Senior Library Assistant

SECTION 1: THE ROLE

Cork County Council invites applications from suitably qualified persons, who wish to be considered for inclusion on a panel from which vacancies for Permanent Part time Senior Library Assistant (Grade 4) Branch Library Ballyvourney may be filled.

The library service is delivered through a branch and mobile network, supplemented by a growing suite of digital services. The 25 branch libraries are in the main towns throughout Co. Cork and include the Library Headquarters on Carrigrohane Road, which also serves as the centre for Reference and Local Studies, bibliographic services, and administration. Towns and villages not served by a branch library are served by a fleet of 4 mobile libraries.

Cork County Library aims to empower communities by providing access to resources that educate, inform, enlighten and enrich the lives of their citizens, by supporting and promoting literacy and a love of reading, and by collecting and preserving resources relating to the cultural heritage of Co. Cork. Cork County Library Service fulfils its mission through a branch and mobile library network that places libraries at the centre of communities, as well as through a growing online presence that seeks to connect with and serve people in a digital society.

The role of the Senior Library Assistant is to provide support to branch managers or in the case of part-time branches and mobile libraries, oversee the branch/mobile unit. The Senior Library Assistant will work as part of a multi-disciplinary team within the library service, assisting with the delivery of work programmes that will meet the goals, targets and standards set out in national and local development plans.

Given the nature of the post, the ideal candidate shall be proficient in the Irish Language. The ideal candidate will be highly motivated, creative, and flexible, with drive and commitment to delivering quality customer services to the public.

Senior Library Assistants are a vital link in the team which promotes the library as a focal point for cultural activities, for community development, for learning and as a digital hub.

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

• Operation of the Ballyvourney branch library - general Branch Library work and service development;

• Supporting and delivering national programmes and core services for all members of the community;

• Promotion of the branch library service though local and national initiatives; liaising with community and education groups;

• Liaison with the Divisional Librarian in all matters related to the running of the branch library;

• Completing all necessary reports and statistics related to Ballyvourney library including maintenance of the Library Management System;

• Delivering excellent service to the public;

• Contributing to publicity and promotional activities including online;

• Organising, running, and promoting local library events e.g., class visits, story times, and other events for adults and families;

• Ensuring high standards of health and safety and child protection;

• Management of the building and service in the absence of a more senior officer;

• Stock management;

• Any other duties that may be assigned from time to time.

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.

SECTION 3: ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA / 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:

(i) have a good general level of education,

(ii) have at least two years satisfactory experience in a post of Library Assistant or in an analogous post.

Required Skillset

In the context of the key duties and responsibilities for the post of Senior Library Assistant 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;

• 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.

• Given the nature of the post, the ideal candidate shall be proficient in the Irish Language.

• An ability to work on own initiative, in an independent environment and without constant supervision;

• An ability to manage deadlines and effectively handle multiple tasks;

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

• Excellent interpersonal and communications skills;

• Excellent IT skills, including an understanding of the role of digital technologies in the delivery of library services, social media services and promotion;

Age

Age restrictions shall only apply to a candidate where he/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

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.

Selection Process

As part of the recruitment and selection process, candidates will be required to attend an interview. Please note that the interview will include a component conducted through Irish.

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.

Analysis & Decision Making

• Effectively deals with a wide range of information sources, investigating all relevant issues.

• Understands the practical implication of information in relation to the broader context in which s/he works – procedures, divisional objectives etc.

• Identifies and understands key issues and trends.

• Correctly extracts & interprets numerical information, conducting accurate numerical calculations.

• Draws accurate conclusions & makes balanced and fair recommendations backed up with evidence.

Interpersonal & Communication Skills

• Modifies communication approach to suit the needs of a situation/audience.

• Actively listens to the views of others.

• Liaises with other groups to gain co-operation.

• Negotiates, where necessary, in order to reach a satisfactory outcome.

• Maintains a focus on dealing with customers in an effective, efficient and respectful manner.

• Is assertive and professional when dealing with challenging issues.

• Expresses self in a clear and articulate manner when speaking and in writing.

Delivery of Results

• Takes ownership of tasks and is determined to see them through to a satisfactory outcome.

• Is logical and pragmatic in approach, setting objectives and delivering the best possible results with the resources available through effective prioritisation.

• Constructively challenges existing approaches to improve efficient customer service delivery.

• Accurately estimates time parameters for project, making contingencies to overcome obstacles.

• Minimises errors, reviewing learning and ensuring remedies are in place.

• Maximises the input of own team in ensuring effective delivery of results.

• Ensures proper service delivery procedures/protocols/reviews are in place and implemented.

Specialist Knowledge, Expertise and Self Development

• Displays high levels of skills/expertise in own area and provides guidance to colleagues.

• Has a clear understanding of the role, objectives and targets and how they support the service delivered by the library and can communicate this to the team.

• Leads by example, demonstrating the importance of development by setting time aside for the development of initiatives for self and the team.

SECTION 5: TENURE

The position is permanent and part-time. The post is pensionable. A panel may be formed to fill vacancies for Senior Library Assistant (Grade 4) Ballyvourney which may arise during the lifetime of the panel.

SECTION 6: REMUNERATION

The weekly wage scale for the post effective 1st August 2025 rate is;

Hourly Rate

€19.50 - €30.07

The rate of remuneration may be adjusted from time to time in line with Government pay policy.

In accordance with Departmental Circular Letter EL 02/2011, a person who is not a serving local authority employee on or after 1st January 2011, will enter the scale at the minimum point.

The wage 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: ASSIGNMENT / LOCATION OF POST

The vacancy to be filled will be based at the Ballyvourney Library. 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. 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.

SECTION 8: WORKING HOURS

The normal hours of work at present provide for a 4 day, 25 hours per week as outlined below

Thursday Closed

Friday 9.30 a.m.–1 p.m., 2–5:30 p.m.

Saturday 9.30 a.m.–1.30 p.m.

Sunday Closed

Monday Closed

Tuesday 9.30 a.m.–1 p.m., 2–5:30 p.m.

Wednesday 9.30 a.m.–1 p.m., 2–5:30 p.m.

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. Working Hours may vary. Senior Library Assistant roles based in other Branch Libraries or Library HQ are subject to a five-day, thirty-five hour working week. 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.