Executive Librarian

The Role of the Executive Librarian

The Executive Librarian is a professional librarian position with a key managerial role in delivering high quality library services for Carlow County Council. The post holder will be part of a multidisciplinary team responsible for managing and developing library staff, resources, programmes, and facilities. The Executive Librarian will report to the County Librarian and/or Senior Executive Librarian. The main duties and responsibilities of the Executive Librarian will be consistent with the provision of a modern 21st century public library service that is responsive to the changing requirements of customers of all ages and abilities.

These duties will include but are not limited to:

Strategic responsibilities:

➢ Support senior management in communicating, implementing, and managing change initiatives within the Library Service

➢ Identify opportunities for innovation and service improvement in line with the national public library strategy, using performance indicators effectively

➢ Ensure implementation of the Library Development Programme, aligning with the Council’s corporate plans and strategies for county development

➢ Assist in the development of library policies, plans and strategies

➢ Support the County Librarian, Senior Executive Librarian or other nominated senior officials to communicate, implement and manage change management initiatives within the Library Service

➢ Participate in national and local committees and working groups to advance new and innovative services

Operational responsibilities

➢ Manage governance of library buildings, health and safety, and child protection in accordance with Council policies

➢ Forge strong links through outreach with community, education, business, and other sectors

➢ Oversee information systems and services, budget management, reporting, and financial reconciliation

➢ Communicate effectively with employees, senior managers, customers, and elected representatives on operational matters

➢ Provide specialist assistance and support in the delivery of projects as required

➢ Support the events manager in delivering an innovative programme of events and including exhibitions, workshops and other activities

➢ Manage, train, and supervise staff up to Librarian grade, including workload allocation, leave management, and performance monitoring

➢ Ensure compliance with all organisational policies and procedures

➢ Deputise for the Senior Executive Librarian as and when required

➢ Undertake any other duties of a similar level and responsibility within the Library Service, as may be required, or assigned, from time to time

Qualifications

Character

Each candidate will be of good character.

Health

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

Education, Training, Experience

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

(i) hold a degree (level 8 on the National Framework of Qualifications) in the area of Library and Information Studies,

(ii) have satisfactory experience of library work.

NOTE: A copy of relevant examination results should be included with your application in order to determine your eligibility for this post.

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

The ideal candidate will demonstrate the key competencies outlined in this booklet and possess the following:

• Clear knowledge of the Executive Librarian role, the future development of library services, and the changing operating environment of local government

• Proven experience in managing and supervising staff, with the ability to lead, motivate, empower and encourage teams to achieve shared goals

• Capability to lead and manage change effectively to deliver quality services in a dynamic environment

• Strong understanding of the structure and functions of local government, current issues and priorities, and the representational role of elected members

• Effective skills in budgeting, resource allocation, report writing, and financial reconciliation

• Knowledge and experience of IT systems and an understanding of the role of digital technologies in modern library service delivery

• Ability to work under pressure, meet tight deadlines, and deliver key operational objectives while ensuring compliance with policies and procedures

• Ability to work closely with other Council departments and external agencies

• Excellent customer service skills and demonstrate an awareness of Carlow County Council’s

Customer Service Charter

• Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to build effective relationships and work on own initiative

• Good knowledge of Health and Safety legislation and its application in the workplace

Driving Licence:

The holder of the post MUST hold a full driving licence for Class B vehicles free from endorsement/ disqualification. When required to do so, holders of 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. If during your employment, your licence is revoked, even temporarily, or if you receive endorsements on your licence, which may affect your duties, you are obliged to notify the Council immediately.

The Post

The post is permanent wholetime and pensionable. The post holder shall not engage in any gainful occupation, other than as an employee of a local authority, to such an extent as to impair the performance of his or her duties as an employee of a local authority or in any occupation which might conflict with the interests of the local authority or which might be inconsistent with the discharge of his/her duties as a local authority employee.

Location of post

The successful candidate may be based in any of Carlow County Council’s library facilities. Carlow County Council reserves the right to assign the post holder to any council premises, now or in the future, subject to reasonable notice. Any changes in location of employment will not result in payment of disturbance money or other compensation. The person appointed will be required to provide at their own expense the necessary mode of travel to and from work.

