Library Assistant

THE POSITION

The Council is seeking applications from suitably qualified candidates with relevant experience for the position of Library Assistant, based at Blessington Library. It is proposed to form a panel of qualified candidates from which vacancies in West Wicklow will be filled during the lifetime of the panel.

QUALIFICATIONS

Character

Candidates shall be of good character.

Health

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

Education, Experience, etc.

Candidates must, on the latest date for receipt of completed application forms, have a good level of education.

Wicklow County Council reserves the right, at any time, to assign an employee to any Branch Libraries/Library HQ in use by the Council now or in the future.

In the event that an offer of employment is made, the candidate will be required to submit all relevant Educational Qualifications in order to meet the requirements above.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

The following is a non-exhaustive list of key duties and responsibilities which may be assigned to a Library Assistant.

Customer Assistance:

• Assist customers in finding and choosing materials.

• Answer queries and provide information about library resources to include musical instruments, Acorn tablets, FAST collection, CPens and other items.

• Promote the use of our online resources, be familiar with each resource and ensure you are confident in your ability to demonstrate to customers.

• Provide assistance to children, seniors, and individuals with special needs.

Circulation Services:

• Check-in and check-out library materials.

• Renew borrowed items and manage reservations.

• Demonstrate the use of self-service machines to customers where applicable.

Shelving:

• Reshelf returned items, ensure items are in order and easily retrievable.

Technology Support:

• Assist users with library technology (computers, printers, etc.).

• Troubleshoot basic technical issues.

Collection Maintenance:

• Withdraw worn or damaged items and leave for attention of Librarian in charge.

Administrative Tasks:

• Keep accurate records of door counts, attendance numbers at events and other requests as directed by librarian in charge.

• Handle fees for lost books.

• Other admin duties that may arise.

Events and Projects:

• Storytimes for babies and children are a key part of the Library Assistant role, you will be required to plan, promote and deliver a Storytime session.

• Ensure accessibility and inclusivity in services.

• Assist with special projects or initiatives as assigned by librarian in charge to include book clubs, class visits, lectures and other community events.

• Be proactive in setting up displays and marketing promotional material.

• Assist in the implementation of local and national library programmes.

Maintain Order and Cleanliness:

• Ensure the library is tidy and organised.

• Keep desk area tidy.

• Run necessary health and safety checks as part of morning routine.

• Keep a check on toilet areas, separate meeting spaces/areas.

Teamwork:

• Work with other library staff for smooth running of library.

• Communicate effectively with team members.

Stay Informed:

• Keep up to date with library policies and procedures.

• Stay informed about new library resources and technologies.

Other duties may be assigned from time to time.

Note: Duties may vary based on the size and type of the library. Larger libraries may have specific roles, while smaller libraries may require staff to perform a broader range of tasks.

ESSENTIAL SKILLS

The ideal candidate shall:

• Have good interpersonal and communication skills.

• Have the ability to provide excellent customer service.

• Understand the changing library environment and be capable of adapting to change.

• Have an ability to work effectively within a team to achieve a common goal, ensuring standards are adhered to and maintained whilst also being capable of working on their own initiative, in an independent environment and without supervision if required.

• Demonstrate good administrative experience.

• Have an ability to work with information and communication technologies and online resources in a library environment.

PRINCIPAL CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

A panel may be formed from which future Library Assistant positions in West Wicklow may be filled. The position will be full-time and pensionable.

The successful candidate(s) may be assigned as required to any of the Branch Libraries/Library HQ under the Chief Executive’s control or to any premises/location in use by the Council now or in the future.

Duties

The duties of the office are to give to the local authority and

(a) to such other local authorities or bodies for which the Chief Executive, for the purposes of the Local Government Acts 2001–2014, is Chief Executive, and

(b) to any other local authority or body with which an agreement has been made by the local authority or by any of the authorities or bodies mentioned in sub-paragraph (a) of this paragraph.

