Librarian

KILKENNY COUNTY COUNCIL Kilkenny County Council provides services to a population of over 103,000 citizens in County Kilkenny in areas of housing, roads, transportation, planning, environment, economic and community development, tourism, libraries, fire and emergency response, parks, amenities, heritage, arts and water services. We have over 750 employees and can offer exciting careers across our services in various roles such as engineering, technical, financial, management, administration, library services, fire services and general services. Our headquarters are in Kilkenny City, and we have area offices throughout the county. The Council operates within an annual revenue budget of €120.9 million and a multi-annual six-year capital budget of €832 million.

2.1 LIBRARY SERVICE Kilkenny County Council Library Service operates in a dynamic and changing environment across its network of 8 branch libraries, one mobile library service, Library Administrative Headquarters including Local Studies. The library service is charged with delivering on the aims and objectives of the sector’s 5-year strategy, The Library is the Place, 2023-2027 and the local library development plan.

Our Mission Kilkenny County Council is committed to working with the people of Kilkenny to develop sustainable, connected, economically thriving and proud communities with the consideration of climate change embedded into all our policies and services.

Our Values 1. Accountability and Transparency We will communicate openly with people, and we will be transparent in all decision-making. 2. Inclusiveness, Equality and Accessibility. We prioritise social inclusion, equality of access and opportunity, and we will encourage the people, groups, and organisations we work with to take a similar approach. 3. Leadership We are committed to providing democratic and civic leadership in guiding the positive development of the City and County. 4. Pride We will take pride in our work and in the leadership role of Kilkenny County Council in the economic, social, cultural, and environmental development of the City and County 5. Quality Service We will provide an accessible, courteous, consistent, impartial, and responsive service and we will strive for continuous improvement in our service delivery. 6. Sustainability We will act in a sustainable way in relation to finance, the environment, our heritage, community affairs and socio-economic issues. We will work in ways that will not constrain the current or future needs of the people and communities of Kilkenny City and County. 7. Value for Money We will use resources efficiently and continually assess and evaluate our performance For further information on Kilkenny County Council see: 3.0 JOB INFORMATION/REQUIREMENTS PLEASE NOTE: • FAILURE TO UPLOAD ALL REQUIRED DOCUMENTS I.E. QUALIFICATIONS, I.D. ETC., AT SUBMISSION STAGE WILL AUTOMATICALLY RESULT IN AN INVALID APPLICATION. • APPLICANTS SHOULD SATISFY THEMSELVES THAT THEIR EDUCATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS MEET THE MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS FOR THIS POSITION. • APPLICANTS WITH NON-IRISH QUALIFICATIONS CAN AVAIL OF THE ON-LINE RECOGNITION OF FOREIGN QUALIFICATIONS SERVICE PROVIDED BY QUALITY AND QUALIFICATIONS IRELAND (QQI) AND MUST SUBMIT PROOF OF SAME WITH THEIR APPLICATIONS. • FAILURE TO FULLY COMPLETE EACH QUESTION ON THE APPLICATION FORM MAY DEEM YOUR APPLICATION INVALID (ANSWERS WHICH REDIRECT TO OTHER RESPONSES ARE NOT PERMITTED).

3.1.1 Character Each candidate shall be of good character. 3.1.2 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. 3.1.3 Education, Training, Experience etc. Each candidate must, on the latest date for receipt of completed application forms, (i) hold a degree (Level 8 on the National Framework of Qualifications) in the area of Library and Information Studies (ii) Have satisfactory experience of library work.

3.2 THE IDEAL CANDIDATE The Ideal Candidate must be able to demonstrate that they have sufficient experience and a proven track record in the following: 3.2.1 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. 3.2.2 Have a strong sense of commitment to delivering quality public services and be willing to take on a challenge. 3.2.3 Have a good understanding of the role of digital technologies in the delivery of 21st Century library services. 3.2.4 Be highly motivated and have excellent interpersonal and communications skills. 3.2.5 Demonstrate the ability to supervise and motivate a team effectively and maintain productive working relationships within the organisation and with customers. 3.2.6 Have effective budget management skills. 3.2.7 Have experience of planning/prioritising to meet targets and delegating work appropriately. 3.2.8 Have experience of problem solving/ decision making. 3.2.9 Demonstrate openness and a willingness to adopt new ways of working and involve others in change.

Desirable Requirements Kilkenny County Council can for any position they advertise, include Desirable Requirements. Desirable Requirements are those that would be beneficial to optimising job performance. Desirable Requirements can be used if necessary to reduce numbers called for interview.

It is desirable that each candidate shall: 3.2.10 Have at least 2 years satisfactory library experience. 3.2.11 Possess a full clean driving licence for class B vehicles and have access to a car at all times for use in their work. Applicants should satisfy themselves they are eligible under the required qualifications. Kilkenny County Council may not be in a position to investigate the eligibility of all candidates in advance of the interview/examination, and hence persons who are ineligible but nevertheless enter, may put themselves to unnecessary expense.

