Senior Library Assistant

About the Role

This is an excellent opportunity to work as part of a team in the day-to-day operations of a work area. The Senior Library Assistant will liaise with the line manager in relation to planning and implementing the work programme on a day-to-day basis. The Senior Library Assistant will be responsible for delivering on specific work programmes.

Libraries Development is the national advisor and development agency for public libraries in Ireland. As set out in the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2012 (Transfer of Functions of An Chomhairle) Order 2012, the functions of Libraries Development are:

Provision of advice, assistance and services to library authorities in relation to the public library service.

Making recommendations to and providing services for the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government in relation to the public library service as the Minister may request or as Libraries Development sees fit.

Action to promote and facilitate library co-operation.

Libraries Development was established in 2012 within the Local Government Management Agency and continues the functions of An Chomhairle Leabharlanna, The Library Council. Libraries Development works with the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Department of Rural and Community Development and local authorities in strategic planning. While working directly with the local authorities in piloting and implementing strategies, it also co-ordinates and monitors progress at national level. Libraries Development liaises and partners with international and national library and cultural sector bodies for innovation, best practice and expertise sharing and with EU expert groups for EU policy input.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

The Senior Library Assistant will support the work of Libraries Development and be responsible for a range of work areas including:

Assisting in the implementation of national public library strategy.

Assisting in the planning of the workload for the Libraries Development team.

Liaising with local authorities, the Department of Rural and Community Development, other government departments and relevant national bodies and project partners.

Researching new public library trends and services in Ireland and internationally.

Assisting in the development and rollout of national initiatives.

Supporting the preparation and implementation of national procurement tendering.

Supporting the development and delivery of national training programmes.

Providing assistance, information, advice and training to support team members and local authority library staff.

Providing secretariat for national committees and working groups.

Managing relevant digital platforms including websites and social media.

Assisting in communication and awareness campaigns.

Working on the design, editing and proofreading of materials, as required.

Event management including organising conferences, workshops, launches, photocalls, briefings, etc, in person and online.

Supervising the work of Library Assistants who may form part of the team from time to time.

Ensuring that deadlines are met.

Contributing to LGMA corporate initiatives, as required.

Ensuring high levels of customer service, responding to queries and requests for information in a professional, courteous and timely manner.

Attendance at national and regional events as required.

Undertake any other duties of a similar level and responsibilities as may be required from time to time.

Essential Requirements

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, 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 had at least two years satisfactory experience of library work.

Desirable Skills

Have knowledge of the structure and functions of the local government library service, of current issues, future trends and strategic direction of library services.

Possess a high level of ICT proficiency, digital and social media.

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

Be highly motivated and have excellent interpersonal and communication skills.

Have experience of planning and prioritising to meet targets and in problem solving and decision making.

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

And

Demonstrate the competencies as set out in the LGMA Competency Framework (see Appendix 1 in Candidate Information Booklet).

Principal Conditions of Service

General

The appointment is for permanent or temporary Senior Library Assistant posts in the Local Government Management Agency and is subject to general terms and conditions in operation relating to appointments in the Agency.

Remuneration

The salary scale applicable to this position as per circular EL 02-2026 1st February Pay Adjustments is as follows:

€36,113 - €55,460 per year