Deputy Librarian

Overall role and context:

SETU is seeking a Deputy Librarian for the Carlow Campus who will play an important role in the ongoing strategic and operational development of the Library’s role within the University. The Deputy Librarian will be required to assist in the pro-active, cost effective and efficient library and information service in support of the teaching and research requirements of the University. Management of teams will be a key component of the post. The Deputy Librarian will be responsible for the day to day administration of the Carlow campus library under the guidance of the Librarian.

As a member of the library rostering team the post holder will be required to work evenings and weekends to provide cover during library opening hours. The Deputy Librarian will also be required to deputise for the Librarian from time to time. The range of duties attached to the post may vary from time to time in the context of evolving University objectives and organisational restructuring.

The successful candidate should be enthusiastic, learner focused, have relevant library experience, should demonstrate excellent interpersonal skills, organisational abilities, vision, and leadership. The Library is committed to delivering a high quality, user focused library service informed by the teaching, learning and research objectives of SETU. The successful candidate will be responsible for overseeing and implementing a wide range of strategic and operational library developments in order to meet these objectives. Additionally, the Deputy Librarian may be assigned other duties by the Librarian.

Principal duties and responsibilities:

This post involves oversight of a range of areas in the library. The variety of duties attached to the post is varied and subject to change.

Leadership

• Manage the day-to-day operations of the library and its staff, under the guidance of the Librarian

• Provide leadership by assisting the Librarian across the full range of Library functions

• Contribute to the formulation of overall University policy and to library wide strategic planning

• Manage and participate in library and university committees / groups

• Represent the Library internally, regionally, nationally and internationally as required

• Manage and lead substantial change and library service development

• Deputise for the Librarian as required

Library Organisation

• Responsible for ensuring the smooth running of desk rotas and for overseeing library operations

• Lead and motivate Library staff including responsibility for staff training and development, team building and individual growth

• Assist in the planning of library developments including appropriate data gathering to inform planning

• Ensure compliance with legal, audit and health and safety requirements

• Ensure best practice in relation to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI)

Procurement and Collection Management

• Manage/organise the ordering and purchasing of library material

• Oversee acquisition processes including procurement complying with audit requirements

• Proactively engage with staff, students, metrics and vendors in order to fully understand Collection Management trends

Teaching, Learning and Research Development

• Align the Library with the teaching, learning and research activities of the University

• Promote the Library within the University and the region as a partner in teaching, learning, research and civic engagement activities

• Work with Student Services and other relevant areas on campus ensuring the delivery of quality library services for all our students

Person specification – Qualifications, Knowledge, Experience & Skills:

• A relevant degree together with a postgraduate qualification in Librarianship or Information Science or an equivalent qualification in Library and Information Studies

• At least two years postgraduate experience in relevant library work

• Proven ability to work collaboratively and supportively with a wide variety of stakeholders, both internal and external

• Demonstrated leadership experience

• Excellent analytical, interpersonal and team working skills

• Excellent information technology skills

• A pro-active and problem-solving approach with the flexibility to manage multiple tasks and deadlines

• Excellent oral and written communication skills

• Supervisory management skills

• Evidence of a flexible approach to work and a willingness to accept and adapt to change

Hours of Work: The appointee will be required to work 35 hours per week together with such additional hours as may be required from time to time for the proper discharge of their duties.

Salary: Grade VII Salary Scale: €60,011 - €78,016

Annual Leave: 29 days annual leave. Annual Leave will be in accordance with arrangements authorised by the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science from time to time.