Assistant Librarian
Location: Oxford
Salary: £28,750 - £33,966 per annum
Applications are invited for the post of a full-time Assistant Librarian.
The Role
The successful candidate will join a team consisting of a Librarian and two Library Assistants. The primary responsibility will be to assist the Librarian in developing the library collection and services, and in maintaining relationships with the Bodleian and other relevant institutions.
Main Responsibilities:
The below outlines the core duties and responsibilities of the post without delivering an exhaustive list. The duties and responsibilities are likely to develop and change over time.
Reader Services:
- Dealing with email, phone or front-desk enquiries providing quality reader experience
- Assisting internal and public access to the Library collections, offering support on a one-to-one basis.
- Carrying out retrieval and re-shelving of requested material
- Participating in and delivering onsite and offsite information services such as induction and information skills training.
- Photocopying and scanning of requested material in line with copyright policy; providing support in e-resources inquiries.
- Collecting and analysing reader's data as directed in order to support the evaluation of services.
- Participating in relevant activities helping to build partnerships in support of student learning across the University.
Collection management:
- Cataloguing and copy-cataloguing of material in Arabic and Western languages according to RDA/MARC21 standard using LoC thematic classification
- Receiving and processing serials and monographs
- Retrieving reports and statistics from ALMA as requested for related committees and meetings
- Developing and maintaining statistics relevant to the Centre's collection
- Supporting the Librarian in book acquisitions, content selection and overall administration of donations
- Supporting the Librarian in assigned task related to the description, care and security of the Special Collections.
- Participating as required in audit, retention, storage and disposal projects
- Keeping up to date with the developments of the library management system (ALMA) and all related software (eg. SOLO) and liaise with the relevant departments to ensure smooth day-to-day operations
Library Management:
- Deputizing for the Librarian in her absence
- Maintaining the Library budget together with the Librarian
- General management of the Library supply material (keeping stock, placing orders, dealing with vendors and shipment companies, budgeting)
- General management of the Library documentation together with the Librarian
- General open-shelf and stack space management
- Assisting the Librarian with the training and supervision of the Library Assistants
- Acting as a Secretary to the termly meetings of the Library Committee
- Participating in a staff rota if required
Outreach:
- Participating in the organization of Library book displays and contributing to the development and implementation of exhibition projects as required
- Collaborating with relevant inhouse and external partners in support of the Library' public activities
- Updating information on the Library website
- Attending Centre functions to promote the Library's interests
Participating as required in external meetings relevant to the Library's work (MELCom UK, Melibox, etc.)
Skills and Qualifications
Essential:
- Honours degree or equivalent, in a subject area related to Middle East or Islamic studies.
- Excellent standard of oral and written English.
- Good to excellent knowledge of Arabic.
- Excellent IT skills and knowledge of Microsoft Office.
- A good understanding of electronic information resources and digital media.
- Knowledge of the educational and informational infrastructure related to the field of Islamic Studies in the UK and Oxford in particular
- A readiness to participate in the wider intellectual and social life of the Centre.
- Extensive library experience, minimum of 5 years in a paid position, possibly with varying tasks
- Experience in writing reports
- Meticulousness, with high attention to detail
- Excellent interpersonal skills.
- Ability to collaborate as part of a team.
- Ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously
Desirable:
- Cataloguing experience and knowledge of relevant cataloguing standards (AACR2/MARC/RDA)
- Very good knowledge and experience with library management systems
- Knowledge of Persian and/or Urdu.
- Knowledge of Data Protection legislation and understanding of Information Security.
- Experience with managing budgets.
- Interest and experience in managing Special Collections, including manuscripts, early printed books and archival material.
- A professional qualification in librarianship or information science.
To Apply
If you feel you are a suitable candidate and would like to work for this reputable Centre, please do not hesitate to apply.