Information Librarian: Natural and Applied Sciences (P8) at Sol Plaatje University

We seek to fill the position of Information Librarian. The purpose of this role is to provide an effective service to users, which includes technical and user services in the following areas: collection development, cataloguing, circulation management, user education and training, research support, policy and procedure development, etc. Also foster relationships with community organisations and public users to promote healthy cooperation between the university and its communities.

Minimum Requirements    

•  Degree in Library and Information Sciences
•  At least five years working experience in an Academic Library, preferably in a Higher Education environment.
•  Understands the operations and affairs of a Library environment.
•  Computer literate.

Recommendations    

•  Postgraduate Degree in Library and Information Science would be and added advantage
•  Advanced knowledge of printed and electronic sources
•  Knowledge and experience in developing online information literacy learning material.
•  Knowledge of information literacy instructional strategies
•  Advanced level of computer literacy with sound knowledge of MS Office, LibGuides and web technology
•  Knowledge of the latest developments regarding information technology in academic libraries
•  Excellent interpersonal skills and communication skills
•  Knowledge of the research process and impact metrics
•  Knowledge of open science, data literacy, data management, open access, and scholarly communication

Duties & Responsibilities    

• Assess collections regularly to identify gaps and liaise with academic staff:
• Determine information needs of academic departments
• Recommend new publications to Schools through circulating catalogues and other notices
• Inform academics on arrival of new books/orders
• Benchmark collections to ensure quality and relevance
• Supporting learning, teaching and research activities of the relevant client groups positively;
• Facilitating the information access process
• Contribute to shelving and shelf-reading
• Attend and participate in School Library Committee Meetings and School Board Meetings
• Attend School/Faculty research symposiums, workshops and seminars
• Develop staff research profiles
• Assist researchers with research data management
• Assist in identifying health, safety and security risks
• Inform health and safety representatives and Library management about any health and safety issue
• Ensure a safe environment for all staff and users in the Library
• Ensure that health and safety rules and procedures are adhered to
• Ensure that users and staff are aware of emergency procedures and policies
• Participate in new policy development and the update of existing policies and procedures
• Participate in the update of Library rules and regulations for publication
• Assist with the orientation of new staff and students on Library systems and databases
• Conduct regular information literacy training
• Develop a training calendar for the School/Faculty
• Conduct a needs analysis survey
• Develop training manual
• Develop LibGuides and other guides to assist students and staff
• Train Lecturers on the use of systems and databases
• Research support
• Keep abreast of latest developments in own discipline and needs of the School
• Keep abreast of developments in professional conduct within the discipline
• Register as a member of professional bodies to keep abreast of all developments (where appropriate)
• Engage in current professional development activities e.g. acquire further qualifications and ongoing development required by professional body
• Attend and participate in professional activities
• Participate in community outreach activities
• Develop relevant reports as and when required
• Implement best practices
• Communicate and consult with relevant stakeholders
• Participating in organisational initiatives/project