Librarian

The Position and Role

The Librarian is a supervisory professional librarian post and performs a role in almost all areas of library service. The post may be assigned responsibility for the day to day management of a branch library, including staff supervision, or alternatively be based in Library Headquarters with responsibility for managing particular service areas.

The Librarian will work under the direction and management of the County Librarian or other employee designated by the County Librarian or Director of Service as appropriate.

The Librarian will work as part of a multi disciplinary team within the Library Service assisting with the implementation of work programmes to achieve goals, targets and standards set out in the Library Development Programme and team development plans. The Librarian will be expected to use initiative and work to a high standard and will be required to operate the Council’s existing and future Information Technology systems as part of their work.

The Librarian role requires excellent professional librarian, administrative, employee supervisory, interpersonal and communication skills and expertise.

Duties and Responsibilities

The main duties and responsibilities of the Librarian will be consistent with the provision of a modern 21st century public library service that is responsive to the changing requirements of customers of all ages and abilities. The duties will include but are not limited to the following:

• Ensuring that the Library Development Programme is implemented to deliver on the Council’s strategies and objectives for the overall development of the County outlined in various corporate plans and strategies.

• Identifying opportunities for improvements in service delivery and to use key performance indicators or other performance indicators effectively as appropriate.

• Assist in the development of library policies, development programmes, plans and strategies.

• General branch management and development, service management that could include Kildare Local Studies.

• Management of information systems and services.

• Provide access to information, circulation control, collection development and user education.

• Communicating and liaising effectively with employees, senior managers, customers and elected representatives in relation to operational matters for the Library Service.

• Providing specialist assistance and support in the delivery of projects as required.

• Supporting the Executive Librarian or other nominated senior official to communicate, implement and manage all change management initiatives within the Library Service.

• Supervising employees in supporting roles up to the position or grade of Senior Library Assistant including assigning duties and workload, scheduling and prioritising work and monitoring and reporting on progress.

• Provide ongoing support to employees under their control, including performance management, handling day to day issues, and identifying training and development requirements as appropriate.

• Ensure full compliance with all organisational policies and procedures.

• Support the Executive Librarian or designated Senior Official in the management and implementation of Health and Safety for the Branch Library or Library Headquarters, to be in compliance with Health and Safety legislative requirements, policies and procedures and safe systems of work.

• To deputise for the Executive Librarian as required.

• To represent their section or department on committees or at meetings and give progress reports as required.

• To be involved in the day to day management of resources within their section or team.

• To participate in corporate activities and responsibilities appropriate to the grade.

• To undertake any other duties of a similar level and responsibility within the Library Service, as may be required or assigned from time to time.

The duties shall be such as may be assigned to the employee from time to time by the Local Authority and shall include the duty of deputising for other employees of the Local Authority when required, and such duties as may be assigned to them in relation to any other area of the Local Authority.

The Competition

The purpose of this recruitment campaign is to form a panel for Kildare County Council from which permanent and temporary posts may be filled at Librarian Grade as vacancies arise.

The Candidate

It is desirable that candidates demonstrate through their application form and at interview that he or she:

• Hold a postgraduate qualification in librarianship.

• Have knowledge of the structure and functions of the local government library service, of current issues, future trends and strategic direction of library services and an understanding of the role of the Librarian in this context.

• Have a minimum of two years satisfactory experience of library work.

• Have experience at a management level.

• Have a strong sense of commitment to delivering quality public services and be willing to take on a challenge.

• Have a good understanding of the role of digital technologies in the delivery of 21st century library services.

• Be highly motivated and have excellent interpersonal and communication skills.

• Demonstrate the ability to supervise and motivate a team effectively and maintain productive working relationships within the organisation and with customers.

• Have effective budget management skills.

• Have experience of planning and prioritising to meet targets and delegating work appropriately.

• Have experience of problem solving and decision making.

• Demonstrate openness and a willingness to adopt new ways of working and involve others in change.

• Have project management, administration and report writing skills.

• Understand core issues around data protection.

• Demonstrate an understanding of Health and Safety management.

• Have excellent knowledge and understanding of the structures and functions of local government, of current local government issues, challenges and priorities.

• Have an in depth understanding of the role of Librarian.

• Have a sound understanding of the representational role of the elected members and the need to work in partnership to deliver quality services and implement policy decisions.

