Information Consultant at HSRC (Human Sciences Research Council)

Job Advert Summary    

The Information Consultant provides pro-active and ongoing information support to HSRC employees. This requires an in-depth understanding and insight in the work of the researchers and an interest in the areas of research being undertaken by the HSRC. The successful candidate will be required to identify, analyse, package, and deliver research information and solutions by conducting literature searches and compiling

information packages. The Information Consultant will further be responsible for information literacy training and in doing so, empower research staff to access the available information resources through the HSRC’s Library Access Portal.

• Dedication and commitment beyond the normal call of duty is often required to maintain constant communication with patrons and to ensure that services are rendered within the timelines of research projects.
• The services rendered by Information Consultants are embedded in research projects. It is essential to have and to keep abreast of developments and trends related to electronic resources specifically, but eResearch and scholarship support services generally.

Minimum Requirements    

• Bachelor of Information Studies or equivalent degree plus at least 5 years’ experience or an Honours
• / or equivalent degree with at least 3 - 4 years’ experience in the field of librarianship.
• Experience in an academic or research library environment. Experience in the Social Sciences
• research environment will be an added advantage.
• Solid knowledge and experience in the use of academic electronic information resources.
• Experience in training users on the use of information databases, bibliographic management tools
• and information research methodologies.
• Working knowledge of MS Office.
• Proficiency in speaking and writing English.
• Good communication skills and a client satisfaction orientation.
• Ability to work well in a team, as well as under pressure.

Duties & Responsibilities    

• Maintain an embedded relationship with and provide ongoing support to researchers by conducting
• thorough literature searches, sourcing information materials, and attending to reference enquiries.
• Provide current awareness service by conducting environmental scanning and alerting researchers
• to resources and services according to their subject areas.
• Provide information literacy training, including training on the use of electronic resources.
• Contribute towards the development of the HSRC’s Information Resource Collection.
• Assist with the academic impact assessment of HSRC-authored research outputs.
• Contribute to the marketing of eRKC products and services.
• Raise awareness about solutions and services offered by the Information Services Unit.
• Identify new practices as part of growth and business practice improvement.
• Achieve own personal development plan with the focus on continuous development and contribute
• to the development of other colleagues in the eRKC.