PURPOSE OF THE POSITION:

The purpose of the position of Manager: Information Services is to support the Director: Information & Learning Services in strategic planning; by ensuring that optimal information support is delivered to students, researchers and staff of the NWU through effective and innovative delivery of information; to ensure that relevant and current information sources are available, to coordinate training and to apply quality assurance with a strong on-going customer focus.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

1.     Leadership and Human Resources Management in Information Services:

• Provide leadership to staff at the Information Services Section of the library.
• Conduct skills audits and identify training opportunities for staff in the section. 
• Manage and apply the NWU performance management system, comprising of recruitment, selection, appointment, appraisal, development plans, further training, and more of Information Services staff members.
• Actively participate in actions to align Library Services on the three campuses by involving staff members from Information Services in task teams and activities.
• Personal development of staff members.

2.     Oversee the participation of Information Services in the provision of cutting-edge resources and services to the university:

• Oversee collection analysis, evaluation and benchmarking of library resources to ensure that they meet the requirements of the curriculum.
• Coordinate the planning of information literacy (IL) programmes.
• Manage the provision of ALDE/ALDA classes on the assigned campus.
• Coordinate and review IL training offered to students and staff. 
• Ensure all Faculty Librarians submit required reports to LIS Management and Faculties
• Manage the statistics collection of each member of the Information and Learning Services team on campus.
• Coordinate the provision of resources for IL programmes.
• Collaborate using existing educational technologies to reach on-campus and distance students.
• To provide faculty librarian services to an assigned faculty.
• Ensure that faculty budgets are utilised.
• Conduct regular meetings with key stakeholders in Teaching and Learning on the campus. 

3.     Strategic planning and implementation:

• Participate in the strategic planning of the Library Services. 
• Provide monthly, quarterly, and annual reports on progress made on the Department's Operational Plan.
• Support the maintenance of the Risk Management plan regarding issues relating to Information Services.
• Participate in the drawing up of annual plans for Information and Learning Services.
• Initiate and manage projects as required.
• Design operational plans and models to drive projects as required.
• Assign relevant people on merit to conduct project tasks.

4.     Relationship building and customer care:

• Maintain effective communication with all stakeholders.
• Actively communicate and liaise with colleagues and stakeholders.
• Collaborate to increase the number of community engagement activities and access to NWU expertise.
• Collaborate with SCC and SRC on identified projects.

5.     Quality Management:

• Provide quality support to NWU students and staff members.
• Benchmark between campus libraries and on a national and international level in terms of standards, best practices, and user evaluation. 
• Contribute to the Library quality manual.
• Conduct regular surveys and participate in professional association surveys.
• Participate in OHS committees.
• Promote the evaluation of library services.

6.     Personal development:

• Remain abreast of trends and developments in the LIS sector.
• Collaborate with the Senior Manager: Outreach, Projects, and Quality on specific projects.
• Participation in professional organisations.
• Develop personal development plans for assigned staff.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

·          An honours’ degree (NQF level 8) in Library and Information Science or a bachelor’s degree (NQF level 7) in any field of study with a postgraduate qualification in Library and Information Science.

·          A minimum of 5 years' advanced library experience in Information and Learning Services in a university library.

·          A minimum of 2 years’ supervision experience in a university library.

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

KEY FUNCTIONAL/ TECHNICAL COMPETENCIES:

·          Knowledge and understanding of the academic structure and research activities within a university.

·          Knowledge of the latest trends in information technology in libraries.

·          High level of computer skills and proficient in MS Office package.

·          Thorough knowledge of academic information resources and research tools.

·          Good understanding of the broader context of academic teaching and research environment.

·          Vision and strategic planning skills.

·          Personnel Management and - motivation

·          Good judgment, creative leadership, and decision-making.

·          Good report writing skills.

·          Good time management.

·          Research and analytical skills.

·          Good judgment and decision-making ability.

·          Understanding of the South African Higher Education landscape.

BEHAVIOURAL COMPETENCIES:

·          Good interpersonal skills.

·          Service ethic, creativity, and ability to provide a stimulating environment for staff and users.

·          Ability to interact with ease internally and externally.

·          Good handling of pressure and distribution of attention.

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:                    Dr Sabelo Chizwina, Tel: 016 910 3173

ENQUIRIES REGARDING RECRUITMENT PROCESS MAY BE DIRECTED TO:    Mr Zenyo Seboko, Tel: 018 299 4951

CLOSING DATE:                                                                                                      09 February 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.