4.0 JOB DESCRIPTION Kilkenny County Council Library Service operates in a dynamic and changing environment across its network of 8 branch libraries, one mobile library service, Library Administrative Headquarters including Local Studies. The library service is charged with delivering on the aims and objectives of the sector’s 5-year strategy, Our Public Libraries 2022 and the local library development plan – Kilkenny County Council Cultural Strategy Arts, Heritage & Libraries 2023-2027.

The Librarian will work as part of a multidisciplinary team to meet the wide-ranging information, education, research and cultural needs of the citizens of Kilkenny. The position of Librarian is a frontline supervisory position with responsibility for managing the performance of a section or function. The Librarian has responsibility for managing resources, staff and library services to the public and will report to the County Librarian and/or the senior library management team. The librarian is the first level professional managerial role and is central to the delivery of frontline and service support of public library services. The librarian has responsibility for managing resources, staff and library services to the public and will report to the County Librarian and/or the senior library management team.

The role will include the following: 4.1.1 Assist in the development of library policies; development programme, plans and strategies. 4.1.2 General branch management and development. 4.1.3 Management of information systems and services. 4.1.4 Identifying opportunities for improvements in service delivery. 4.1.5 Networking and community engagement. 4.1.6 Communicate and liaise effectively with employees, senior managers, customers, elected representatives in relation to operational matters of the library service. 4.1.7 Ensure full compliance with all organisational policies and procedures. 4.1.8 Supervision and participation in the Performance Management Development System.

4.1.9 Support the Executive Librarian or other nominated senior official to communicate, implement and manage all change management initiatives within the library. 4.1.10 Cultural and community programming and engagement

5.0 JOB 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: 5.1.1 Managing performance and service delivery to expected standards in line with targets, plans and policies. 5.1.2 Supporting ICT and digital services. 5.1.3 Responsible for the supervision of delivery of a service within the library service. 5.1.4 Compile, prepare and present reports as necessary. 5.1.5 Provide ongoing support to employees including performance management and identifying training and development requirements as appropriate. 5.1.6 Developing and supporting community engagement. 5.1.7 Managing a budget and cash management. 5.1.8 Ensure full compliance with all organisational policies and procedures. 5.1.9 Communicate and liaise effectively with colleagues, managers and customers in relation to operational matters for their area within the library service. 5.1.10 To deputise for the Executive Librarian where required.

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/her from time to time and to contribute to the development of the post while in office.

6.0 PARTICULARS OF OFFICE 6.1 TYPE OF POST To form a panel from which Permanent, Fixed Term, Specific Purpose and where applicable Acting-Up contract posts, may be filled during the lifetime of the panel. 6.2 SALARY The salary shall be fully inclusive and shall be as determined from time to time. The holder of the office shall pay to Kilkenny County Council any fees or other monies (other than inclusive salary) payable to and received by him/her by virtue of his/her office or in respect of services which he/she is required by or under any enactment to perform. In accordance with EL02/2011 persons who are not serving Local Authority employees must be placed on the minimum of the scale. Where a person being appointed is a serving Local Authority employee normal starting pay rules will apply. The rate of remuneration may be adjusted from time to time in line with government policy. The current salary scale for the position is €51,210 minimum of the scale to €61,252 Maximum of the scale inclusive of LSI’s. 6.3 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. 6.4 SUPERANNUATION CONTRIBUTION 6.4.1 Public Service Pensions (Single Scheme and Other Provisions) Act 2012 New members joining the public sector on or after 1st January 2013 will be required to join the Single Public Service Pension Scheme. It applies to all first-time entrants to the Public Service as well as former public servants returning to the public sector after a break of more than 26 weeks. Your contributions will be made up of 3% of your gross pensionable remuneration and 3.5% of your net pensionable remuneration (your gross pensionable remuneration less twice the value of the Contributory State Pension). Your normal retirement age under this scheme is the same age at which you can claim the Contributory State Pension. The minimum age for receipt of this pension is Age 66. There is a compulsory retirement age of 70 years. 6.4.2 Persons who commenced in Public Service Employment after 6th April 1995 and prior to 1st January 2013: Persons who became pensionable employees after 6th April 1995 and prior to 1st of January 2013, without a break in employment, will join the Local Government (Superannuation) (Consolidation) Scheme 1998. Contributions are payable at the rate of 1.5% of your basic salary, 3.5% of basic salary less twice two times the value of the Contributory State Pension and a further 1.5% is payable for spouse and children’s contributions (*non-officer grades pay a co-ordinated contribution:

‘Non-New Entrants’ (those who became pensionable after 6th of April 1995 and prior to 1st April 2004) have a minimum retirement age of 60 and a compulsory retirement age of 70.

