Systems Librarian
The National Gallery of Ireland (‘Gallery’) is the country’s most popular free visitor attraction housing the nation’s collection of European and Irish art from about 1300 to the present day, and an extensive Library & Archive. Nominated for European Museum of the Year (2018), and winner of the Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland Culture-Public Building award (2018), the Gallery continues its mission of serving our visitors in their enrichment and enjoyment of visual art. Entry to the collection is free for all to enjoy, learn and be inspired. In 2021, the Gallery was a finalist in two categories of the Digital Media Awards – Best in Government & Not for Profit for ‘National Gallery at Home’, and Best Podcast.
The Gallery wishes to recruit a Systems Librarian on a permanent part-time basis in the Library & Archives within the Collection & Research Division. The Gallery holds important library and archives relating to development of the visual arts from the middle ages onwards. The collections are a significant resource for anyone interested in researching art and its associated disciplines. These collections are held in the Art Library, the ESB Centre for the Study of Irish Art, the Yeats Archive, the Institutional Archive and the Sir Denis Mahon Library and Archive and play a valuable role in supporting the work of the Gallery’s curatorial, exhibitions, conservation, registration, education and research staff. The collections are also regularly consulted by artists, students, scholars and academics, art dealers and collectors and members of the public. The library and archive department is responsible for the care, management and provision of access to the collections as well as the development of engagement programmes relating to the collections. The Systems Librarian is responsible for the systems, software and processes that facilitate the management and discovery of the Gallery’s bibliographic holdings and online resources. Reporting to the Head of Library & Archives, the Systems Librarian will:
- Contribute to the strategic development of the library and archive collections and services
- Within a team environment, develop, implement and manage library management systems and all associated software and technological services
- Lead the implementation and configuration of new library management system, oversee upgrade management and stakeholder relations both internally and externally
- Ensure effective systems support and development are in place for efficient technical and reader services operations, including the management of accessions and acquisitions, cataloguing functions, serials management, authority control, circulation, patron management, statistic generation and reporting
- Provide technical expertise and insights on all aspects of systems development
- Ensure documentation, training manuals, policies and procedures relating to library systems and technical operations are in place and up-to-date
- Oversee general library acquisitions procedures, processes and systems, including managing the ordering and receipt of new stock, monitoring expenditure, liaising with NGI finance department, vendors, library team and all stakeholders.
- Oversee library cataloguing, including development of policies, procedures, training and the implementation of technical supports for original and complex copy cataloguing and catalogue maintenance
- Manage the ongoing development of metadata schema and authority lists for bibliographic collections
- Work closely with cataloguing team to develop projects to improve access to the library collection for diverse audiences
- Manage the delivery of discovery services including the development of the online library catalogue and integrated access to e-resources
- Oversee management of e-journals and publications and online research resources, including evaluation of electronic resources and optimisation of the delivery of services, operations and processes
- Work with colleagues to integrate library catalogues and discovery tools into research, programming and engagement activities
- Support user education and information literacy programmes and provide technical guidance and support to staff and patrons as required
- Work closely with members of the Library and Archive team and other relevant staff to develop and present information relating to the library and archives online , with specific responsibility for coordination and updating of content across a number of platforms (e.g. library web resource, NGI intranet)
- Management of Library Assistants and support as required
- Participate in internal and external committees and project teams as required
The successful candidate will have:
- Completed a post-graduate qualification in Library and information management
- Background in Fine Art, History, Art History or related discipline is desirable
- Excellent technology and systems knowledge particularly in the areas of integrated library systems, library technology, search and discovery, Web services
- Cataloguing experience, including a working knowledge of AACR2, LCSH, and MARC formats and standards
- Previous work experience dealing with library acquisitions
- People management and training experience
- Proven ability to work both independently and collaboratively, share expertise, work in teams
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Excellent analytical and pro-active problem solving, organisational, and project management skills
- Strong awareness and engagement with new trends and emerging technologies in library information management and discovery systems
Note: This job description is a guide to broad areas of responsibility and accountability and should not be regarded as a comprehensive listing. The job description may be subject to review in the view of new structures and / or the changing needs of the Gallery. All employees are required to be compliant with Gallery’s screening, security and Garda vetting procedures.
Grade and Salary: Salary will be in accordance with Point 1 €32,821 per annum Assistant Keeper Grade II (Engineer Grade III) pro-rata €16,410.50 part-time p.a. Candidates should note the National Gallery of Ireland complies with Department of Public Expenditure and Reform regulations and guidelines on Public Service pay and conditions of employment
Duration: Permanent Part-time contract
Working Hours: 2.5 days a week – 18.5 hours per week (net of breaks), Monday to Friday – a blended onsite/remote work pattern may be available. Part time work pattern to be agreed with the Head of Library & Archives.
Flexibility is required as part of this post and a willingness to work occasional evenings and weekends.
Closing date for receipt of applications is 18 January 2022
Interviews will be scheduled week commencing 31 January 2022
How to apply: Please upload a cover letter and curriculum vitae. Candidates should note that a panel may be formed from which future positions may be filled.
The National Gallery of Ireland is an equal opportunities employer