Working Hours

The working hours are 35 hours per week which will include weekend and evening working hours. Carlow County Council reserves the right to alter the working hours from time to time. The successful candidate may be required to work additional hours on a time off in lieu (time for time) basis on various occasions.

All hours of work will be subject to and recorded in accordance with the provisions of the Organisation of Working Time Act, 1997 and the Organisation of Working Time (Regulations) 2001.

Probation

Where persons who are not already permanent employees of a local authority are appointed, the following provisions shall apply:

(a) there shall be a period after such appointment takes effect during which such persons shall hold such position on probation,

(b) such period shall be twelve months, but the Chief Executive may at his or her discretion extend such period,

(c) such persons shall cease to hold such position at the end of the period of probation unless during such period the Chief Executive has certified that the service of such persons is satisfactory,

(d) the period at (a) above may be terminated on giving one week’s notice as per the Minimum

Notice and Terms of Employment Acts,

(e) there will be assessments during the probationary period.

Remuneration

The salary shall be fully inclusive and shall be as determined from time to time. The holder of the office shall pay to the local authority any fees or other monies (other than his/her inclusive salary) payable to and received by him/her by virtue of his/her office or in respect of services which he/she is required by or under any enactment to perform.

The salary scale for the post of Executive Librarian (Circular Letter EL 07/2025) is: €57,322 - €58,689 - €60,356 - €63,491 - €65,363 - €67,690 (LSI1) and €70,030 (LSI2) gross per annum.

Entry point to this scale will be determined in accordance with Circulars issued by the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government. In accordance with Departmental Circular Letter EL.02/2020, a person who is not a serving local authority employee on or after 1st January 2011 will enter the scale for the position at the minimum point. Rate of remuneration may be adjusted from time to time in line with Government Policy.

Health

For the purposes of satisfying the requirement as to health, it will be necessary for each successful candidate, before he/she is appointed, to undergo a medical examination by a qualified medical practitioner to be nominated by the local authority.

Residence

The holder of the office shall reside in the district in which his/her duties are to be performed or within a reasonable distance thereof.

References

Applicants are required to advise the names of two responsible persons to whom they are well known but not related (at least one of the referees should be an existing or former employer). In advance of any offer of employment, Carlow County Council reserves the right to seek both written and verbal references from current and previous employers, educational institutions or any other organisations with which the candidate has been associated. The Council reserves the right to determine the merit, appropriateness and relevance of such references and referees.

Vetting

Garda vetting is required for certain roles within Carlow County Council. Failure to complete a Garda vetting form on request may prevent your employment with Carlow County Council. In the event of an unsatisfactory Garda declaration being received Carlow County Council reserves the right not to commence employment. In the event of an existing employee changing role as a result of promotion or otherwise to a role that requires Garda Vetting and an unsatisfactory disclosure being returned, Carlow County Council reserves the right to withhold promotion, and also to investigate if further sanction/disciplinary action is warranted on foot of disclosure on a case by case basis.

Training:

It is a condition of employment that successful candidates will be required to participate in training programmes relevant to the skills necessary for the performance of the duties attaching to the post and to attend all mandatory training.

Annual Leave:

The current annual leave entitlement is 30 days. Granting of annual leave, payment for annual leave and arrangement for public holidays will be governed by the provisions of the Organisation of Working Time Act, 1997 (as amended).

Sick Leave:

The terms of the Public Service Sick Pay Scheme will prevail.

Health & Safety:

The holder of the post shall co-operate with the terms of Carlow County Council’s Safety Statement and Major Emergency Plan. It is a condition of employment that the successful candidate will be required to participate in training programmes relevant to the skills necessary for the performance of the duties attaching to the post. He/She shall familiarise him/herself with the safety rules and procedures and make proper use of all safety, clothing and equipment. Failure to comply with the terms of the Safety Statement may result in a disciplinary action.

Use of Modern Technology

The successful candidate will be required to use all equipment provided, including computers, hand held terminals, mobile telephone, electronic equipment, video or other monitoring equipment and any other new technology which may be introduced in the future.