Executive Librarian

The Position

Limerick City and County Council invites applications from suitably qualified applicants who wish to be considered for inclusion on a panel for the position of Executive Librarian. All temporary and permanent vacancies for Executive Librarian may be filled throughout the lifetime of this panel.

Background

The Executive Librarian is a professional librarian post fulfilling a managerial role in the delivery of library services. The Executive Librarian is part of a multidisciplinary team responsible for the management and development of staff, resources, programming, and facilities. The Executive Librarian works closely with staff at all grade levels and reports directly to the Senior Executive Librarian. The Executive Librarian may be assigned responsibility for managing a service area at library headquarters or delivering the day-to-day management of a large branch library or branch libraries.

Duties

The main duties and responsibilities of the Executive Librarian will be consistent with the provision of a modern public library service that is responsive to the changing requirements of customers of all ages and abilities. Specific areas of responsibility may include, but are not limited to:

Strategic Role – Based at Library HQ:

• Support the senior management team to communicate, implement, and manage all change management initiatives within the library service.

• Identify opportunities for innovation and improvements to service delivery in line with national public library strategy.

• Lead on procurement processes for the library service.

• Implement Health & Safety Standards.

• Coordinate operation of Public Access digital library services.

• Support the operation of Library Management System & Bibliographic services.

• Support collection development policy and implementation.

• Manage staff work teams and implement PMDS.

Operational Role – Based in Branches:

• Manage and develop a full-time branch library.

• Implement Health & Safety Standards.

• Manage branch budget.

• Manage staff work teams and implement PMDS.

• Forge strong links in the local community, with internal and external partners, and the education sector.

• Event and activity programming in line with National Public Library Strategy.

• Reader Development Services: book clubs, family reading, and extension programming.

• Children’s and young persons’ services.

The Person

1. Character Candidates shall be of good character.

2. Health Candidates shall be in a state of health such as would indicate a reasonable prospect of ability to render regular and efficient service.

3. Education, Experience, etc. Candidates shall, on the latest date for receipt of applications:

• Hold a degree (Level 8 on the National Framework of Qualifications) in Library and Information Studies.

• Have satisfactory experience of library work, including satisfactory experience at a management level.

Non-Irish qualifications must be accompanied by a determination from Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI) to establish comparability against the Irish National Framework of Qualifications. Overseas qualifications must also include a translation document.

Desirable Skills and Attributes:

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

• Self-motivated with a record of demonstrating initiative and judgment in a workplace environment.

• Capacity to contribute to and work well in a team.

• Excellent planning and organisational skills.

• Technical knowledge and experience in relevant ICT packages.

• Knowledge in Health & Safety.

• Flexibility in working hours, including outside normal office hours as required.

• Adequate experience in supervising staff.

• Full driving licence, Category B, free from endorsement, with a motor vehicle and insurance covering Council duties.

Terms and Conditions

4. The Post

A panel will be formed for an initial period of one year, which may be extended for a further year at the discretion of the Director General. The panel may be used by Limerick City and County Council to fill permanent and temporary positions for its duration. Vacancies will be offered in order of merit.

5. Annual Leave

The successful candidate will have 30 days annual leave.

6. Salary

Salary scale: €57,322 - €70,030, paid fortnightly. Payment of increments is dependent on satisfactory performance. Entry point is determined in accordance with Departmental Circulars. Non-serving local authority employees entering the scale after 1 January 2011 will start at the minimum point (€57,322).

7. Location

The Council reserves the right to assign the successful candidate to any department or premises in use by the Council. Changes in location will not result in disturbance money or compensation. Travel to and from work is at the employee’s expense.

8. Hours of Work

Currently, the working week is five days, 35 hours. Hours may vary and may include work outside normal hours, including weekends, without additional remuneration. The Council’s Time and Attendance Policy applies.

9. Sick Leave

Terms of the Public Service Sick Pay Scheme apply.

10. Superannuation

The Local Government Superannuation Scheme applies.

11. Travel

The post requires a full driving licence (Category B) and a car. Travelling and subsistence expenses incurred during duties will be refunded per Departmental Circulars and the Council’s policy. The Council must be indemnified on the insurance policy. Any licence revocations or endorsements must be reported immediately.

12. Residence

The holder shall reside in or within reasonable distance of the district of their duties.

13. Safety and Welfare

The postholder shall comply with the Council’s Safety Statement and Major Emergency Plan, follow safety rules, and use appropriate safety equipment.

14. Training

Successful candidates are required to participate in training programmes relevant to the post.

15. Taking Up Appointment

The Council requires appointees to take up the post within four weeks, or such longer period as the Council may allow.

16. Garda Vetting

Under the National Vetting Bureau (Children and Vulnerable Persons) Act 2012–2016, positions involving access to children or vulnerable persons are subject to Garda Vetting.

17. Probation

Non-permanent local authority employees will serve a probation period, as determined by the Director General. The post may cease if service is not satisfactory.

18. Citizenship

Candidates must be, by the date of job offer:

• An EEA citizen; or

• A UK citizen; or

• A Swiss citizen under the EU-Switzerland agreement; or

• A non-EEA citizen with Stamp 4 visa as a spouse/child of an EEA/UK/Swiss citizen; or

• A person awarded international protection under the International Protection Act 2015 or a family member with Stamp 4 visa; or

• A non-EEA parent of a dependent child who is an EEA/UK/Swiss citizen and resident, with Stamp 4 visa.

19. References

Applicants must provide two referees (not related), at least one of whom is a current or former employer. The Council may seek references and determine their relevance and merit before offering employment.