DEPUTY LIBRARIAN – ACADEMIC SUPPORT AND OPERATIONS (1 POST)

job Description

Applications are invited from suitably qualified and experienced persons for the following post:

LIBRARY DEPARTMENT

POST: DEPUTY LIBRARIAN – ACADEMIC SUPPORT AND OPERATIONS (1 POST)

POSITION OVERVIEW:

The Deputy Librarian for Academic Support and Operations will play a key leadership role in enhancing the library’s support for student learning, staff teaching, and overall operations to meet clients’ needs. This position will oversee the delivery and continuous improvement of essential library services, which include client assistance, reference, and circulation services, as well as the maintenance of the library’s physical collections and spaces. The Deputy Librarian will manage the circulation services staff across all university campuses and collaborate with academic departments to ensure comprehensive support for the university’s academic programs. The incumbent will also ensure that library services align with the university’s strategic goals and that the library effectively supports Education 5.0.

Duties and Responsibilities

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Develop, implement, and evaluate strategies for providing accessible and efficient library services to students and staff throughout the University’s multi-campus ecosystem.
Oversee all aspects of client services, ensuring high customer satisfaction, effective communication, and efficient and effective circulation workflows to support the borrowing and returning of library materials.
Contribute to the library’s strategic planning process by identifying areas for improvement and developing initiatives to enhance service delivery.
Assist in developing and implementing library policies, standard operating procedures and quality manuals.
Assist in managing risks pertaining to library physical spaces and collections.
Ensure library spaces are modern, welcoming, accessible, and conducive to learning and research.
Coordinate the provision of library orientation, outreach, and community engagement programs.
Lead the development and delivery of library instruction programs, including information literacy sessions.
Collaborate with academic staff to integrate library resources and services into course curricula, ensuring alignment with the university’s academic programs.
Promote innovative technologies that enhance the library’s support for teaching and learning.
Manage and improve the reference services offered by the library, ensuring users receive timely, accurate, and relevant information.
Supervise a team of Faculty and Reference Librarians and guide research assistance, query resolution, and resource utilisation.
Provide library staff leadership, direction, and mentorship within the client services team.

*NB: Midlands State University is an equal opportunities employer. In promoting gender parity, female candidates are encouraged to apply.

Qualifications and Experience

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

Master’s degree in library and information science
Bachelor of Science Degree in Library & Information Science
Minimum of 5 years of professional experience in academic libraries, including supervisory or leadership roles, for which one year must be at the Sub-Librarian level.
SKILLS REQUIRED

Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including proficiency in writing reports.
Good interpersonal skills.
Computer literate with sound research skills.
Friendly, good interpersonal relations and ability to function independently
Good advocacy skills
Fundraising skills
Presentation and Public Speaking skills
Negotiation and Conflict Resolution skills.

How to Apply

APPLICATIONS

Applicants must submit copies of applications with the following: application letter, certified certificates and curriculum vitae giving full details of names, place and date of birth, experience, present salary, date of availability, contact telephone number (s) and names and email addresses of three referees to:

Deputy Registrar (Human Resource)

Midlands State University

[email protected]

Application documents must be in a single-scan pdf format. The closing date for this advert is 17 February 2025. Applicants should clearly state the post being applied for in the subject line. It should also be noted that non-adherence to any of the above instructions will automatically cause the application to be disqualified.

Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted within 30 days from the closing date of the advert. If not contacted, your application will be deemed not successful.

NB: The successful candidate may be deployed to any of the University Campuses.