User Services & Engagement Librarian GSM London

Transcription

1 User Services & Engagement Librarian GSM London 30,000 to 35,000 per annum, depending on experience Based at our Greenwich and Greenford Campuses Applications close Friday 24 April 2015, 5:00 PM GSM London is the UK s largest independent provider of higher education degrees with a 40 year history of widening participation. We empower students from diverse backgrounds, offering flexible programmes and a supportive student experience, through which they can flourish and succeed. We deliver employment-focused degrees, validated by Plymouth University, one of the UK s top 10 modern universities and nurture relationships with prospective employers who value our diverse student body as prospective employees. With locations in historic Greenwich, London Bridge and Greenford West London, we offer a high level of flexibility for our students. Our vision is to provide high-quality degree programmes designed to enhance the employability of our students. Our strategy relies on the provision of an outstanding student experience, with real insight into the characteristics of a very diverse student body. We have educated over 20,000 students from London, the UK and internationally - a testament to our commitment to reach out to a wider London student base as well as those from across the world. We have an exciting opportunity for a User Services & Engagement Librarian to join our growing organisation. Within this newly created role, you will lead an established team of two (2) Assistant Librarians and the Learning Resources Assistants they manage, and oversee the operations of the Learning Resources Centres at Greenwich and Greenford and additional study spaces across campuses, in support of the effective management of Library & Information services (LIS) within GSM London. These include both physical and online resources, print and electronic collections, information skills support and academic liaison. This position will be responsible for the provision of services to support teaching, learning and research, ensuring that high-level customer support, expert assistance and an excellent user experience is at the heart of all aspects of service delivery and development. The post is expected to work closely with other Library & Information Services staff, faculty representatives and other professional departments to foster and promote user engagement with library services, employing principles of data-driven, user-centred design to evaluate and improve existing services, and research and implement new initiatives, to effectively meet the needs of students and staff across the institution. To be successful, you will need to be postgraduate degree qualified in Library/Information Science or a related discipline and demonstrate extensive experience in a similar management role within academic or specialised library service environments. You will possess superior customer service and communication skills, initiative and have the ability to be planned and organised in a busy environment. In addition you will be proficient in the management of enquiry and circulation services, operation of library management systems, and the promotion and publicity of Library services and initiatives. Your knowledge and experience of service evaluation methods and practices will be highly regarded. Please note: This role may require occasional flexibility in working hours in order to deliver user education, or during peak times and times of need in order to support the opening hours of our Learning Resources Centres which operate from 8.30 am 9.00 pm Monday to Friday and on occasional weekends. How to apply: To express your interest in this position click the APPLY button below to view the Job description on our website and submit your application. Applications should include a full CV and a covering letter addressing the selection criteria under the knowledge, skill and experience requirements section of the Job description. Job Description Page 1

2 Job description Job title: User Services & Engagement Librarian Team: Library & Information Services (LIS) Main Location: Greenwich/Greenford with flexibility to work across sites Department: Academic Status: Permanent, Full time, 40 hours per week Reports to: Head of Library & Information Services Direct reports: Assistant Librarians x2 Departmental budget holder: No Position context: GSM London is the UK s largest independent provider of higher education degrees with a 40 year history of widening participation. We empower students from diverse backgrounds, offering flexible programmes and a supportive student experience, through which they can flourish and succeed. We deliver employment-focused degrees, validated by Plymouth University, one of the UK s top 10 modern universities and nurture relationships with prospective employers who value our diverse student body as prospective employees. With locations in historic Greenwich, London Bridge and Greenford West London, we offer a high level of flexibility for our students. Our vision is to provide high-quality degree programmes designed to enhance the employability of our students. Our strategy relies on the provision of an outstanding student experience, with real insight into the characteristics of a very diverse student body. We have educated over 20,000 students from London, the UK and internationally - a testament to our commitment to reach out to a wider London student base as well as those from across the world. Position purpose: The User Services & Engagement Librarian leads an established team of two Assistant Librarians and the Learning Resources Assistants at Greenwich and Greenford and oversees the operations of the Learning Resources Centres and additional study spaces across campuses, in support of the effective management of Library and Information services within GSM London. These include both physical and online resources, print and electronic collections, information skills support and academic liaison. This position will be responsible for the provision of services to support teaching, learning and research, ensuring that high-level customer support, expert assistance and an excellent user experience is at the heart of all aspects of service delivery and development. The post is expected to work closely with other Library & Information Services staff, faculty representatives and other professional departments to foster and promote user engagement with library services, employing principles of data-driven, user-centred design to evaluate and improve existing services, and research and implement new initiatives, to effectively meet the needs of students and staff across the institution. Position accountabilities: Accountability Service delivery Manage and develop the operations of the Learning Resources Centres and additional study spaces across all sites, ensuring a smooth and consistent delivery. Liaise with other professional departments to ensure provision of joined-up, customer-focussed services and that facilities, including IT equipment are maintained and supported to meet the needs of users. Manage and develop the provision of enquiries desk and circulation services, Job Description Page 2

