Branch Librarian

THE COMPETITION

Clare County Council is currently inviting applications from suitably qualified persons for the above competition. Clare County Council will, following the interview process, form a panel for the post of Branch Librarian from which future relevant vacancies may be filled subject to sanction approval from the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage. This panel will exist for 12 months and may be extended for a further period of 6-12 months at the discretion of the Chief Executive.

Applicants for the posts of Branch Librarian panels are asked to indicate on the application form, the areas in the County in which they would like to work.

Applicants will be invited to apply for the following panel(s):

• Ennis Municipal District – if you would like to work in the Ennis area (libraries include Ennis, Corofin, Tulla)

• Shannon Municipal District – if you would like to work in the Shannon area (libraries include Newmarket-on-Fergus, Shannon, Sixmilebridge)

• West Clare Municipal District (North) – if you would like to work in the North Clare area (libraries include Ennistymon, Milltown Malbay, Lisdoonvarna)

• West Clare Municipal District (West) – if you would like to work in the West Clare area (libraries include Kilkee, Kilrush, Kildysart, Kilmihil)

• Killaloe Municipal District – if you would like to work in the Killaloe area (libraries include Killaloe and Scariff)

Please only choose an area you would be willing to work in. The Council will form five separate panels of suitably qualified candidates. The order of candidates placed on each of the five panels is determined by where they were placed on the overall Order of Merit List formed by the selection board on the day of interview. Job offers will be offered as they arise in the areas identified above. Candidates will only be offered jobs in the geographical areas they have indicated they would like to work in.

JOB DESCRIPTION

Clare County Library service operates through 15 branch libraries (9 full-time, 6 part-time) and a Local Studies Centre. Full-time branches are located in Ennis, Ennistymon, Kilkee, Killaloe, Kilrush, Milltown Malbay, Scariff, Shannon and Sixmilebridge. Part-time branches are located in Corofin, Kildysart, Kilmihil, Lisdoonvarna, Newmarket-on-Fergus and Tulla.

The Library service is an integral component in the provision of cultural services by Clare County Council within the county which also includes provision for the Arts Service, County Museum and County Archives. Clare County Library service delivers its service to the public through day, evenings, and Saturday opening hours. Branch Librarians work part-time hours, which can vary depending on the library post.

The Branch Librarian is an entry-level post within the Library Service. Branch Librarians make a valuable contribution to the provision of the library service centrally and at local branch level by delivering frontline services and by providing support to library management. The duties of the Branch Librarian shall be consistent with the provision of a modern public library service that is responsive to the changing requirements of customers of all ages and abilities.

The ideal candidate for this post will be a highly motivated person, with drive and commitment to delivering quality public services. The role involves a level of responsibility with employees in some postings working mostly on their own and requires a good deal of flexibility and excellent communication skills.

Desirable Criteria

• An interest and ability to work with members of the public.

• Strong interest in working with children and young adults and ideally a proficiency with children’s and young adult literature and programming.

• Understanding and dedication to customer services.

• A proficiency in the use of Information Technology, including a good knowledge of Microsoft Office packages, and also in the use of digital and social media.

• Energy and enthusiasm with a commitment to the needs of the community.

• Strong interpersonal and excellent communications skills, both verbal and written.

• Good organisational and time management skills.

• Strong judgement and capacity to innovate and work on your own initiative and as part of a team.

• An interest in literature and reading and the arts in general.

• Problem Solving.

• Community and stakeholder engagement.

• Hold a current full Class B driving licence free from endorsements. When required to do so, holders of this office shall drive a motor car in the course of their duties and for this purpose provide and maintain a car to the satisfaction of the local authority.

DUTIES

The duties to be assigned include the following although this list is not exhaustive and may be reviewed from time to time as organisational needs require.

The duties will include but will not be limited to the following:

• Perform and administer all duties according to local authority and library service guidelines.

• Customer service – front line library service duties and also responding to customer queries, including information and requests.

• Assisting the public in using the public internet, self-service facilities, and other Library IT equipment.

• Operation of Branch Library with respect to security, emergency and maintenance of premises including cleaning and upkeep of premises.

• Assisting in the promotion of the library service through an active role in the organisation and delivery of events – e.g., book clubs, storytelling, class visits, community events and exhibitions.

• General clerical and administrative duties relevant to the Library Service, e.g., processing and tagging of new library stock, cash management, Health & Safety checklist, branch statistics.

• Assistance, support, and guidance to library users in the areas of information communication technologies, Internet services and online resources.

• Assisting the running / management of events which are programmed from Library HQ or within the individual branch library on an annual basis.

• Maintenance, shelving, and processing duties on all library stock.

• Maintenance of building in accordance with Clare County Council’s Health and Safety Management Programme.

