated budget, to meet agreed Libraries NI objectives. Ensure that all financial procedures and record keeping adhere to Libraries NI policy.
6. Participate in the duty officer rota to ensure cover for all operational hours within the section. Ensure that emergency and health and safety procedures are followed and that all staff within the section are briefed in dealing with emergencies.
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 postholder, to amend the job description to meet the changing needs of the organisation.
These posts are generic in nature, are interchangeable with other SEO posts and could operate on a rotational basis.