Executive Librarian

The role

The post of Executive Librarian is a professional post requiring an accredited qualification in library and information studies. The Executive Librarian is a management role and the postholder will have responsibility for delivering service areas at Library Headquarters and/or in a branch library and/or in afew branch libraries within the county.

The precise nature of the Executive Librarian role will vary depending on the service area where the vacancy arises. In general, an Executive Librarian can expect to be involved in leading and motivating teams of people, delivering national programming locally, designing and delivering local programmes, managing library service areas at Library Headquarters and delivering library services to the public through the branch networks.

The ideal candidate will be a highly motivated person who is focused on delivering quality public services and can demonstrate a commitment to Continuing Professional Development. The ideal candidate will have a clear knowledge and understanding of:

§  Local authority services, its key stakeholders and relationships

§  Local government structures and its democratic role and mandate

§  National and international public library policy and strategy

§  The role of the Executive Librarian and the changing environment in which Monaghan County Libraries and Monaghan County Council operate

All roles are reviewed periodically to reflect changing circumstances. Each Executive Librarian role will evolve over time, and it should be understood that as the public library environment changes, so too will the requirements of the post. Hence the role as set out in this information booklet is generic.

The Executive Librarian will work under the direction of the Senior Executive Librarian and the County Librarian. The Executive Librarian is a middle management post and may have line management responsibilities for teams of Librarians, Senior Library Assistants, Library Assistants and administrative staff. The Executive Librarian will be expected to use initiative, work to a high standard and have excellent interpersonal and communication skills.

The successful candidate(s) may be based in Library Headquarters, or any Library of the County Council as determined by the Council.

The ideal candidate will demonstrate through their application form and at interview that they have:

§  Experience in leading the delivery of excellent customer service in a complex and ever-changing public service role;

§  A career record with a high level of competence in leadership and the management of teams, including the ability to motivate staff and manage performance;

§  Excellent communication, interpersonal, networking and advocacy skills;

§  Experience in change management and project management;

§  Experience in community and stakeholder engagement;

§  Knowledge of current issues and the future direction of libraries and Local Government;

§  Understand the changing environment in which Monaghan County Council operates and be capable of adapting to change in order to deliver quality services to our citizens.

§  Satisfactory IT skills including knowledge and understanding of relevant library systems and applications, and the role of digital technologies in the delivery of library services;

§  Satisfactory knowledge of procurement and the ability to manage budgets;

§  Satisfactory knowledge and awareness of Health & Safety Legislation and Regulations, including their application in their workplace;

§  A commitment to delivering excellent public services.

§  Have the ability to deputise for colleagues if needed at a senior level and represent the Library Service and Monaghan County Council.

§  Is self-motivated with the ability to work on own initiative.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The Executive Librarian shall perform such duties as may from time to time be assigned in relation to employment and as may be appropriate to any function of the council and shall carry out such instructions as may be given in relation to the performance of their duties.

The duties of the post include, but are not limited to, the following:

§  Working with Senior Library Management to plan for future development of library services in line with national strategies and local authority policies and corporate plans.

§  Leading change across the service in line with the Library Development Plan.

§  Directing and managing the day-to-day operations of a branch library or administrative unit within Library HQ, ensuring efficient delivery of library services.

§  Leading, supervising, and motivating staff; managing performance and development.

§  Identifying training needs for staff and organising and participating in staff training and development initiatives.

§  Identifying and implementing improvements in service delivery and reporting on service performance.

§  Reporting on and analysing data and usage statistics to support decision making and service planning.

§  Identifying operational challenges and developing or implementing effective solutions.

§  Managing budgets, procurement and financial reporting.

§  Ensuring compliance with policies relating to health and safety, HR, child protection, data protection, ICT use, business continuity and building management.

§  Upholding governance standards across all areas of responsibility.

§  Implementing collection development policies and overseeing stock selection, acquisition, and distribution, including the selection, acquisition and licensing of digital resources.

§  Liaising with internal IT department and external suppliers to ensure effective delivery and support of library technologies and infrastructure.

