Library Assistant (12 Month Contract)
GENERAL JOB DESCRIPTION
Duties and General Terms & Conditions of Employment
CANDIDATE PROFILE AND SCOPE OF THE POSITION
Marino Institute of Education (MIE) wishes to appoint a Library Assistant to support and enhance the delivery of library services to staff and students. The mission of MIE Library is to empower its members’ personal, educational and professional growth through a range of services, technology, collections and Library staff dedicated to supporting the teaching, learning and research objectives of the Institute.
The successful applicant will play an important role in delivering exceptional customer service to support the learning, teaching, and research activities of our academic community. This position entails a wide range of responsibilities, emphasising proactive assistance to library patrons in accessing and utilising library resources, services, and facilities.
This is an excellent opportunity for someone who wishes to pursue a career in an academic library within the context of a small team of dedicated library staff in the provision of a high quality and specialist Library Information Service.
Essential Qualifications & Skills (i.e. those, without which, a candidate would not be able to do the job. Applications that have not clearly demonstrated that candidates possess the essential requirements will not be shortlisted):
- Leaving Certificate.
- An understanding of the role of an academic library and the external information environment in which it operates.
- Exceptional customer service skills with a strong commitment to supporting academic success.
- Organisational skills and meticulous attention to detail.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team.
- Strong IT skills and a forward-thinking approach to technology
- Excellent communication, interpersonal and collaborative skills
- An ability to work both independently and as part of a team
- A willingness to work flexible shift patterns including evenings and weekends
Desirable qualifications and experience:
- Cumas feidhmeannach sa Ghaeilge
- Experience in an academic or public library setting
- Qualification in Library Science
- Familiarity with library classification systems and academic research tools
- Proficiency in library cataloguing and circulation systems
Candidates must clearly indicate in their applications how they meet each of these pre-requisites.
2. JOB DESCRIPTION
Reporting Relationship
The appointee is required to carry out the duties attached to the post, under the general direction of the Head of Library Services, whom she/he reports, and to whom he/she is responsible for the performance of these duties in the first instance. The appointee will report through Head of Library Services to the Institute President and/or such other MIE officers as the President may designate from time to time.
The reporting relationship may be subject to periodic review, in line with service needs and developments in the Institute.
Duties and Responsibilities
The Library Assistant will be responsible for:
Customer service:
- Proactively assisting library patrons in navigating and leveraging library resources, services, and facilities.
- Cultivating a welcoming and accommodating atmosphere for patrons, ensuring their needs are met efficiently and effectively.
- Assisting at the library information and circulation desk.
- Handling the efficient circulation of library materials, including check-ins, check-outs, and reservations, adhering to library policies and procedures.
Outreach and engagement
- Supporting the planning and execution of the library’s educational outreach and engagement through workshops, online classes, and events to enrich the academic experience of library users.
- Promoting and marketing the profile of MIE Library, both internally and externally, using a range of technology and approaches, including social media, conferences, college open days, and publications.
Reference and research assistance:
- Providing guidance to library users seeking information for research and educational projects.
- Assisting patrons in navigating academic databases, catalogues, and online research tools.
Collection enhancement and promotion:
- Actively contributing to the development of the library’s collections by identifying and recommending relevant materials.
- Aiding in collection maintenance, including weeding, stocktakes, and updates.
- Creating and maintaining the library’s physical displays and online guides to resources to exploit and promote new and existing collections.
Resource management:
- Playing a role in the cataloguing, organisation, and maintenance of the library’s educational materials, including books, digital resources, and educational technology.
- Facilitating timely access to resources for patrons.
Technology support:
- Offering technical assistance to library patrons, aiding in the utilisation of computers, printers, and specialised educational software.
- Troubleshooting basic technical issues or referring patrons for IT support, if needed.
Administrative duties:
- Maintaining accurate library records and compile statistics as needed.
- Supporting accreditation and quality inspections.
- Any other appropriate duties as specified by the Head of Library Services
It should be noted that in each work area/department within the Institute, the appointee must work as part of a team. Although duties pertaining to the post are broadly defined under the various headings as listed, the list of duties is not exhaustive. The appointee will be required to function in a flexible and collegial manner. MIE retains the right to assign new duties and/or to re-assign staff to other areas of the Institute, in response to service needs.
3. APPLICATION, SELECTION PROCESS AND OTHER GENERAL INFORMATION.
Method of Selection for Recommendation
- A shortlisting of applicants will occur which will be based on the applicant’s qualifications, suitability and relevant work experience as detailed in the application. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that all relevant information is included in their application and that they clearly identify how they meet the specified candidate criteria.
- Interview will be by interview panel consisting of not fewer than 3 persons, and will comprise of the most suitable and qualified people to assess applicants in the discipline. All appointments to employment at MIE are made by the Governing Body. The interview panel’s recommendations for appointment of successful applicants for all posts will be submitted to the MIE Governing Body for their consideration and decision
- A panel may be created from which permanent or fixed term contract appointments for this position may be filled during the life of the panel. The panel will cease to exist 12 months from its formation date, which will be the date of initial interview.
- Candidates must produce satisfactory documentary evidence of all training and experience claimed by them, if required.
Probationary Period
The appointment is subject to satisfactory completion of the standard 6-month probationary period. The probationary period may be extended at the discretion of the Institute but will not in any case exceed 12 months. Absences during the period of probation will extend the probationary period. Performance and conduct during the probationary period will be monitored through a process of assessment meetings. Termination of employment during the probationary period will be at the discretion of the Institute. An abridged version of the disciplinary procedure will apply to employees on probation.
Garda Vetting
All successful applicants may be required to participate in Garda vetting. Specific instruction on this process will be given at the appropriate time. Applicants who do not comply with the Institute’s requirements in this regard will be excluded from consideration for appointment.
Salary
The current annual salary scale; €25,389- €37,804 (12 points).
Making of Applications
Application by Cover letter and CV only (no special application forms are supplied),
preferably by email to careers@mie.ie or by post to:
The Human Resources Office
Marino Institute of Education
Griffith Avenue
Dublin 9
D09 R232.
Completed applications must be received by 5.00pm on Wednesday 11 October 2023. Late applications will not be accepted.
The Institute will not be responsible for any expenses, including travelling expenses, which candidates may incur in connection with their candidature.
Marino Institute of Education is an equal opportunities employer.