‘New Entrants’ (those who became pensionable after 1st April 2004 and prior to 1st January 2013) have minimum retirement age of 65 with no compulsory retirement age. 6.4.3 Persons who commenced in Public Service Employment before 6th April 1995: Their minimum retirement age is 60 and they have a compulsory retirement age of 70 as per Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government Circular Letter CL/2/2019. Contributions are 5% of basic salary and 1.5% of basic salary towards Widow’s & Orphan’s or Spouse & Children’s Scheme. 6.5 PENSION ABATEMENT If the appointee was previously employed in the Civil Service or in the Public Service please note that the Public Service Pensions (Single Scheme and Other Provisions) Act 2012 (Section 52) includes a provision which extends abatement of pension for all Civil and Public Servants who are re-employed where a Public Service Pension is in payment. This provision to apply abatement across the wider public service came into effect on 1 November 2012. This may have pension implications for any person appointed to this position that is currently in receipt of a Civil or Public Service pension or has a preserved Civil or Public Service pension which will come into payment during his/her employment in this position. Prior to appointment, successful applicants will be obliged to complete a declaration in relation to previous Public Service pensionable employment. Please note: In applying for this position you are acknowledging that you understand the abatement provisions, where relevant, will apply. It is not envisaged that the employing Department/Office will support an application for an abatement waiver in respect of appointments to this position. 6.6 PENSION ACRUAL A 40-year limit on total service that can be counted towards pension where a person has been a member of more than one pre-existing public service pension scheme (i.e. non-Single Scheme) as per the 2012 Act shall apply. This 40-year limit is provided for in the Public Service Pensions (Single Scheme and Other Provisions) Act 2012. This may have implications for any appointee who has acquired pension rights in a previous public service employment. 6.7 PROBATION The following provisions shall apply: 6.7.1 There shall be a period after such appointments take effect during which such persons shall hold such office on probation; 6.7.2 Such period shall be 1 year but the Chief Executive may at his/her discretion extend such period; 6.7.3 Such persons shall cease to hold such employment at end of the period of probation unless during such period the Chief Executive has certified that the service of such persons is satisfactory. 6.8 PRE-EMPLOYMENT MEDICAL QUESTIONNAIRE/ EXAMINATION For the purposes of satisfying the requirement as to health, it will be necessary for each successful applicant, before he/she is appointed, to respond to a medical questionnaire which is submitted to a qualified medical practitioner to be nominated by Kilkenny County Council. If necessary, an in-person appointment will be made with our medical practitioner. In the event the applicant does not take up the post following the pre-employment medical, he/she will reimburse Kilkenny County Council the cost of the medical examination, as per a previously signed understanding. 6.9 HOURS OF WORK The post is wholetime the person appointed will be required to work a 35-hour week which equates to a 7-hour day. Five days over a six, day period at any time from Monday to Saturday, including some evenings every week. The post entails a wide range of duties which require maximum flexibility, involving regular evening and weekend attendance where necessary. The person appointed may be required to work outside of normal hours on occasion. Hours may be subject to change as required 6.10 ANNUAL LEAVE Annual leave entitlement for this position will be in accordance with Department of Environment, Community & Local Government Circular LG(P) 07/2011. 6.11 TRAVEL When required to do so holders of the office shall hold a full Irish driving licence for class B vehicles free from endorsement and disqualification 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.

It is Kilkenny County Council policy that all staff using their private cars for work purposes, regardless of the frequency should: 1) Indemnify Kilkenny County Council on their personal insurance policy 2) Note business class on their personal policy 3) It is the obligation of the driver/owner to ensure that the vehicle is fit to be on the public road. When applicable for specific roles, travelling and subsistence expenses necessarily incurred in the course of official duties will be refunded in accordance with appropriate rates in line with the relevant Department Circulars and any other relevant documents. If during your employment, your licence is revoked, even temporarily, or if you receive endorsements on your licence, which may affect your duties, you are obliged to notify the Council immediately. 6.12 LOCATION The holder of the office may be based in any of the branch libraries or in Library HQ and will be expected to travel to and work in other library service points as required. 6.13 SAFETY, HEALTH & WELFARE The holder of the post shall comply with Kilkenny County Council’s Safety Management System. He/she shall familiarise him/herself with the Safety statement for his/ her section and all the associated safety & health risk assessments, safe systems of work, and procedures and make proper use of all safety clothing and equipment. Failure to comply with the Safety Statement and its requirements may result in disciplinary action. 6.14 TRAINING It is a condition of employment that successful applicants will be required to participate in training programmes relevant to the skills necessary for the performance of the duties attaching to the post. 6.15 POLICIES & PROCEDURES The post-holder will be expected to abide and adhere to the policies & procedures applicable to Kilkenny County Council.