Executive Librarian

SECTION 1: THE ROLE The Cork County Library service has 25 branches and 4 mobile libraries throughout the county. This library service provides the community with a comprehensive range of material for information, study, and recreation. Ultimately user-friendly, it is there to inform, entertain, and educate. Applications are currently being sought from suitably qualified persons who wish to be considered for inclusion on a panel from which vacancies for Executive Librarian may be filled.

SECTION 2: DUTIES The Executive Librarian is a professional frontline management position in Cork County Council and is assigned responsibility for the management of a public library or section within Cork County Library Service. He/She will be responsible for the management and development of library services, staff, resources and buildings and will report to the Senior Executive Librarian/ County Librarian and/or management team. The duties may include but are not limited to the following and the post holder may be required to perform other duties as appropriate to the post which may be assigned to him/her from time to time and to contribute to the development of the post while in office: 1. General branch or other library service sections management and development; 2. Be able to lead and manage a team effectively; 3. Provide access to information; circulation control; collection development and user education; 4. Assist in the development of library policies; development programmes, plans and strategies; 5. Management of information systems and services; 6. Organising and promoting events including use of social media; 7. Prepare and manage budgets including cash management; 8. Have good knowledge and awareness of Health and Safety Legislation and Regulations, the implications for the organisation and the employee, and their application in the workplace 9. Any other duties which may be assigned from time to time. SECTION 3: ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA / QUALIFICATIONS 1. Character Each candidate must be of good character and the successful applicant may be subject to Garda Vetting prior to any appointment being confirmed. 2. 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. 3. Education, Training, Experience etc. On the latest date for receipt of completed application forms for the office: 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. *(or post graduate Diploma in the area of Library and Information Studies) 4. Age Age restrictions shall only apply to a candidate where he/she is not classified as a new entrant within the meaning of the Public Services Superannuation Act, 2004. A candidate who is not classified as a new entrant must be under 70 years of age. 5. Transport Holders of the office shall hold a full driving licence for Class B Vehicles and when required to do so, shall drive a motor car in the course of their duties and for this purpose the council may choose to provide a work vehicle to the successful candidate for transport purposes. 6. Required Skillset In the context of the key duties and responsibilities for the post of Executive Librarian listed above, the ideal candidate will demonstrate the following knowledge, experience, skills and competencies; • Ability to lead and manage a team effectively to achieve a common goal, ensuring strong governance standards and ethics standards are adhered to and maintained; Ability to manage deadlines and experience of prioritising tasks; • Excellent IT skills, including an understanding of the role of digital technologies in the delivery of library services, social media services and promotion; • Knowledge and understanding of the functions of a local authority and the library service including a strong understanding of the role of Executive Librarian and an awareness of current issues and strategic direction of library services; • Capable of working closely with other Council Departments and with outside agencies; • Demonstrate relevant administrative experience at a sufficiently high level; • A career record that demonstrates an ability to manage and supervise staff; • Understand the changing environment in which Cork County Council operates and be capable of adapting to change to deliver quality services to our citizens; • Strong customer service ethos and sense of commitment to delivering a quality public service; • Ability to motivate, empower and encourage staff under his/her control to achieve maximum performance; • strong interpersonal and communications skills; • Be self-motivated with ability to work on own initiative; • Ability to prepare and manage budgets; • Good knowledge and awareness of Health and Safety Legislation and Regulations, the implications for the organisation and the employee, and their application in the workplace; • Understand the role and duties of managers in safety management in the workplace.

SECTION 4: COMPETENCIES A Competency Based Application form requires you to describe some of your personal achievements to date that demonstrate certain competencies (necessary skills and qualities) required for the position for which you are applying. For each competency, you are given a description of a skill or quality. You are then asked to describe a situation, from your own experience, which you think is the best example of what YOU have done which demonstrates this skill or quality. It is essential that you describe how you demonstrated the skill or quality in question. Therefore, compose your replies carefully in this section and try to structure what you write so that you give specific information about what you have done - for example, do not simply say that “X was successful”, describe exactly what you did and how you demonstrated the skill or quality in question.For each example, please include the following: a) the nature of the task, problem or objective; b) what you actually did and how you demonstrated the skill or quality (and, where appropriate, the date you demonstrated it) c) the outcome or result of the situation and your estimate of the proportion of credit you can claim for the outcome.

