Executive Librarian

The Kerry Library Service operates branch libraries at Ballybunion, Caherciveen, Castleisland, Dingle/Daingean Uí Chúis, Kenmare, Killarney, Killorglin, Listowel and Tralee. There are two Mobile Libraries and a Local History and Archives service operating from Library Headquarters. In addition, a range of online resources and the library catalogue are available on the library website at www.kerrylibrary.ie. All libraries have free membership and provide a wide range of opening hours including all day opening each Saturday. The Kerry Library service provides book lending for children and adults and supports literacy and lifelong learning, book clubs, school and children’s services, an annual events programme including book launches, lectures, creative writing and language workshops, author visits and a range of exhibitions.

The library service supports national and local initiatives such as the Right to Read programme, Healthy Ireland at Your Library, the Age Friendly Libraries initiative, Ireland Reads, the Bealtaine Festival, Skills for Life, and Climate Action strategies.

The Executive Librarian is a management position within the library service and requires a high level of professional library and management skills, including strategic and operational roles.

Appointments: Subject to the availability of suitability qualified candidates a panel will be formed on the basis of this competition, from which both permanent and/or temporary offers of employment may be made.

Salary: €58,474 - €71,437 - with annual increments payable subject to satisfactory overall performance, attendance, etc.

Offers of appointment to persons who are not serving local authority employees will be based on the minimum of this scale. Where the person being appointed is a serving local authority employee, normal starting pay rules will apply.

Annual Leave:30 days per annum

Hours of Work:The appointee will be required to work the hours directed by the Chief Executive of Kerry County Council, which will include hours outside of the normal working day associated with the responsibilities and requirements of the post.

The hours of work will be variable depending on the needs of Library Service and will not exceed 35 hours per week, Monday to Saturday.

Unsocial hours are a normal part of library work, with evening and Saturday work required. Staff may be required to work overtime.

Duties & Responsibilities

The key duties and responsibilities of the post of Executive Librarian include:-

• Responsibility for the management and administration of a section or sections within the library service, including the management and supervision of staff
• Supporting the Library Senior Management Team and Library Sections to ensure work programmes are implemented to deliver on the Kerry Library Development Plan 2024 – 2028 and annual Operational Plan and the national public library strategy The Library is the Place: Information, Recreation, Inspiration 2023-2027
• Developing and maintaining productive working relationships, including providing information and assistance when required
• Acting as a key point of contact and liaison in relation to operational matters for the library service
• Researching, analysing and communicating information on specific issues and policies as appropriate, including compiling, preparing and presenting reports, statistics, presentations, correspondence, social media, etc.
• Representing the local authority on committees, working groups and at meetings and to report on progress as required.
• Providing leadership, support and administrative assistance in the delivery of projects as required.
• Involvement in the day-to-day financial management of capital and operational expenditure in the section or department
• Identifying opportunities for improvements in service delivery within their section or team, and to support and implement change management initiatives within their section or team

• Implementing and managing change management initiatives, including the delivery of library national programmes, within the relevant area of responsibility
• Managing and supervising employees in supporting roles, including assigning and scheduling duties and workload, planning and prioritising work, providing on-going support, handling day to day issues and undertaking frontline library duties when required, including at any of the 9 Branch Libraries.
• Ensuring compliance with all organisational policies and procedures within their area of responsibility and to provide assistance in the understanding and interpretation of policies and procedures to employees in their area of responsibility and to customers and other stakeholders as appropriate
• Participation in corporate management activities and responsibilities appropriate to the grade
• Undertaking duties that will be consistent with the provision of a modern public library service and that are responsive to the changing requirements of customers of all ages and abilities, including library programming, outreach activities and library promotion

• Ensuring good governance and compliance in respect of health and safety, human resources and staffing matters, child protection, data protection, business continuity, and other relevant matters, in accordance with Council policies and procedures

·       Contributing to the implementation of I.T. strategies and promote the use of technology for effective service delivery.