§  Identifying and implementing new technologies to improve user access and service delivery.

§  Implementing national programmes and strategies such as Right to Read, Healthy Ireland at Your Library, Skills for Life, Age Friendly Libraries etc.

§  Planning, developing, and delivering innovative programmes, exhibitions, and cultural events aligned with strategic goals.

§  Promoting library services and growing membership through marketing initiatives that enhance public awareness and usage of library services.

§  Providing front-facing services as required, ensuring a high standard of customer care.

§  Building and maintaining strong relationships with community groups, schools, and stakeholders.

§  Representing the library service on committees and working groups.

§  Coordinating service-wide initiatives and supporting consistent service delivery across branches.

§  Providing advice and support to colleagues in developing services and resources.

§  Working effectively under pressure in a fast-paced, cross-functional environment.

§  Deputising for other officers and undertaking additional duties as assigned by senior management and/or the local authority.

The successful candidate will be expected to carry out their duties in a manner that enhances public trust and confidence and ensures impartial decision making.

These duties are indicative rather than exhaustive and outline the main functions and responsibilities of the post of the Executive Librarian and may be subject to change in the future. The post holder may therefore be required to perform duties appropriate to the post, other than those detailed above and to take instruction from and report to an appropriate officer or such designated officer as may be assigned from time to time by Monaghan County Council.

ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS FOR THE POST

1.     Character

Candidates shall be of good character.

2.     Health

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

3.      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.

4.      Education, Training and Experience

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

(a)              Hold a degree (level eight on the National Framework of Qualifications) in the area of Library and Information Studies or a postgraduate qualification in librarianship,

(b)             Have satisfactory experience of library work at a senior level including satisfactory experience in a management role.

(c)              Have a good level of communication skills and an awareness of community-based services.

The holder of the post shall hold a current full clean driving licence in respect of category B vehicles or equivalent in the EU Model Driving License.

Desirable Skills:

It is also desirable that candidates

• Knowledge and understanding of the structure and functions of local government, of local government issues and priorities and key concerns of local government;

§  Understanding of the role of an Executive Librarian;

§  Relevant administrative experience at a sufficiently high level;

§  Have excellent interpersonal, communication and influencing skills;

§  Have a strong commitment to customer service and a working knowledge of current information technology applications;

§  Experience of managing and supervising staff;

§  The ability to motivate, empower and encourage staff to achieve maximum performance;

§  Understand the changing operating environment of local government and be capable of leading change in order to deliver quality services to our citizens;

§  Proven management analysis, report writing and presentation skills;

§  Knowledge and experience of operating various I.T. systems;

§  Be capable to working under pressure to tight deadlines in the delivery of key operational objectives;

§  Good knowledge and awareness of statutory obligations of Health and Safety Legislation, the implications for the organization and the employee, and their application in the workplace;

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

Each candidate must include on the application form details of all qualifications obtained by them. The invitation to attend for Interview is not to be regarded as an admission that you possess the prescribed qualifications and/or requirements for this post or are you qualified by law to hold the post. Documentary proof will be required before appointment where you claim credit for particular qualification, experience, etc.

Salary:

The salary shall be fully inclusive and shall be as determined from time to time. Starting pay for new entrants will be at the minimum of the scale. Holders of the post shall pay to the local authority any fees or other monies (other than their inclusive salary) payable to or received by them by virtue of their office or in respect of services which they are required by or under any enactment to perform. An allowance may also be payable in respect of travel expenses and subsistence.

The salary scale for the post is: -

€58,474 - €59,869 – €61,570 – €64,767 – €66,677 – 1st LSI €69,051, 2nd LSI €71,437

Entry point to this scale will be determined in accordance with Circulars issued by the Department of Housing, Local Government, and Heritage. Appointees who are not existing public servants will enter at the minimum point of the scale.

Probation:

Where a person who is not already a permanent employee of a local authority is appointed, the following provisions shall apply: -

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

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

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

Location:

Monaghan County Council reserves the right to assign you to any premises in use by the Council, now or in the future. The person appointed will be required to report to their place of work by their own means of transport and at their own expense.