Closing date: 29 November 2024
Our client in the Education sector is looking to recruit an Academic Librarian to support Student Support Centre libraries with key responsibilities such as resource management, information literacy instruction, research support, collaboration and outreach with community engagement.
Permanent position
Location: Pretoria/Durban
Working conditions: Hybrid (on-site)
Minimum Requirements:
The successful applicant will meet the following requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree in information systems management or information science
- Minimum 3 years experience in the tertiary education library environment
- A good understanding of academic library trends specifically in distance education
- Be skilled at literature searching and reference management
- Have experience with emerging technologies, particularly around information management, to support library users
- Subject-specific knowledge or expertise in a particular function, for example, ICT resources or resource ordering
Ideal Competencies:
The successful applicant will have the following competencies:
Information Literacy:
- Able to teach and promote information literacy skills, helping users locate, evaluate, and use information effectively.
Research Skills:
- Proficient in conducting research and familiar with various research methodologies, databases, and academic resources.
Communication Skills:
- Strong verbal and written communication skills to interact effectively with students, faculty, and staff, and to create instructional materials.
Technological Proficiency:
- Familiar with library management systems, digital resources, and emerging technologies, including data management tools and online learning platforms.
Customer Service Orientation:
- Committed to providing excellent service, understanding user needs, and fostering a welcoming environment.
Collaboration and Teamwork:
- Able to work collaboratively with the Head Librarian, faculty, staff, and other librarians to enhance library services and integrate resources into the curriculum.
Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving:
- Skills to analyze situations, identify challenges, and develop effective solutions for users.
Project Management:
- Able to plan, implement, and evaluate projects, including workshops, events, and new initiatives.
Adaptability and Lifelong Learning
- Willing to adapt to changing technologies and user needs, and a commitment to ongoing professional development
Duties:
- Resource Management: curate and manage a collection of resources, including books, journals, databases, and digital materials, ensuring that they meet the academic needs of the Student Support Centre community.
- Information Literacy Instruction: provide training and workshops to help students and faculty develop information literacy skills, enabling them to effectively locate, evaluate, and use information resources for their research and studies.
- Research Support: assist students and faculty in their research projects by offering personalised consultations, helping with literature searches, and providing guidance on citation management tools.
- Collaboration and Outreach: collaborate with faculty to integrate library resources into the curriculum and promote library services, ensuring that the campus community is aware of available resources. Technology Integration: Supports the use of technology in research and learning, helping users navigate digital tools and platforms that enhance their academic work.
- Community Engagement: fosters community within the library, organising events, workshops, and programs that encourage student engagement and support academic success.
- Assessment and Improvement: in collaboration with the Head Librarian, evaluate the effectiveness of library services and resources, using feedback to continuously improve offerings and adapt to the evolving needs of the campus community.