*****Expired*****
Position: Library Assistant
School/Department: Information Services
Reference: 14/103332
Closing Date: Friday 11 July 2014
Salary: £16,577 – £20,781 per annum (including contribution points)
Anticipated Interview Date: Tuesday 2 September and Wednesday 3 September 2014
JOB PURPOSE:
To be responsible for the performance of a range of duties within the University library system. Posts may be full-time, part-time,
permanent, temporary, term time or year round and may include morning, afternoon, evening and weekend work.
MAJOR DUTIES:
1. Issue and discharge library materials and undertake associated clerical tasks to maximize access to library materials and
ensure accurate record keeping.
2. Assist library users by the provision of advice and guidance to help them find the information and resources they need in both
printed and electronic formats.
3. Obtain material on request which is not available in the library through the reservation system and inter-library loan to provide
QUB and external users with access to the widest possible range of resources.
4. Carry out administrative tasks associated with the service to users, e.g. mailing, faxing, e-mailing overdue notices,
articles/reports to staff, students, other libraries and professional bodies, maintaining user records.
5. Carry out administrative tasks associated with the acquisition of library materials and its subsequent processing. These may
include:
a. maintain and update databases to ensure records are up to date
b. process journals, books and reports to ensure material is appropriately recorded, collated, bound and kept in good condition
c. checking to ensure electronic resources are available to the appropriate users.
d. coding and verification of invoices
6. Receiving money for Library charges including till reconciliation and cashing up.
7. Provide basic training to newly recruited colleagues and to Student Library Assistants. Offer general guidance and advice to
new University students, e.g. induction tours.
8. Participate in the work of cross-Library teams focused on a range of service enhancement initiatives.
9. Shelving library material, shelf tidying and carrying out other stock management tasks so that library materials are easily
accessible to users.
10. Carry out technical and administrative tasks associated with the upkeep and development of systems underpinning the Library
service.
11. Carry out any other duties which are appropriate to the post as may be reasonably requested by Supervisor.
Planning and Organising:
1. Prioritise, plan and organise own work responding to manager’s/work requirements in addition to own responsibilities to ensure
operational efficiency.
2. Refer to more senior colleagues for prioritising and scheduling non-standard work.
3. React daily to queries from library users.
Resource Management Responsibilities:
1. Monitor and replenish levels of stocks/stores of equipment and supplies following set ordering procedures.
2. Occasionally, oversee the work of less experienced colleagues, ensuring tasks are completed accurately and on time and
quality standards are maintained.
Page 1Internal and External Relationships:
1. Daily contact with Supervisor, work colleagues, University staff and students, and all other eligible Library users.
ESSENTIAL CRITERIA:
1. A minimum of five GCSEs (Grade C or above) or equivalent to include English Language and Mathematics or NVQ Level 2
Administration or equivalent in a relevant subject.
2. A minimum of one year’s experience in a working environment within a public, school, special, or academic library. This must
include at least 6 months’ experience of:
• Circulation transaction work
• Working at a front-of-house service point
• Operating a named computerised Library Management System.
3. Ability to grasp quickly the essentials of a query in order to be able to direct the user to the appropriate information.
4. Excellent communication skills both written and oral.
5. Ability to work well within a team.
6. Ability to prioritise and to work quickly and accurately under pressure.
7. Excellent customer service skills and a pleasant, confident and friendly manner.
8. A flexible approach to working and a willingness to acquire new skills.
9. Must be able and willing to undertake evening and weekend duty where applicable.
10. The Library consists of a number of different branches across various sites and candidates must be willing to work in any part of
the Library system.
11. All Library Assistant posts require some element of manual work – e.g. shelving, shelf tidying.
DESIRABLE CRITERIA:
1. A minimum of two ‘A’ Levels.
2. A customer service qualification.
3. A qualification demonstrating proficiency in computing and information systems (e.g. a minimum of ECDL or equivalent).
4. A qualification in Librarianship or Information Studies/Management.
5. A minimum of two years’ experience in a working environment within a public, school, special, or academic library to include at
least 6 months’ experience in the areas listed under the essential criteria.
6. A minimum of six months’ relevant experience of working in a university library or library within the HE/FE sector.
7. A minimum of six months’ indepth experience of working in a specialist field such as:
• Acquisitions
• Cataloguing
• Inter-Library Loans
• Library Systems
• Periodicals
• Subject Support
8. Experience of using cash handling procedures.
9. Two years’ experience of dealing directly with the public in a customer service role.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
A waiting list will be compiled to fill further vacancies that may arise within the next 12 months.
The University reserves the right to enhance the criteria as part of the shortlisting process should the response to the advert be
excessive.