Under the general direction and control of the Chief Executive or of such other officer as the Chief Executive may from time to time determine, such appropriate professional/technical and ancillary services of an advisory, supervisory or executive nature as may be required by any local authority or body hereinbefore mentioned in the exercise and performance of any of its powers, functions and duties, including the duty of servicing all committees that may be established by any such local authority or body. The holder of the office will, if required, act for an officer of a higher level.

Probation

Where persons who are not already permanent officers of a Local Authority are appointed, the following provisions shall apply:

(a) there shall be a period after such appointments take effect, during which such persons shall hold office on probation;

(b) such period shall be three months (temporary contract) and nine months (permanent contract); this period may be extended at the Chief Executive’s discretion;

(c) such persons 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 persons is satisfactory.

Salary: €31,619.00 - €48,924 per annum includes LSI EL 02/2026

The salary shall be fully inclusive and shall be as determined from time to time in line with national policy.

The holder of the office shall pay to the local authority any fees or other monies (other than his/her 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.

Starting pay shall be determined in accordance with appropriate Departmental Circular letters. New entrants will be placed on the minimum of salary scale.

Hours of Work

The person appointed will be required to work a 70-hour fortnight.

There may be a requirement to work additional hours from time to time for which Time in Lieu will apply.

No overtime applies to this post.

A flexi system is also in operation.

Week 1 hours: Monday to Friday (including one evening)

Week 2 hours: Tuesday – Saturday (including one evening)

Garda Vetting

Candidates may be subject to Garda Vetting. Appointment(s) will be considered having regard to receipt of satisfactory Garda Vetting, particularly to determine suitability to work with children/vulnerable adults.

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.

Work Permit

All non-EU/EEA citizens must hold a valid work permit prior to and for the duration of their contract. The work permit must allow you to work full-time for Wicklow County Council. It is the responsibility of individual employees to ensure that you have a valid work permit. If at any stage during your contract you cease to hold a valid work permit, you must immediately advise Wicklow County Council and your employment will cease with immediate effect.

Health

For the purposes of satisfying the requirements as to health it will be necessary for successful candidates, before they are appointed, to undergo at their expense a medical examination by a qualified medical practitioner to be nominated by the local authority. On taking up appointment the expense of the medical examination will be refunded to candidates.

Residence

Holders of the office shall reside in the district in which their duties are to be performed or within a reasonable distance thereof.

Annual Leave

Annual leave entitlement will be 27 days per annum exclusive of public holidays and Good Friday.

Retirement Age

There is no mandatory retirement age for new entrants to the Public Service as defined in the Public Services Superannuation (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2004.

Persons who are NOT new entrants to the Public Service as defined in the Public Services Superannuation (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 2004 and the Public Service Superannuation (Age of Retirement) Act 2018 are subject to a compulsory retirement age of 70 years.

With effect from 1st January 2013, persons who are pensionable under the terms of the Single Public Service Pension Scheme will have a minimum retirement age of 66 years initially rising in line with the State Pension age changes. Members of the Single Public Service Pension Scheme have a compulsory retirement age of 70 years.

Superannuation

Persons who become pensionable public servants on or after 1st January 2013 will become members of the Single Public Service Pension Scheme and, as such, will be required to pay contributions of 3% of pensionable remuneration and 3.5% of net pensionable remuneration (i.e. pensionable remuneration less twice the annual rate of social insurance old age contributory pension payable at the maximum rate to a person with no adult dependant or qualified children).

Persons who become pensionable officers of a local authority who are liable to pay the Class A rate of PRSI contribution will be required in respect of their superannuation to contribute to the local authority at the rate of 1.5% of their pensionable remuneration plus 3.5% of the net pensionable remuneration (i.e. pensionable remuneration less twice the annual rate of social insurance old age contributory pension payable at the maximum rate to a person with no adult dependant or qualified children).

Persons who become pensionable officers of a local authority who are liable to pay the Class D rate of PRSI contribution will be required in respect of their superannuation to contribute to the local authority at the rate of 5% of their pensionable remuneration.

All persons who become pensionable officers of a local authority will be required in respect of the Local Government (Spouses and Children’s Contributory Pension) Scheme, to contribute to the local authority at the rate of 1.5% of their pensionable remuneration in accordance with the terms of the scheme.