Senior Library Assistant

The Role

Maynooth University is committed to a strategy in which the primary University goals of excellent research and scholarship and outstanding education are interlinked and equally valued.

The Library is a key part of both Maynooth University and Saint Patrick’s College Maynooth. The Library was founded in 1795 and is now housed in the John Paul II Library and the Russell Library. We have over 450,000 books and eBooks and more than 42,000 electronic journals and provide a range of information skills and training courses.

We are seeking a Temporary, full-time Senior Library Assistant. This post is based in the Engagement and Information Services section. The successful candidate will supervise the Facilities and Events team in the library. The Facilities and Events team are comprised of part-time postgraduate students who cover extended service opening hours in the library. The successful candidate will also coordinate library events, external events and University events including Open Days. The successful candidate may be required to work a variety of shifts including evening and weekend duties. The successful candidate must be able to communicate effectively with people at all levels.

Principal Duties

This will include:

• Supervision and training of facilities and events team, including rostering

• Coordinate logistics and staffing for internal, external and community events

• Act as first line liaison for management of maintenance issues

• Support Manager of Engagement and Information Services and others in management of library spaces, including room allocation

• Liaise with the Maynooth University Safety Office on safety-related matters, including checks and audits

• Support senior staff in developing and coordinating departmental priorities, particularly in the areas of strategic planning and staff development

• Undertake any additional responsibilities as assigned by the University Librarian or their nominee

The ideal candidate will have:

Essential

• Experience in teamwork, team supervision and staff rostering

• Strong organisational and time keeping skills

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

• Knowledge of health and safety procedures

• Ability to work under pressure and to deadlines

• Flexibility to ensure library services are maintained at all times

• Accuracy and attention to detail

Desirable

• Experience in facilities or event management

• Ability to focus on a number of tasks concurrently

• A recognised qualification in health and safety

• Proactive, enthusiastic and adaptable approach to a variety of tasks and projects

• Strong customer service skills

• Confidence in using information technology particularly databases, searching and Office 365

The Library

The Library is a key part of both Maynooth University and Saint Patrick’s College Maynooth. The Library was founded in 1795 and is now housed in the John Paul II Library and the Russell Library, both of which hold significant book, archive and manuscript collections. The John Paul II Library holds over 400,000 print items. Access is also provided to over 500,000 electronic books and 70,000 electronic journals.

The overall strategy for Maynooth University Library is articulated in the current Library Strategic Plan. The Library’s Strategic Plan 2024 to 2028 has set out an aspiring plan to guide the library’s work over the next four years as we endeavour to enhance our services, resources and impact on the campus community. Further information about the Library can be found on the Library’s website https://www.maynoothuniversity.ie/library

and social media platforms.

The University

Maynooth University is a very distinctive university, a collegial institution focused on science and engineering, humanities and social sciences, and equally committed to research, teaching and community engagement. Located in Ireland’s only university town, its distinctive features and character owe much to its unique history and heritage. It provides a high-quality educational experience to over 17,000 students on a campus with eighteenth century roots and twenty first century dynamism.

Maynooth University is a place of lively contrasts, a modern institution, dynamic, rapidly growing, research led and engaged, yet grounded in historic academic strengths and scholarly traditions. We offer a range of programmes at undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral level in the humanities, science and engineering and social sciences, including business, law and education, along with a range of international programmes and partnerships.

The strategic trajectory and accomplishments of Maynooth University, since its establishment as an autonomous public university, are exceptional and a source of great pride to the university community, staff, students and alumni. Maynooth University ranked in the top 90 global Times Higher Education Young University rankings in 2024. Maynooth University’s growing global reputation is based on the originality, quality, importance and impact of its research and scholarship, commitment to teaching and learning, the quality of academic programmes and its leadership in widening participation in higher education. The sources of success are the dedication of its staff and the energy and engagement of its students.

Maynooth University’s Values

Our values define who we are, what we believe in and how we act as a community. They underpin our future success and guide our expectations of ourselves and each other. Our values apply to everyone in the University community:

• Integrity

• Collegiality

• Responsibility

• Freedom of expression

• Ambition

Tenure

This is a full time, temporary post for a specified purpose, anticipated to be 23 months duration.

Salary

Senior Library Assistant 2026: €45,758 - €55,537 per annum, seven points.

Appointments will be made in accordance with public sector pay provisions.

Hours of Work

A 35 hour working week is in operation.

This can be reviewed or adjusted from time to time through national agreements.

Location

The place of work is the campus of Maynooth University, Maynooth, County Kildare.