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 Librarian (Grade 5) may be filled. The 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 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 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 or her from time to time and to contribute to the development of the post while in office.

Day to day management of a branch Library or Library Section and or Project

Support Executive Librarian in managing a Library, Operational Library Section and or Project

Maintain high levels of Customer Service

Staff Supervision including roster management

Manage Resources such as Buildings, Budgets and Services

Maintain comprehensive knowledge of and adhere to organisational policies, procedures, strategic plans, and performance standards

Liaise with internal and external partners

Any other duties that may be assigned from time to time

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 Development Plan and Team Development Plans and which support actions identified in the National Public Library Strategy 2023 to 2027 “The Library is the Place”. The above specification is not intended to be a comprehensive list of all duties involved and consequently, the post holder may be required to perform other duties as appropriate to the post which may be assigned to him or her from time to time and to contribute to the development of the post while in office.

SECTION 3: ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA AND QUALIFICATIONS

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.

Education, Training, Experience etc.

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

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

OR

• Post graduate Diploma in the area of Library and Information Studies

Age

Age restrictions shall only apply to a candidate where he or 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.

Transport

When required to do so, holders of the office shall hold a full driving licence for Class B Vehicles and shall drive a motor car in the course of their duties and for this purpose provide and maintain a car to the satisfaction of the local authority.

Required Skillset

In the context of the key duties and responsibilities for the post of Librarian listed above, the ideal candidate should demonstrate through their application form and at the interview that they have the following knowledge, experience, skills and competencies:

• Experience in management and supervision of staff including the ability to supervise and motivate a team effectively and develop good working relationships with stakeholders and with customers

• Satisfactory experience of Library work

• An ability to manage deadlines and experience of prioritising tasks

• Possess excellent information technology 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 awareness of current issues and strategic direction of library services

• Strong customer service ethos and sense of commitment to delivering a quality public service

• Delivering Results, Interpersonal and Communication Skills, Personal Effectiveness and Analysis and 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:

Delivery of Results

• Assumes personal responsibility for and delivers on agreed objectives and goals

• Manages and progresses multiple projects and work activities successfully

• Accurately estimates time parameters for projects and manages own time efficiently, anticipating obstacles and making contingencies for overcoming these

• Maintains a strong focus on meeting the needs of customers at all times

• Ensures all outputs are delivered to a high standard and in an efficient manner, using resources effectively and challenging inefficiencies

• Translates the business or team plan objectives into clear priorities and actions for their area of operation

Interpersonal and Communication Skills

• Communicates in a fluent, logical, clear and convincing manner verbally and in writing

• Develops and maintains positive, productive and beneficial working relationships

• Maintains a strong focus on meeting the needs of internal and external customers

• Effectively influences others to take action

• Works to establish mutual understanding to allow for collaborative working

• Can lead a team or service area in a way that shows a clear sense of purpose and commitment to the service mission, vision and values

Personal Effectiveness

• Is proactive in keeping up to date with current developments, trends and best practice in their area of responsibility and the wider service

• Demonstrates the required specialist knowledge for the role and an understanding of the structures within which the library service operates

• Is enthusiastic about the role and is motivated in the face of difficulties and obstacles

• Is open to taking on new challenges or responsibilities and adopts a positive and constructive approach to work

• Consistently reviews own performance and sets self challenging goals and targets

Analysis and Decision Making

• Skilled at policy analysis and development, challenging the established wisdom and adopting an open minded approach

• Quickly gets up to speed in a complex situation, rapidly absorbing all relevant information or data, written and oral

• Uses numerical data skilfully to understand and evaluate business issues

• Identifies key themes and patterns in and across different sources of information, drawing sound and balanced conclusions

• Sees the logical implications of taking a particular position on an issue

• Is resourceful and creative, generating original approaches when solving problems and making decisions

SECTION 5: TENURE

The position is permanent and full time. The post is pensionable. A panel may be formed to fill vacancies for Librarian (Grade 5) which may arise during the lifetime of the panel.

SECTION 6: SALARY

The salary scale for the post is: €52,239 - €62,484 per annum

€52,239 - €53,799 - €55,392 - €57,019 - €58,657 - Maximum €60,567 (First Long Service Increment) after 3 years satisfactory service on the Maximum - €62,484 (Second Long Service Increment) after 3 years satisfactory service on the First Long Service Increment.

Applicants should note that entry point to the salary scale will be determined in accordance with Circulars issued by the Department of Housing, Local Government, and Heritage. The rate of remuneration may be adjusted from time to time in line with Government pay policy.

The salary shall be fully inclusive and shall be as determined from time to time. The awarding of increments is subject to satisfactory service. Holders of the office 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 any services which they are required by or under any enactment to perform.

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 working hours at present provide for a five day, thirty five hour working week. Saturday work is the norm and evening work is also a possibility. Branch hours may vary. Normal library arrangements for Saturday working will apply in respect of such activities.

Cork County Council reserves the right to alter the hours of work from time to time.

All hours worked will be subject to the provisions of the Organisation of Working Time Act 1997 and the Organisation of Working Time Act Regulations 2001.

SECTION 9: ANNUAL LEAVE

The current annual leave entitlement is 30 days per annum. Cork County Council leave year runs from 1 January to 31 December. Granting of annual leave, payment for annual leave and arrangements for public holidays will be governed by the provisions of the Organisation of Working Time Act 1997 as amended.

SECTION 10: GARDA VETTING

The successful candidate will be subject to Garda Vetting prior to any appointment being confirmed.