The information you present in your application may form part of a shortlisting process and may also be used to help structure your interview, should you be invited to one. A shortlisting process may be applied based on TWO or more of the competencies and on other information you provide in your application form. Please note that, should you be called to interview, the board may look for additional examples of where you demonstrated the Knowledge, Experience, Skills and Competencies required for this post, so you should think of a number of examples of where you demonstrated each of the skills

Specialist Knowledge, Expertise and Self Development • Has a clear understanding of the roles, objectives and targets of self and team and how they fit into the work of the unit and Department/Organisation and effectively communicates this to others. • Has high levels of expertise and broad Public Sector knowledge relevant to his/her area of work. • Focuses on self development, striving to improve performance. • Is proactive in keeping up to date on issues and key developments that may impact on own area, the Department and/or wider public service. • Consistently reviews own performance and sets self challenging goals and targets. • Demonstrates the required specialist knowledge for the role and an understanding of the structures within which the library service operates.

Interpersonal & Communication Skills • Builds and maintains contact with colleagues and other stakeholders to assist in performing role • Acts as an effective link between staff and senior management • Encourages open and constructive discussions around work issues. • Projects conviction, gaining buy-in by outlining relevant information and selling benefits.

• Treats others with diplomacy, tact, courtesy and respect, even in challenging circumstances. • Presents information clearly, concisely and confidently when speaking and in writing. • Collaborates and supports colleagues to achieve organisational goals. Management & Delivery of Results • Takes responsibility and is accountable for the delivery of agreed objectives. • Successfully manages a range of different projects and work activities at the same time. • Structures and organises their own work and others work effectively. • Is logical and pragmatic in approach, delivering the best possible results with the resources available. • Delegates work effectively, providing clear information and evidence as to what is required. • Proactively identifies areas for improvement and develops practical suggestions for their implementation. • Demonstrates enthusiasm for new developments/changing work practices and strives to implement these changes effectively. • Applies appropriate systems/processes to enable quality checking of all activities and outputs. • Practices and promotes a strong focus on delivering high quality customer service, for internal and external customers.

Judgement, Analysis & Decision Making • Gathers and analyses information from relevant sources, whether financial, numerical or otherwise weighing up a range of critical factors. • Takes account of broader issues, agendas, sensitivities and related implications when making decisions. • Uses previous knowledge and experience in order to guide decisions. • Uses judgement to make sound decisions with a well reasoned rationale and stands by these. • Puts forward solutions to address problems.

SECTION 5: TENURE The position is permanent and fulltime. The post is pensionable. A panel may be formed to fill this position and any vacancies for Executive Librarian which may arise during the lifetime of the panel. SECTION 6: SALARY The Salary for the post is: €53,345- €65,172 basic per annum €53,345 - €54,618 - €56,168 - €59,086 - €60,828 (Maximum); - €62,994 - (1st LSI) (after 3 years satisfactory service on the Maximum) - €65,172 (2nd LSI) (after 3 years satisfactory service on the 1st LSI). Entry point to this scale will be determined in accordance with Circulars issued by theDepartment of Housing, Planning and Local Government. In accordance with Departmental Circular letter EL 02/2011, a person who is not a serving local authority employee on or after 1st January 2011, will enter the scale for the position at a minimum point. Rate of remuneration may be adjusted from time to time in line with Government Policy.

SECTION 7: LOCATION OF POST The base for working purposes shall be the location as determined by Cork County Council. Cork County Council reserves the right to assign you to any department,premises or 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 compensation. Holders of the office shall reside in the district in which their duties are to be performed or within a reasonable distance thereof.

SECTION 8: WORKING HOURS The successful candidate will be required to work 35 hours per week (5-day week) as required by the particular post. Currently this may be either Monday to Friday or Tuesday to Saturday but is subject to change. All hours worked will be subject to the provisions of the organisation of Working Time Act 1997 and Organisation of Working Time Act (Regulations) 2001. The successful candidate will be required to work hours outside of normal working hours as required by his/her immediate Supervisor