3 Accountability including inter-library loans, in line with the curriculum support and research requirements of students and staff. Ensure the smooth operation of all stock circulation systems and procedures including the Library Management System and self-service loan technology, recording and resolving service disruptions swiftly and promptly. Provide advice and assistance to GSM students and staff in the effective use of printed and electronic information sources for study, teaching and research; and associated copyright matters. Develop, deliver and evaluate induction programmes and training/awareness briefings for students and staff. Design and evaluate guides and learning materials in a variety of suitable formats. Coordinate Library promotional and publicity initiatives, including social media presence, print and online publications, service announcements across multiple media, displays, and stakeholder engagement activities. Assist in the liaison with academic staff to ensure appropriate information resources and effective information skills are delivered to meet programme specific requirements. Contribute to delivery of library inputs to academic staff development events and programmes such as PGCAP. Represent the department at student/staff consultative committees and other appropriate forums to gain feedback and explain services. Actively participate in the coordination and development of services including collection development and management, and other initiatives in line with the department s strategic objectives. Maintain an awareness of current developments in the relevant information and technology areas. Reporting Develop and maintain performance and quality assurance monitoring and reporting systems for Library services. Continuous Improvement Coordinate the collection of data on user feedback and use of study environments, loan services and related resources. Collate and analyse statistics and report findings to inform strategic developments. Assist with statistical benchmarking of library facilities and services against the sector and identified comparator groups. Complete end-of- month and ad hoc reporting for the team. Develop documentation of best practice, procedures, policies and guidelines. Identify and suggest emerging amendments to policies and procedures in areas where services can be enhanced or new initiatives introduced and collaboratively implement process improvements. Actively contribute to the planning, implementation and evaluation of new service initiatives, including participation on project groups, and ensure the effective operation of services once established. Identify and assist with implementation of enhancements to the physical fabric and study facilities of the Learning Resources Centres and additional study spaces across all sites. Maintain an awareness of curriculum developments in the institution, of learning and teaching styles and how they impact on information resources and services, through liaison with other senior librarians and Faculty Library Representatives. People Management Recruit, manage, develop and retain staff; growing staff satisfaction, engagement and retention. Actively manage performance requirements of team members to ensure key performance outcomes are achieved and training needs identified. Act as mentor to the LIS team, providing guidance and subject expertise. Job Description Page 3

4 Accountability Stakeholder Engagement Build and maintain strong relationships with all key internal and external stakeholders. Clearly communicate information to stakeholders. Communicate stakeholder expectations to the team and monitor to ensure these are met and maintained. Develop and lead user satisfaction and engagement initiatives including focus groups and the LIBQUAL+ or other surveys. Contribute to user-centred action planning in response to NSS and other externally benchmarked survey results. Initiate or participate in activities which will enhance the Library s services as well as contribute to the wider GSM community and raise the department s and organisation s profile. Health and Safety Holds responsibility to avoid action that could threaten the health or safety of themselves, other employees, customers or members of the public. GSM London good citizenship Hold personal accountability to ensure continual focus on enhancing the student experience through actions, words and behaviour. Our students are the most important members of our institution and must be treated as such. Key stakeholders: Internal: All GSM London Students Academic department staff at all levels E-learning, Information Technology and Employability departments; and other professional services External: External suppliers and vendors of print and electronic resources and equipment Information professionals at partner institutions Professional bodies e.g. CILIP, SCONUL Compliance authorities e.g. CLA, NLA, ERA Knowledge, skill and experience requirements: Essential: Postgraduate qualification in Library/Information science or related discipline. Demonstrated experience in a similar management role with 5 years equivalent experience within an academic higher education or specialised library service. Demonstrated experience of coordinating library promotion and engagement activities. Demonstrated knowledge and experience of library service evaluation methods and practices. An understanding of learning, teaching and research and the requirements of users from a variety of backgrounds. Excellent knowledge of higher education library services and current issues and challenges within the sector. Demonstrated experience delivering user education/ information skills training and associated support materials. Demonstrated knowledge/technical understanding of current social media platforms and tools Proven ability to effectively lead and manage teams. Proven ability to develop and enhance services in response to stakeholder feedback. Proven ability to effect change and develop and implement changes and processes. Demonstrated ability to synthesise a range of data A high degree of self-motivation and the ability to motivate others. Job Description Page 4

5 Well-developed oral and written communication skills. Demonstrated ability to prepare standard commercial business correspondence, reports and documents. Demonstrated ability to be well planned and organised in a busy working environment. Proficient computer literacy including competent use of library management systems, Microsoft Office and relevant library applications such as discovery search, reference management software etc. Commitment to contribute to the strategic aims of the institution. Desirable: Demonstrated experience of collection development work across print and e-resources Demonstrated subject and/ or resource knowledge relevant to business/ legal education. Demonstrated project management experience. Demonstrated knowledge of data driven decision making and user-centred design principles and practices. Demonstrated knowledge of online reading list tools. Demonstrated experience of inter-library loan services. Demonstrated knowledge of digitisation services. Demonstrated knowledge and ability to operate automated library systems and learning management systems/ VLEs. Key behaviours: Customer focus Leadership Results orientation Team orientation Integrity Initiative Time management Planning and organising Flexibility Attention to detail Problem solving and decision making Individually motivated and the ability to motivate others Use of computers and technology Job Description Page 5