• Deputise for the line manager as required

• Undertaking any other duties of a similar level and responsibility, as may be required, or assigned, from time to time

The Person

Character:

Each candidate must 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.

Citizenship:

Candidates must, by the date of any job offer, be:

a)     a citizen of the European Economic Area (EEA), or

The EEA consists of the Member States of the European Union, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway

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

Education/ experience, etc.:

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

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

(ii)  have satisfactory experience of library work

Essential Skills

In addition to meeting the eligibility criteria set out above, candidates must be able to demonstrate that they possess the following knowledge, experience, skills and competencies. Candidates will be expected to demonstrate sufficient evidence within their application form of competence under each of these. Please take note of these when completing the application form as any short-listing or interview processes will be based on the information provided by the candidates.

Management and Change

·   Be effective in translating corporate mission and objectives into operational plans and outputs

·   Develop and maintain positive, productive and beneficial working relationships

·   Effectively manage the introduction of change and demonstrate flexibility and openness to change

Delivering Results

·   Contribute to the development of operational plans and lead the development of team plans

·   Plan and prioritise work and resources effectively

·   Establish high quality service and customer care standards

·   Make timely, informed and effective decisions and show good judgement and balance in making decisions or recommendations

Leading and Motivating, and Managing Performance

·   Lead, motivate and engage employees to achieve quality results and to deliver on operational plans

·   Effectively manage performance

Communicating Effectively

·   Have effective verbal and written communication skills

Personal Effectiveness

·    Take initiative and seek opportunities to exceed goals

·    Manage time and workload effectively

·    Maintain a positive, constructive and enthusiastic attitude to their role

Knowledge, Experience & Skills

·     Knowledge and understanding of the structure and functions of local government and library services

·     Knowledge of current issues, priorities, concerns and future direction of the library service

·     Understanding of the role of Executive Librarian

·     Relevant administrative experience at a sufficiently high level

·     Experience of managing and supervising staff, including managing performance

·     Experience of compiling, preparing and presenting reports, presentations, correspondence, etc.

·     Effective financial and resource management skills

·     Knowledge and experience of operating ICT systems

Format of the Competition

Following the closing date, Kerry County Council will examine all applications having regard to the eligibility criteria as set out above to determine validity of applications in the context of the different panels identified and overall suitability having regard to the essential skills required for the position.

Depending on the number of applications received, a shortlisting exercise may be carried out which may involve a desktop exercise based on information supplied on the application form and having regard to experience indicating suitability for the role of Executive Librarian. It is therefore in candidate’s own interests to provide a detailed and accurate account of their qualifications, experience and overall suitability for the position on their application form.

Where it is considered, by reason of the number and standard of applications received, that it would be reasonable not to progress all candidates to interview, only persons likely to attain a standard sufficient for selection and recommendation for appointment shall be called for interview. The number of candidates invited to attend for interview (either short listing or final) will be determined having regard to the likely number of vacancies to be filled

Interview

Candidates invited to participate in the interview process will be expected to demonstrate the key competencies outlined above and will be assessed and marked on the basis how they demonstrate their knowledge, skills and experience.

General Information

Kerry County Council will not be responsible for any expense, including travelling expenses, which candidates may incur in connection with their candidature. Candidates will be asked for details of any special requirements which they may have in attending for interview.

Candidates invited to attend for interview may be asked, at any stage of the recruitment process, to supply further documentation in relation to their academic qualifications, employment history, etc. Any offer of employment will be subject to verification of information provided on the application form, pre-employment medical examination, reference checks, and Garda vetting if appropriate. An applicant who is found to be ineligible at any stage of the competition will not be further considered. Provision of inaccurate, untrue or misleading information will result in disqualification from the competition, withdrawal of employment offered, or dismissal.

Any attempt by a candidate himself or herself or by any person(s) acting at the candidate’s instigation, directly or indirectly, by means of written communication or otherwise, to canvass or otherwise influence in the candidate’s favour, any member of the staff of Kerry County Council or person nominated by Kerry County Council to interview or examine applicants, will automatically disqualify the candidate for the position being sought.