PURPOSE OF THE POSITION:

The purpose of this position is to provide a general information service to academic staff, undergraduate and honours students and library visitors; to provide informal instruction and assistance in identifying relevant information sources; to accompany library visitors; to handle technical enquiries as well as room bookings and to identify gaps in the collection and make recommendations for acquisition.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

1.       General Information Services

• The provision of a general information service to academic staff, undergraduates, postgraduate students and library visitors by making use of the latest databases and subject-related information sources.
• Assistance with the location and sending of already identified articles to postgraduates and other users.
•  Assistance with the location of books on the shelves.
• Continuous library orientation to visitors and students / academic staff from other universities visiting the campus.
• Provide occasional support at branch libraries

2.       Basic Information Literacy Training

• Observation of all users at workstations for pro-active assistance.
• Continuous instruction and orientation to visitors, undergraduate and honours students in the use of the library and information sources
• Conduct individual training for students and staff
• Assist Faculty Librarians with training in ALDE/ALDA
•  Assistance to users when experiencing problems with MS Word, eFundi, and PowerPoint as well as other technical problems whilst completing their assignments or downloading information
• Assist with training in the residences in the evenings
• Assist with Distance Education students

3.       Technical Support

• Booking of training rooms/collaborative rooms
• Assistance with technical problems as experienced in the Information Commons
• Technical care of the public workstations and printers regarding the provision of paper and toners
• Assistance with technical problems as experienced in the public information area
• Formal reporting of all printer and computer problems (CALL IT).

4.       Collection Building

• Identification of gaps in the information collection as they become evident during information supply. 
• Selection and recommendation of suitable resources for acquisition by Faculty Librarians
• Participate in weeding and shelf reading

5.       Marketing and Advocacy

• Participate in all Library Events including Orientation and Open Days
• Conduct marketing campaigns and awareness of the Teaching and Learning Commons
• Assist with surveys and interviews

6.       Administrative and ad hoc tasks

• Ad hoc tasks as required by the supervisor of Information Commons or Manager of the Department
• Capturing of personal statistics regarding information supply on Insights
• Assisting with student assistants training

• Bachelor of Library & Information Science (BLIS)/ B. Info (NQF Level 7)
• B degree plus postgraduate diploma qualification in Library and/or Information Science/ Advanced diploma in Library and Information Science

ADDED RECOMMENDATION

• Membership with the Library and Information Association of South Africa (LIASA).

EXPERIENCE

• A minimum of 2 years’ experience in general information service to academic users on different levels
• 2 years of knowledge of the academic structure of the University
• 2 years of service in, as many sections of Academic Library as possible

KEY FUNCTIONAL/ TECHNICAL COMPETENCIES:

• Knowledge of different printed and electronic information sources, including the search logic thereof
• Computer literate with sound knowledge of MS Office, Groupwise and web technology
• Effective handling of technical problems regarding computers and printers
• Good communication and interpersonal skills
• Demonstration of language proficiency in order to function optimally in the various multilingual environments of the NWU
• The ability to function as part of a team or independently
• The ability to interact with users on different levels and to assess users’ information literacy skills

BEHAVIOURAL COMPETENCIES:

• Strong inclination towards client services
• Be helpful and show empathy
• Be able to function under pressure
• Good judgement and creative approach to solving problems

REMUNERATION:

The annual total remuneration package will be commensurate with the level of appointment as advertised and in line with the NWU policy guidelines. 

ENQUIRIES REGARDING JOB CONTENT MAY BE DIRECTED TO:                     Mr Kgasane Gist Seemela, Tel: 018 389 2826

ENQUIRIES REGARDING RECRUITMENT PROCESS MAY BE DIRECTED TO:    Dolly Lebepe, Tel: 018 299 4936

CLOSING DATE:                                                                                                 05 November 2024

PLANNED COMMENCEMENT OF DUTIES:                                                         As soon as possible

Kindly take note: applications must be submitted online through the official NWU vacancy website.

Incomplete applications and those submitted through any other platform will not be considered.

The University subscribes to and applies the principles of Employment Equity (EE) Act and is committed to transformation. Preference will be given to candidates from the designated groups, in accordance with the principles of the EE Act and NWU Employment Equity Plan.

The University reserves the right not to make an appointment. Communication will be limited to shortlisted candidates only.

If you are not contacted within two months from the closing date of this advertisement, please accept that your application was unsuccessful.