JOB PURPOSE

The Librarian in the Information Services (IS) Unit provides Information Services to students and staff of Taylor’s University and College. The Group Leader is responsible for supervise and coordinate the IS activities with the team. The team is responsible for providing comprehensive Information Services duties such as the provision of reference services; Information Literacy (IL); developing online and print research guides and instructional materials; promoting library collections and services to academics and students; and develop subject specific library collection development to meet the needs of the staff and students of each school. The development of the subject specific library collection is based on Taylor’s University curriculum and research directions.

The position is also accountable for actively pursuing ways to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of services and facilities and maintain the comfort and safe study area for library users.

Work is performed under administrative direction and performance is based upon completion of assignments and results obtained. The performance evaluation is conducted through the performance evaluation system in accordance with the University Policies and Procedures and is based on the accomplishment of defined objectives and the effectiveness of the assigned library functions.

KEY RESULT AREAS / RESPONSIBILITIES

Supervise and coordinate the Reference Services

• Support efficient reference services to students and staff in person, on the phone, and via email
• Assist students and staff in the use of print and electronic resources collection
• Assign incoming reference inquiries and maintain a database to track those inquiries.
• Provide individual consultation and advice to students and staff
• Support staff and students of designated programs regarding their research or assignment interests
• Perform adequacy studies in subject specific areas of increasing research interest
• Participate in social media service such as updating the Facebook and Instagram as schedule

Provision as the Liaison Librarian for specific Schools and assisting with User Education development and activities for the library

Supervise and coordinate the Information Literacy (IL)

• Research, prepare and conduct IL classes such as Library catalogue, specific online resources, research skills and other relevant classes.
• Collaborate with lecturers from specific programme to organise IL classes and research skills to students.
• Develop online tutorials and information literacy tools for students

Collection Development:

Supervise and coordinate the development of subject specific collection and reading list for new and existing programmes

• Develop up-to-date textbook and recommended reading, reference, research materials through the selection and purchase of physical books, audio-visual, serials and online resources such as e-books, e-journals and databases
• Engage the lecturers in an activity to promote and develop the school resources
• Optimise the yearly budget allocation for specific programme and school

Supervise and coordinate the promotion and marketing

• Initiate campus wide promotion of library services such as reference services, information literacy, collection development and research skills classes
• Plans and organizes special programs involving the use of library resources.

Supervise and coordinate the online and print Information Services guides 

• Develop an online subject, research guides and instructional materials to Library resources
• Develop print and online resource guides to Library resources.

Provision to assist with analysis of the utilisation of the library resources, including online resources and new acquisitions, preparation of reports as required by the Head Librarian

Provision of the Lending Services operation and administrative task

• Supervise the Library operation on Saturday and as and when required
• Assist the Head Librarian with the administrative task for the specific Unit

Contribute to the continuous improvement of the Unit

• Contribute, evaluate and make recommendations to improve work processes and the development and adherence to relevant Taylor’s University and College policies and procedures
• Contribute suggestions for improvements to the Information Services unit through participation in discussions and workshops
• Report on the achievement of the unit priorities and meet the quality standard specified in the yearly Library priorities targets
• Report on and meet quality standards specified in the unit KPIs

Perform other duties as assigned

Other Duties

• Prepare monthly, quarterly report, six-monthly and yearly reports for the unit
• Undertake shift work (night duty, Saturday, Sunday, public holiday) as and when required.

KEY COMPETENCIES

• Library technical skills
• Strategic thinking
• Financial management
• Communication skills
• Managing relationships
• Managing performance and risk
• Planning & organising skills
• Problem-solving skills
• Results and achievement focus

JOB SPECIFICATIONS

Minimum Qualification

• Bachelor's degree in related disciplines, preferably experience in providing information services in the University Library.

Related Experience

• Minimum three (3) years of working with good knowledge and some experience with Reference and Information Literacy in an academic library
• Additional requirements include demonstrated ability to provide leadership in the delivery of a campus-wide information literacy program
• Strong knowledge of print and electronic information resources
• Knowledge of professional collection development and serials management and experience in providing virtual reference service
• Knowledge of an integrated library management system
• Experience providing reference in an academic library

Competencies

• Sound knowledge of international cataloguing and classification standards (e.g. AAC2R, DDC, LC Subject Headings, MARC21) and online vendors.
• Knowledge of Information Services rules, guidelines and developments.
• Knowledge of Integrated Library Management System, especially with Lending Services acquisition and cataloguing module.
• Good communication skills, including oral and written
• Ability to manage a team of staff, motivate staff and provide feedback and development opportunities
• Ability to learn and effectively apply policies and procedures, guidelines and precedents in making decisions.
• High-level interpersonal skills, including an ability to interact with a diversity of individuals from both within and outside Taylor’s University and College.
• Good organisational skills, including the ability to prioritise work, ability to work effectively with limited supervision or as part of a team and perform well under pressure.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks, deal efficiently with conflicting deadlines, prioritise workloads and execute tasks at short notice.
• IT skills: Microsoft Office software (MS Word and MS Excel, MS Access and MS PowerPoint)
• Well-organized and meticulous
• High level of written and verbal communication skills