Senior Executive Librarian

Offaly Co. Council Library Service currently headquartered in Tullamore manages and supports a network of eight public libraries strategically located across the county. The library service is constantly innovating and diversifying in a dynamic and changing environment, taking advantage of technological advancement to deliver a wide and varied range of front-line services to customers.

In July 2023 a new five-year national public library strategy was introduced – ‘The Library is the Place – Information, Recreation, Inspiration’. The strategy continues to build on technological and service innovations of recent years and focuses on improving access, use and visibility of public libraries as an essential community service. It proposes new actions on lifelong learning, cultural heritage, digital inclusion and makes a clear contribution to sustainable development and climate action, with actions designed to help Ireland achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Modern libraries reflect the different ways people use them and the successful implementation of ‘My Open Library’ services in Banagher, Ferbane, Kilcormac and Tullamore libraries allow self-service access to library members outside normal working hours. This ensures Offaly’s libraries are more accessible for commuters, workers and students and attract a broader range of customers.

Offaly County Council is seeking a dynamic, creative and highly motivated individual to fill the role of Senior Executive Librarian. This person will be instrumental in fulfilling our vision to ‘provide welcoming and accessible spaces and services to support the people of Offaly in their pursuit of knowledge, culture, skills and recreation’.

The successful candidate will work to a high standard as part of a multidisciplinary team implementing work programmes to achieve objectives as set out in relevant national and local policy including Creating Space, Offaly Libraries Development Plan 2024-2028.

The Senior Executive Librarian is a senior professional management position employed in Library Headquarters or any library facility across Offaly. He/she is responsible for the management and development of library services, staff, resources and facilities. The job profile is likely to evolve as the service adapts to meet the changing needs of the community. The Senior Executive Librarian works closely with staff at all grade levels and reports directly to the County Librarian.

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 Offaly as required by the County Librarian.

See key responsibilities for this post listed in Particulars of Office, under Duties.

ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS FOR THE POST

The post of Senior Executive Librarian is a professional post requiring a degree and postgraduate qualification in librarianship or degree in librarianship. The ideal candidate will be a highly motivated person, with drive and commitment to delivering quality public services and continual professional development who can demonstrate 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 ideal candidate will:

• Have experience and skills in leadership and management ability

• Have excellent communication and interpersonal skills

• Have experience in people management and team membership skills

• Have experience in change management and project management skills

• Have knowledge of current issues and the future direction of libraries and Local Government

• Be committed to the public interest

• Have excellent IT skills including knowledge and understanding of relevant technical ICT packages and emerging technologies

• Have a current, full, clean, Class B drivers’ licence and access to own car

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

• Have a commitment to modern and innovative library service delivery

• Can work within, and where necessary lead multi-disciplinary teams and have proven ability to motivate, empower and encourage staff under his/her control to achieve maximum performance

• Can work without supervision and on one’s own initiative

• Have proven ability to manage financial resources within a budgetary control framework

• Have excellent experience in community and stakeholder engagement and can work in partnership with other Offaly County Council sections and with outside agencies

• Have excellent experience of creative cultural and community programming, literacy development, collections development, and innovative services for all age groups

• Have relevant administrative experience at a sufficiently high level

• Have a career record that demonstrates a high level of competence in the management of staff

• Have a strong understanding of the role of Senior Executive Librarian and of 21st century library services

• Have a satisfactory knowledge of public service organisation in Ireland

• Understand the changing environment in which Offaly County Council operates and can adapt to change to deliver quality services to citizens

• Have the experience of planning strategically to manage and implement initiatives which enhance library services, infrastructure, programmes and collections

• Are motivated to achieve maximum performance by supporting the current Performance Management and Development System (PMDS)

• Have strong interpersonal, communication, networking, advocacy and presentation skills

• Have proven ability to lead in the provision of excellent customer service

• Have a good understanding of the role of digital technologies, online resources and social media in the delivery of public library services

• Have experience of engaging with, and leveraging emerging technologies in library services and operations

• Have good knowledge and awareness of Health and Safety Legislation and Regulations, the implications for the organisation and the employee, and their application in the workplace

• Have a thorough knowledge of Local Government in Ireland or a demonstrable ability to quickly acquire same

• Can deputise at a senior level

COMPETENCIES FOR THE POST

Key Competencies for the post include the following and candidates will be expected to demonstrate sufficient evidence within their application form of competence under each of these. Please take particular note of these when completing the application form as any short-listing or interview processes will be based on the information provided by candidates:

Management and Change

Mission and Vision

• Contributes to the development of a corporate long-term purpose, mission and vision for the local authority as a manager.

