JOB DESCRIPTION POST: Senior Library Assistant LOCATION: An Education Authority School RESPONSIBLE TO: The Principal through the designated line manager RESPONSIBLE FOR: Library Assistant(s) JOB PURPOSE: Under the direction of the line manager the post holder will manage, develop and promote the delivery of library services within the school, by providing services to meet the learning, information, leisure and cultural needs of the teaching staff and pupils. FUNCTIONAL LINKS Libraries NI School Library Services Pupils, teachers and ancillary staff within the school Public Library network Other Post-Primary schools Supplier’s representatives MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Supervision - Allocate, control and monitor work of library assistants. (Supervision is defined as having full permanent accountability for planning and co-ordinating the quantity and quality of work as well as managing issues relating to discipline and welfare.) - Identify and provide on the job training to appropriate staff. Management of Services - Assist with the development, implementation and evaluation of school library policy in line with the educational aims and objectives. - Manage the library resource budget and assist with the preparation of financial estimates. - Compile reports and statistics, as required. - Assist with the selection and management of all stock within the library. Delivery of Services - Guide and assist teaching staff/pupils to make best use of library services and facilities through: - Supporting the development of pupils’ information handling and ICT skills - Effective use of print and electronic resources (e.g. books, CD ROM and the Internet) - Maintaining a high level of resource awareness relating to relevant course/subject area - Promoting and marketing the library within the school - Appropriate strategies for the selection of information resources to undertake assignments both within the school and the wider community - Introducing and explaining relevant library services, rules and regulations to new and existing users - Registering users - Encourage the reading of both fiction and non-fiction for enjoyment - Manage the smooth delivery of the service through: - Carrying out routine procedures associated with the ordering, receipt and distribution of materials and payment of invoices - Shelving, filing, tidying, stocktaking and routine maintenance of books and other resources - Circulation via a manual or automated library management system e.g. issue, discharge, renewal and request procedures for all resources - Preparation of materials and collections for use, distribution or disposal - Keyboarding/word processing information as appropriate - Maintaining the library database - Ensure that all services are provided to consistently high standards and comply with current school policy and procedures. - Set up and re-organise the library, e.g. moving and re-organising stock, materials, furniture and equipment, as required. - Communicate with external agencies to ensure that use is made of material and information provided by key support services and outside organisations. - Maintain regular contact with Libraries NI school library services and ensure a regular input of new stock, quality project material and audio-visual resources. Staff Development - Attend and participate in training and staff development programmes in compliance with the school Staff Development Policy. - Co-operate as required in the introduction, development and operation of any Information Communications Technology relevant to the grade. - Keep abreast of initiatives and developments at national level within education and school library services. - Deliver training on managerial and operational aspects of the school library. Environment - Maintain an orderly, safe and welcoming environment for users in accordance with School Health and Safety policy. - Ensure that all equipment is handled with care, maintained according to school policy, properly secured and that the inventory is accurate and up to date. - Implement school policy relating to overdue books and financial handling procedures, where appropriate. Such other duties as may be assigned within the level of this post. This job description will be subject to review in light of changing circumstances and is not intended to be rigid and inflexible but should be regarded as providing guidelines within which the individual works. Other duties of a similar nature and appropriate to the grade may be assigned from time to time. In accordance with Section 75 of the Northern Ireland Act (1998), the post-holder is expected to promote good relations, equality of opportunity and pay due regard for equality legislation at all times. FLEXIBLE WORKING OPTIONS AVAILABLE OPTION 1 You are required to be on duty during school term plus two additional weeks. The timing of the two additional weeks is at the discretion of the Principal of the school. OR OPTION 2 You are required to be on duty for the contracted weekly hours, working during periods of school closure except when on annual leave or other authorised absence. Duties will normally be provided by the school. However, where necessary, alternative work and/or training will be provided by the Authority at any other such place of employment as may be reasonably required. OR OPTION 3 To work as for option 2 with a further option to request periods of unpaid leave during extended school holidays or closures. To view the summary of terms and conditions click here. To learn about the many great benefits of joining the Education Authority, click here