Deputy Librarian

Salary: Administrative Officer salary scale €60,611 - €78,796 (Based on rates effective 01/02/2026)

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.

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.

#SETU

A standby panel may be formed from which vacancies for this role may be filled.

Information about Department/Function

The library supports SETU staff and students, contributes to university life and engages with the wider communities. Offering a vast array of physical and digital resources including print books and journals, online databases, ebooks and ejournals, study facilities and much more, the library service is critical to university life.

The library supports the teaching, learning and research needs of the University. Library staff partner with academic and professional support service colleagues to deliver library services aligned with the vision, mission and values of the university. The library service is delivered across the university in two large libraries and two smaller libraries. This post is based on the Carlow campus, one of the larger libraries.

Overview of Role & 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 proactive, 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 some 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, and 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.

Key Responsibilities / Duties

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.

Strategic Leadership

• Work with the Librarian to manage the day-to-day operations of the library.

• Contribute to the formation 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, including strategic planning.

• Deputise for the Librarian as required.

Operational Management

• Coordinate daily library operations, including overseeing library user experience, library facilities and space management.

• Manage library staffing, including staff leave and rotas.

• Oversee staff development, team building and individual growth.

• Assist in the data-informed planning of library developments.

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

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

• Oversee acquisition processes, including library procurement and collection management trends.

Library Service Development

• Align the Library with the teaching, learning and research activities of the University, including the ability to lead in Open Research initiatives.

• Lead and manage changes and trends regarding library print and digital collections.

• 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 students.

Academic Qualifications

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

Experience

• At least five years’ postgraduate experience in relevant library work.

• Relevant experience of leading and motivating a team in an academic library.

• Strong change management experience.

• Experience of developing and implementing plans, strategies, policies and quality improvement initiatives.

Specific Knowledge & Skills

• Excellent analytical, interpersonal and teamwork skills.

• Excellent oral and written communication skills.

• Evident change management leadership experience.

• Experience of coordinating Open Research services.

I.T. Skills

• Experience of library management systems and digital services.

Specific Personal Qualities

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

• A proactive and problem-solving approach, with the flexibility to manage multiple tasks and deadlines.