Executive Librarian

SECTION 1: THE ROLE

Cork County Council invites applications from suitably qualified persons, who wish to be considered for inclusion on panels from which vacancies for Executive Librarian (Grade 6) may be filled. The Executive Librarian post is a professional management level role responsible for the delivery and development of library services. It involves managing staff, resources, programmes and service areas.

The Library Service in County Cork is delivered through a network of 25 branch libraries, a fleet of mobile libraries, and an expanding range of online services. Branch libraries are located in the county’s main towns, with the Library Headquarters on Carrigrohane Road serving as the central hub for Reference and Local Studies, bibliographic services, and administration. The core mission of the Library Service is to provide inclusive access to reading, information, knowledge, culture, and lifelong learning for the people of County Cork and beyond.

Cork County Library works to fulfil this mission through a branch and mobile library network that places libraries at the centre of their communities, as well as through a growing online presence that seeks to connect with and serve people in a digital society.

As the Library Service is a county-wide service, staff may be required to provide cover at, and may be reassigned to, any service point within County Cork, as required by the County Librarian.

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 Librarian will work as part of a team within the Library Service assisting with the implementation of programmes to achieve goals and standards set out in the Library’s Development Plan and Team Development Plans and which support actions identified in the National Public Library Strategy 2023–2027 ‘The Library is the Place’.

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:

Oversee the effective management and continuous development of a library branch or service area, ensuring high-quality service delivery.

Lead, motivate, and manage staff to achieve service objectives, fostering a collaborative and high-performing team environment.

Facilitate access to information resources, manage circulation services, support collection development, and deliver user education initiatives.

Contribute to the development and implementation of library policies, programmes, and strategic plans.

Manage and support library information systems and digital services to ensure efficiency, accessibility, and innovation.

Oversee the effective use of resources, including buildings, facilities, and budgets.

Plan, organise, and promote library events and outreach activities, including the use of social media and digital platforms.

Prepare and manage budgets including cash management.

Maintain a 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.

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 postgraduate 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 through their application form and at the interview that they have the following knowledge, experience, skills and competencies:

• Demonstrated ability to lead and manage a team effectively to achieve shared objectives, while upholding strong governance and ethical standards.

• Satisfactory experience of library work and relevant administrative experience at a suitably senior level.

• Strong ability to manage competing deadlines and prioritise tasks effectively in a dynamic work environment.

• Excellent IT skills, including a clear understanding of digital technologies in the delivery and promotion of library services, including social media platforms.

• Good knowledge and understanding of local authority functions and library services, with awareness of current issues and strategic priorities within the sector.

• Ability to work effectively with other Council departments and external agencies to deliver integrated services.

• Strong track record demonstrating the ability to manage, supervise, and develop staff.

• Understanding of the operational environment of Cork County Council, with the ability to adapt to change and deliver high-quality public services.

• Strong commitment to customer service and delivering an excellent public-facing service.

• Ability to motivate, empower, and support staff to achieve optimal performance.

• Self-motivated with the capacity to work independently and take initiative.

• Ability to prepare and manage budgets.

• Good knowledge of Health and Safety legislation and regulations, with an understanding of their application in the workplace.

• Specialist Knowledge, Expertise and Self Development, Interpersonal & Communication Skills, Management & Delivery of Results, Judgement, Analysis & Decision Making.

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.

A candidate must possess the following competencies:

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.

SECTION 5: TENURE

The position is permanent and full-time. 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:

€57,895 – €70,730 basic per annum

€57,895 – €59,276 – €60,960 – €64,126 – €66,017 (Maximum), €68,367 (1st LSI) (after 3 years satisfactory service on the Maximum), €70,730 (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 the Department 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 1 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.