• Branch relief work – cover in other locations as required to maintain library branch network opening hours during periods of holiday leave, sick leave, etc.

• Perform any other duties as may be assigned from time to time.

• The branch librarian will always form part of a team delivering the library service in a specific area so working within a team and taking direction from a team lead is an essential part of the job.

The following caretaking duties may also apply:

• Be responsible for the general safe custody and cleanliness of the building, its contents, and grounds. This includes cleaning and general upkeep duties.

• Maintain the toilets in a clean and hygienic condition and keep same supplied with toilet requisites.

• Make a full check of the library before locking up each evening and to carry out regular inspections as instructed.

• Be familiar with such fire drill and fire precautions as may be in operation and be familiar with the location and operation of all fire-fighting equipment in the building and with emergency evacuation procedures.

• Any other duties as may be assigned from time to time.

The person employed will be required to perform assigned duties exercising a duty of care, in the interest of safety of oneself, fellow employees and the general public, at all times in compliance with Clare County Council’s Health & Safety Management System.

QUALIFICATIONS FOR THE POST

ESSENTIAL CRITERIA

Character

Each candidate must be of good character.

Health

Candidates shall be in a state of health such as would indicate a reasonable prospect of ability to render regular and efficient service.

Education, Training, Experience, etc.

Each candidate must, on the latest date for receipt of completed application forms:

• Each candidate must have a good general level of education.

Failure to input and upload proof of essential educational qualifications in your application form will deem you ineligible for this competition.

Non-Irish Qualifications must be accompanied by a determination from Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI) to establish their comparability against the Irish National Framework of Qualifications, overseas qualifications must also be accompanied by a translation document.

Age

Each candidate must be under 70 years of age on the latest date for receipt of completed Application Forms for the office if they are deemed not to be new entrants to the Public Service as defined by the Public Service Superannuation (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2004.

However, the age restriction of 70 years does not apply to "new entrants" to the Public Service as defined by the Public Service Superannuation (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2004.

Citizenship

Candidates must, by the date of any job offer, be:

(a) A citizen of the European Economic Area (EEA). The EEA consists of the Member States of the European Union, Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway; or

(b) A citizen of the United Kingdom (UK); or

(c) A citizen of Switzerland pursuant to the agreement between the EU and Switzerland on the free movement of persons; or

(d) A non-EEA citizen who is a spouse or child of an EEA or UK or Swiss citizen and has a stamp 4 visa; or

(e) A person awarded international protection under the International Protection Act 2015, or any family member entitled to remain in the State as a result of family reunification and has a stamp 4 visa; or

(f) A non-EEA citizen who is a parent of a dependent child who is a citizen of, and resident in, an EEA member state or the UK or Switzerland and has a stamp 4 visa.

Salary

The salary shall be fully inclusive and shall be as determined from time to time. Holders of the post will be paid at the appropriate point on the salary scale in accordance with the relevant Department Circular. Where the appointee has been serving elsewhere in the public service in an analogous grade and pay-scale and will be moving without break to another part of the public sector at an analogous grade, the appointment may be made at the appointee’s current point of scale. The rate of remuneration may be adjusted from time to time in line with Government pay policy. Starting pay for new entrants to the sector will be at the minimum of the scale.

The current salary scale applicable to the post is €17.04 - €26.51 per hour (August 2025).

Annual Leave

The annual leave applicable to this post will be 8% of hours worked in any one year. Clare County Council’s holiday year runs from 1st January to 31st December. Granting of annual leave, payment for annual leave and arrangements for public holidays will be governed by the provisions of the Organisation of Working Time Act, 1977 (as amended).

Work Base

Clare County Council reserves the right to assign you to any district in use by the Council, now or in the future. Changes in location of employment will not result in payment of disturbance money or other compensation. The person appointed will be required to provide themselves at their own expense with the necessary mode of travel to and from work.

Working Hours

The post entails a wide range of duties which require maximum flexibility, and the candidate will be required to work variable part-time hours over the library’s working week, from Monday to Saturday. The Branch Librarian will be required to work the hours over a 2-week period, including caretaking duties, on a rota system over 6 days from Monday to Saturday. This rota will also include evening work. Hours may vary from time to time.

The Council reserves the right to alter the number of hours worked each day/each week and/or the times at or the days on which the hours are to be worked. The post-holder will be given as much notice as is reasonably practicable of any change in the schedule of hours worked.

Terms & Conditions of Employment:

• Please ensure that you satisfy the essential requirements for this post (as specified in the Conditions & Qualifications) in advance of completion of the online Application Form.

• Notify the Human Resources Department of any change of contact details.

• If you are successful in this competition and a job offer ensues, original certificates/qualifications will be requested.

• Interviews may be held remotely, online using Microsoft Teams.

• Expenses incurred by candidates will be at the candidate’s own expense.