Strategic Ability

• Displays the ability to think and act strategically to ensure that their functional responsibility is properly aligned with purpose, mission and vision of the Council.

Political Awareness

• Has a clear understanding of the political reality and context of the local authority.

Standards, Ethics and Governance

• Understands and adheres to the Code of Conduct for employees and complies with all Council rules, regulations and procedures.

Networking and Representing

• Develops and maintains positive and beneficial relationships with relevant interests.

• Sustains a positive image and profile of the local authority.

Bringing about Change

• Effectively manages the introduction of change; fosters a culture of creativity in employees and overcomes resistance to change.

Influencing and Negotiating

• Brokers agreement with others, to your team’s objectives.

• Takes a long-term pragmatic view when required.

Safety, Health & Welfare at Work.

• Fully implements safe systems of working in accordance with the Corporate Safety Statement and relevant Ancillary Safety Statement for their area of work.

Delivering Results

Problem Solving and Decision Making

• Can pinpoint critical information and can address issues logically.

• Understands the context and impact of decisions made.

• Acts decisively and makes timely, informed and effective decisions.

Operational Planning

• Contributes to operational plans and develops team plans in line with priorities and actions for their area of operation, having regard to corporate goals, operational objectives and available resources.

• Establishes high quality service and customer care standards.

Managing Resources

• Manages the allocation, use and evaluation of resources to ensure they are used efficiently to deliver on operational plans.

• Drives and promotes reduction in cost and minimisation of waste.

Delivering Quality Outcomes

• Evaluates the outcomes achieved against operational plans, identifies learning and implements improvements required.

Ensuring Compliance

• Abides by the laws, regulations and policies and procedures affecting your employment and the discharge of your duties.

Performance through People

Leading and Motivating

• Leads, motivates and engages others to achieves quality results.

Managing Performance

• Effectively manages performance using the PMDS process.

• Builds and leads a positive, diverse and productive team effectively.

• Empowers and encourages people to deliver their part of the operational plan.

Managing Conflict

• Effectively identifies and manages conflict and potential sources of conflict to reach beneficial solutions and positive outcomes.

• Uses diplomacy and tact to facilitate working relationships with dissatisfied staff or customers.

Communicating Effectively

• Recognises the value of, and requirement to communicate effectively with all employees.

• Has effective verbal and written communication skills. Has good interpersonal skills.

Personal Effectiveness

Qualifications and Knowledge

• Keeps up to date with the skills, experience and knowledge necessary for the role.

• Understands the structures and environment within which the library service operates and the role of the Librarian in this context.

Resilience and Personal Well Being

• Remains calm under pressure and values the wellbeing of self, and others by managing stress levels and work-life balance.

• Has a strong sense of self belief.

Integrity

• Is honest and trustworthy in all dealings.

• Adopts an even-handed approach and is fair, consistent and open in all matters.

• Models and promotes appropriate social, ethical and Council standards in all interactions.

• Demonstrates a strong commitment to delivering an effective Public Service.

Personal Motivation, Initiative and Achievement

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

• Acts within the bounds of own ability.

• Manages time and workload effectively.

• Creates new opportunity.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

Details of Key Duties and Responsibilities are outlined under “Particulars of Office”

QUALIFICATIONS

1. 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 including satisfactory experience at a management level.

* Candidates are required to upload a copy of their final overall result for their honours degree (level 8 in the National Framework of Qualifications) in Library and Information Studies (including certificate(s) and transcript(s) of modules completed). Failure to provide qualifications will deem this application invalid.

2. Citizenship

Candidates for any of the above panels 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.

3. Driving Licence

The Holder of the Post shall hold a full driving licence for Class B vehicles free from endorsement/disqualification. When required to do so, holders of office 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.

4. Character

Candidates shall be of good character.

5. 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.

* 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, overseas qualifications must also be accompanied by a translation document.

PARTICULARS OF OFFICE

The Post:

The post is permanent, whole-time and pensionable. A panel will be formed for an initial period of one year and this may be extended for a period of time at the discretion of the Chief Executive. The panel will be used to fill appropriate positions that may arise for its duration. Positions will be offered in order of merit as per the panel.

