Senior Library Assistant

Closing: 25 th September

Senior Library Assistant

Ballymena Regional Administrative Centre

Temporary (Until January 2027)

£15.48 per hour

21 hours and 40 mins per week (Mon-Wed 9am to 5pm)

Main Purpose

Under the direction of the line manager the postholder will assist in the supervision of the service point on a day to day basis. The post holder will assist the line manager and the professional librarians in the development of the service to meet the learning, information, leisure and cultural needs of the local community.

Main Roles and Responsibilities

Under the direction of the appropriate Line Manager:

• Ensure that all library services are provided to consistently high standards and comply with current library policy and procedures with particular emphasis on:

a) The operation of the circulation system appropriate to the service point
b) Client care
c) Assisting clients to make best use of the library service
d) Providing an efficient and effective request service
e) Assisting clients with reference and information enquiries
f) Providing advice and assistance on library resources within or without the service

• Under the direction of the relevant officer assist with service development to all client groups in the community eg children, adults, elderly people, people with disabilities etc through activities to promote library materials/services and reading and literacy initiatives.

• Under the direction of the appropriate officer ensure that clients have access to a suitable range of resources which meets their needs in line with the stock policy and that resources are maintained in good condition and arranged according to stock policy and agreed procedures.

• Supervise the day to day delivery and routine procedures of client-focused library services in the areas of learning, information, leisure and culture.

• Ensure that statistics and files are maintained as required.

• Assist the appropriate Officer/s in promoting and marketing the library as the hub of learning, information, leisure and culture in the local community and take responsibility for routine aspects of:

a) Maintaining and developing community information
b) Updating information relating to community profile
c) Maintaining contacts with local community groups/agencies who use library premises as out centres or for courses, meetings, exhibitions etc
d) Managing the branch 'what's on' diary

• Provide the first response to comments and complaints from the public within the guidelines of the Library Services complaint procedure.

STAFF MANAGEMENT

• Assist in the supervision of the library assistants and ancillary staff at the service point.

• Ensure the service point functions effectively by operating the timetable and duty rota.

• Ensure time-sheets are completed and returned accurately and on time.

• Assist in the motivation of the library assistants to attain maximum performance and provide appropriate opportunities for communication.

• Allocate and supervise the work of library assistants to ensure consistently high standards are maintained:

a) Staff performance (including attendance, timekeeping etc)
b) Staff morale
c) Staff welfare

• Assist relevant officers to identify the training needs of staff and provide on site refresher and induction training for library assistants on routine aspects of branch library work in line with library service policies.

• Maintain current awareness on library matters through attendance and participation in relevant courses, conferences/etc in compliance with the Board's Staff Development Policy, including Staff Appraisal.

Essential Criteria:

(Please note that Platinum Recruitment NI Ltd require original certificates as proof of all qualifications listed on CV)

Applicants must provide evidence that, by the closing date, they meet the following criteria:

Essential

Qualifications and Experience

• Evidence of having a minimum of 2 GCE A levels OR equivalent/higher qualification PLUS a minimum of 2 years' experience in public, academic or special libraries within the last 5 years OR a minimum of 5 years' library experience, within the last 8 years.

Knowledge & Skills

• Knowledge with regard to current affairs, books and reading, library resources in all formats and ICT applications in a library context.

Personal Qualities & Attributes

• Ability to assist with leading and managing a team.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

• Problem solving skills and customer care skills.

Other Requirements and Constraints

• Be able to work mornings, afternoons, evenings, weekends, as required, both at base and in other service points.

• Have no criminal record which would prevent working with children or vulnerable adults.

Platinum Recruitment NI Ltd is an equal opportunities employer and a Corporate Member of the Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC). Platinum Recruitment NI Ltd adheres to all current employment legislation.

We reserve the right to close vacancies earlier than the specified date, should we receive sufficient applications. If interested, please send your CV as early as possible.

Please note only those candidates shortlisted may be contacted.

Applicants must be authorised to work in the UK and Ireland. We are unable to sponsor or take over the sponsorship of an employment visa at this time.

Successful candidates may need to apply for an Access NI Certificate with Platinum Recruitment NI Ltd regardless if you already have a valid certificate. It will be a cost of between £16 - £32 depending on clearance level