Assistant Librarian (N000221) at North West University

Apply by: 15 November 2026

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES: 

General Information Service

• The provision of a general information service to academic staff, undergraduates, postgraduate students and library visitors by making use of the latest databases and subject-related information sources. 
• Assistance with the location and sending of already identified articles to postgraduates and other users.
• Assistance with the location of books on the shelves.
• Continuous library orientation to visitors and students / academic staff from other universities visiting the campus.
• Provide occasional support at branch libraries
• Assist with ILL and Document Delivery Services.

Basic Information Literacy Training

• Observation of all users at workstations for pro-active assistance.
• Continuous instruction and orientation to visitors, undergraduate and honours students in the use of the library and information sources.
• Conduct individual training for students and staff
• Assist Faculty Librarians with training in ALDE/ALDA
• Assistance to users when experiencing problems with MS Word, eFundi, and PowerPoint as well as other technical problems whilst completing their assignments or downloading information
• Assist with training in the residences in the evenings
• Assist with Distance Education students.

Technical Support

• Booking of training rooms/collaborative rooms
• Assistance with technical problems as experienced in the Teaching and Learning Commons
• Technical care of the public workstations and printers regarding the provision of paper and toners
• Assistance with technical problems as experienced in the public information area
• Formal reporting of all printer and computer problems (CALL IT).

Collection Building

• Identification of gaps in the information collection as they become evident during information supply.
• Selection and recommendation of suitable resources for acquisition by Librarians: Faculty Services.
• Participate in weeding and shelf reading.

Marketing and Advocacy

• Participate in all Library Events including Orientation and Open Days
• Conduct marketing campaigns and awareness of the Teaching and Learning Commons
• Assist with surveys and interviews. 

Administrative and ad hoc tasks

• Ad hoc tasks as required by the Librarian or the Manager.
• Capturing of personal statistics regarding information supply on Insights.
• Assisting with student assistants training.

Minimum requirements

• A Bachelor of Library and Information Science, Bachelor of Information Science, or a Bachelor's degree with a Postgraduate Diploma in Library and Information Science (NQF Level 8).
• A minimum of two (2) years' experience in providing general information services to academic users at different levels.
• Membership with the Library and Information Association of South Africa (LIASA).

ADDED ADVANTAGE:

• Additional Information Sciences qualification.
• Knowledge of the academic structure of the University.
• Service in as many sections of Academic Library as possible

KEY FUNCTIONAL/ TECHNICAL COMPETENCIES:

• Knowledge of different printed and electronic information sources, including the search logic thereof
• Computer literate with sound knowledge of MS Office, Groupwise and web technology
• Effective handling of technical problems regarding computers and printers
• Good communication and interpersonal skills
• Demonstration of language proficiency in order to function optimally in the various multilingual environments of the NWU
• The ability to function as part of a team or independently
• The ability to interact with users on different levels and to assess users’ information literacy skills.

 BEHAVIOURAL COMPETENCIES

• Strong inclination towards client services
• Be helpful and show empathy
• Be able to function under pressure
• Good judgement and creative approach to solving problems.