Salary:

The salary shall be fully inclusive and shall be as determined from time to time. Holders of the post will be paid at the appropriate point on the salary scale in accordance with the relevant Department Circular. Starting pay for new entrants will be at the minimum of the scale. Where the appointee has been serving elsewhere in the public service in an analogous grade and pay-scale, and will be moving without break to another part of the public sector at an analogous grade, the appointment may be made at the appointee’s current point of scale. The rate of remuneration may be adjusted from time to time in line with Government pay.

The current salary scale applicable to the post is €60,611 - €78,795 LSI 2

Duties:

The duties of the post are to give to the local authority, and

a) such other local authorities or bodies for which the Chief Executive, for the purposes of the Local Government Acts 2001 and 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 subparagraph (a) of this paragraph under the general direction and supervision of the Chief executive or such other employee as the Chief Executive may from time to time determine, such appropriate services of an executive, administrative or management nature as may be required by any local authority or body herein before mentioned in the exercise and performance of any of its powers, functions and duties to exercise such powers, functions and duties as may be delegated to him/her by the Chief Executive from time to time, including the duty of servicing all committees that may be established by any such local authority or body. The post holder will, if required, act for an employee of a higher level. The post holder may be required to work outside his/her normal job description from time to time.

The post carries strategic and operational responsibilities. The duties to be assigned include the following although this list is not exhaustive and may be reviewed from time to time as organisational needs require:

Duties and Responsibilites:

• Lead implementation of the library development programme supporting delivery of OCC’s Corporate Plan, Offaly Libraries Development Plan and other local and national strategies

• Contribute to library forward planning, capital development and policy formulation

• Support the County Librarian in leading and implementing change management initiatives

• Manage and deliver excellent customer service

• Prepare and manage budgets and ensure work programmes are implemented within budget

• Develop and deliver strong community engagement and library participation

• Lead cultural programming and library outreach activities; media engagements and presentations as required

• Participate on national and local committees for the development and implementation of new, innovative services

• Develop and manage effective marketing and public relations campaigns to deliver strategic targets and grow membership

• Manage countywide service development, including collections, services and facilities.

• Manage administrative functions and oversee Library Budgets & Procurement, HR, ICT, Cultural Programming, and Corporate Governance.

• Utilise and harness ICT packages and emerging technologies to deliver effective and efficient services

• Lead and oversee targeted initiatives in the areas of Reading and Literacy; Learning and Information and Community and Culture

• Manage implementation of user education in all areas of information provision and self-service technologies including My Open Library

• Ensure full compliance with all organisational policies and procedures

• Manage and ensure good governance of library buildings, health and safety, child protection, data protection, risk management, sustainable development, financial management and business continuity in accordance with Council policies

• Build partnerships, network and collaborate with local authority colleagues, external agencies and library stakeholders to address social inclusion and lifelong learning

• Attend meetings and represent the section at council, municipal district and committee meeting level and give progress reports and presentations as required

• Attend meetings and represent Offaly County Council on national and local committees and steering groups and give progress reports and presentations to key stakeholders and audiences as required

• Manage and deliver PMDS and supervise employees in supporting roles up to the position/grade of Executive Librarian including delivering training, assigning duties and workload, scheduling and prioritising work and monitoring and reporting on progress

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

• Deputise for the County Librarian as required

• Any other duties as may be assigned by the County Librarian

Work Base:

Offaly County Council reserves the right to assign you to any department or premises in use by the Council, now or in the future. Changes in location of employment will not result in payment of disturbance money or other compensation. The person appointed will be required to provide him/herself at his/her own expense with the necessary mode of travel to and from work.

Reporting Arrangements:

You will report directly to the County Librarian, Offaly County Council or to other such person as may be determined from time to time.

Working Hours:

The working hours at present provide for a five day, thirty-five hours working week, hours may vary from time to time.

The working hours may be reviewed at any time by the Council. The post may require flexibility in working outside of normal hours, including at weekends, as necessary. No additional remunertation will be paid in respect of such activities.

The provisions of Offaly County Council’s Time and Attendance Policy is applicable to this grade at the current time. A flexible working hours system is in operation subject to the terms and conditions of the Time and Attendance Policy.

Annual Leave:

The current annual leave entitlement is 30 days. Granting of annual leave, payment for annual leave and arrangement for public holidays will be governed by the provisions of the Organisation of Working Time Act, 1997 (as amended)