PURPOSE OF THE POSITION:

The purpose of this position is to ensure that library service quality is maintained during the evening shift by providing general circulation, and information services to library users including undergraduate, and postgraduate students, support staff and research/ academic staff; to provide basic and advanced instruction and assistance in identifying relevant information sources; to handle technical enquiries; and to help monitor student activities and oversee student assistants in the evening shift. This role is primarily for the evenings.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

1.       Circulation Services

• Checking material in and out at the Circulation Desk as well as at the Reserve Section.
• Renewal of books at the Circulation Desk as well as telephonically.
• Collecting fines
• Reconciling and safeguarding cash received before the end of the evening shift.
• To orientate and promote library DIY services (Self-check machine, renewals, DD, ILL etc.
• Administration of ILL and Document Delivery requests.
• Administration and maintenance of Holds (Library System Management (WMS) and Hold shelf).
• Administration of overnight loans.
• Administration of Letters of Introduction.
• Training and orientation of student assistants
• Prepare evening evening shift timetable/ roster

2.       Information Services

• The provision of general information service training to undergraduates by using the catalogue, online journal databases and other subject-related information sources. 
• The provision of advanced information services training to university staff members, postgraduate students and other library patrons after hours.
• Assistance to users when experiencing problems with MS Word, learning management system (eFundi), PowerPoint as well as other technical problems whilst doing research or downloading information (eBooks, articles etc.).

3.       Technical Assistance

• Roving and observation of all users at workstations for proactive assistance.
• Monitoring computer usage when all workstations are occupied to ensure that academic work gets preference.
• Assisting in the management of student behaviour and noise level in the library.
• Administration and distribution of additional equipment such as HDMI, VGA cables, markers etc. to patrons for seminar rooms.
• Library patrons’ seminar room dispute/ conflict resolution (Libcal)
• To ensure that all electronic equipment has been switched off/ taps are closed before the end of the evening shift.
• Assistance, technical care and maintenance of the computers and workstations in the library (circulations desk, Catalogue, Teaching & Learning, Honours & Research Commons.
• Assistance, technical care and maintenance of the printers in Teaching & Learning, Honours & Research Commons:  paper and cartridges.
• Log Call IT/ Library systems to report circulations/ printer/ computer problems.

4.       Administrative Duties

• Recording desktop statistics (LibInsight).
• Administration of queries via telephone, e-mail (PC-Circulations, INTERBIB) and lib Answers.
• Checking out of locker and room keys.
• Ensure locking the Research and Honours Commons.
• Supervise student assistants in the evening.
• Administration of student assistants’ attendance registers.
•  Administration and report incidents during the evening (call Protection services and record incidents in the circulations incident register).
• Administration and monitor library projects assigned to both permanent evening staff and student assistants.

5.       Collection Development

• Identification of gaps in the information collection as they become evident during information supply. 
• Selection and recommendation of suitable resources for acquisition to Librarians: Faculty Services

6.       Ad Hoc

• Perform ad-hoc activities assigned by the Manager Research and Learning Services and Information Services.
• Participate in the LIS OHS committee
• Participate in library marketing and outreach events

• A Bachelor of Library & Information Science or Bachelor of Information Science or a bachelor’s degree in any field of study with an Advanced Diploma in Library and Information Science (NQF Level 7)

ADDED RECOMMENDATION

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

EXPERIENCE

• 2 years of experience in circulations, and general information service to academic users on different levels in a library
• 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 Circulations module/ Interlibrary loans TIPASA and Document Delivery (WMS Library Management System)
• Knowledge of different printed and electronic information sources, including the search logic thereof
• Computer literate with sound knowledge of MS Office, Email and Intranet
• Effective handling of technical problems regarding computers and printers
• Good communication and interpersonal skills
• Demonstration of language proficiency 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.
•  Ability to work with diverse users.

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 Martin Nokoane, Tel: 018 389 2783

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

CLOSING DATE:                                                                                                 10 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.