Candidates, if successful, will not be appointed to the post unless they:

• Agree to undertake the duties attached to the post and accept the conditions under which the duties are, or may be required to be, performed.

• Are fully competent, capable and available to undertake the duties attached to the position.

Qualifications and Requirements of the Post

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 and Experience

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

a) Hold a degree (Level 8 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.

Please supply copies of any certificates, diplomas or degrees you may have with the application form.

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

Driving Licence

Applicants should at the date of application hold a full valid Irish or European Union licence for Class B vehicles, or a licence acceptable to the National Driver Licence Service for transfer to a full Irish licence. They must be a competent driver and shall drive a car in the course of their duties and for this purpose provide and maintain a car to the satisfaction of the Local Authority. The Council must be indemnified on their insurance.

Competencies for the Post of Librarian

Candidates will be expected to demonstrate sufficient evidence within their application form of competence under each of the following:

Management and Change

Demonstrates flexibility and an openness to change.

Challenges the status quo to see how systems, processes and practices may be improved.

Can work with multiple stakeholders to implement change.

Implements change in an orderly and determined manner.

Recognises that people react differently to change and manages this accordingly.

Understands the need for change and communicates this persuasively to others.

Performance through People

Leads and motivates the team in a manner that provides clarity of purpose and a focus on delivery.

Shows visible commitment to the purpose, mission and vision of the organisation.

Develops the team and its members to achieve corporate objectives through effective performance management.

Communicates effectively with all employees.

Delivering Results

Understands the context and impact of decisions made.

Acts decisively and makes timely, informed and effective decisions.

Contributes to operational plans and develops team plans in line with priorities.

Delegates, tracks and monitors activity.

Establishes high quality service and customer care standards.

Demonstrates technical knowledge and expertise commensurate with the role of Librarian.

Managing Resources

Allocates resources effectively to ensure priorities are met and work is executed efficiently to deliver quality services.

Personal Effectiveness

Takes initiative and is open to new challenges.

Evaluates outcomes achieved and implements improvements required.

Keeps up to date with developments, trends and best practice.

Demonstrates resilience, integrity and professionalism.

Manages time and workload effectively.

Knowledge, Experience and Skills

Knowledge and understanding of the structure and functions of local government including service requirements.

Knowledge of current local government issues.

Understanding of the role of a Librarian.

Knowledge and experience of operating Information and Communication Technology systems.

Particulars of Employment

The Post

The post is permanent, 35 hours per week.

Location

Kildare County Council reserves the right to assign the successful candidate to any premises in use by the Council now or in the future.

Commencement

The appointee must take up appointment within one month or such longer period as determined by the Council.

Working Hours

The current working hours are 35 hours per week. The Council reserves the right to alter hours in line with Government Circulars. A flexi time system is in operation. Overtime may be required.

Probationary Period

There shall be a twelve month probationary period which may be extended at the discretion of the Chief Executive. Confirmation of appointment is subject to satisfactory service.

Remuneration

€52,239 – €53,799 – €55,392 – €57,019 – €58,657 – €60,567 (Long Service Increment 1) – €62,484 (Long Service Increment 2).

On appointment, successful candidates will be placed on the first point of the salary scale. Remuneration is subject to statutory deductions and increments are paid annually subject to satisfactory attendance, conduct and performance.

Superannuation and Retirement

Pension arrangements will apply in accordance with the relevant Local Government Superannuation Scheme or Public Service Pension Scheme as appropriate. Retirement age provisions will apply in accordance with relevant legislation.

Annual Leave

The current leave entitlement for this post is 30 days per annum.

Residence

The person holding the office must reside in or at an address convenient to the Local Authority as approved by the Chief Executive.

Outside Employment

The officer may not engage in outside business which would interfere with official duties.

Code of Conduct and Organisation Policies

Employees must adhere to all current and future Kildare County Council codes of practice and organisational policies including Health and Safety, Communications, Data Protection, Equality, Staff Mobility, Attendance Management and Use of Electronic Equipment.

Training

Employees are required to attend and participate fully in training programmes as required.

Health and Safety Regulations

The Council and employees must comply with the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005 and associated legislation.

Canvassing

Any attempt to influence the recruitment process will result in automatic disqualification.