To apply for this post, please ensure you complete all sections of our online application form found at

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1 To apply for this post, please ensure you complete all sections of our online application form found at Job Description Job title Senior Assistant Librarian (Resources and Collections) Office Library Reference number 1775 Grade HL6 Starting Salary 18,090 pro rata (Full time equivalent 30,150). Term This post is fixed term for 12 months with the possibility of extension or permanency. This post is three days per week (24.6 hours). Scope of the job Background The House of Lords Library s primary function is to support the parliamentary work of Members of the House and the needs of House of Lords staff and Members researchers. Greatly valued by its users, it provides politically impartial reference and research services, and advice about and access to printed and online resources, to the highest possible standards of quality and timeliness. It is primarily a working Library, focusing on its core user group of some 600 active Members, and, in addition, it manages and safeguards the Library collections. These comprise a wide range of online resources and some 60,000 printed titles, including special collections of national significance. The role is based within the Information Management workstream, working to the Resources and Collections Librarian. However, the role will work closely with Library research staff working in the Information Provision workstream, who are important internal customers for the Library s resources. The research team produce briefings relating to the business of the House within tight timescales. More information about the Library is available on the Parliament website at: Main objective The Library s own research staff are a key customer for the print and online resources available through the Library. The main objective of this post is to support the development of resource services for Library research staff and to take responsibility for key areas of delivery of these services. This is expected to include promoting awareness of resources (particularly e-resources) through reading lists/bibliographies, blog posts, newsletter items, seminars and other activities. The post holder will also support the Resources and Collections Librarian and Head of Information Management through selection activities, management of customer feedback and updating selection guidance as required. 1 of 5

2 Key internal and external relationships RESTRICTED ACCESS TBC Members, Library staff, other House staff, House of Commons Library staff, suppliers Main responsibilities Line management and budgetary responsibilities There are currently no line management or budgetary responsibilities although this may be a future requirement of the post. Other responsibilities of the post 1. Resource support for Library research staff o Develop, and coordinate the production of, relevant and appropriate reading lists for Library research staff, to support the production of Library research publications within tight timescales o Support the delivery of the Library s Collections strategy and plan through responsibilities such as ensuring that guidance for staff selecting resources is up-to-date and clear and reviewing and revising templates used for selection, etc 2. Feedback management o Develop and manage an effective and efficient mechanism for capturing, recording and communicating feedback on the usefulness of resources, particularly from research staff, in order to support evidence-based expenditure on Library resources o Regular consultation with research staff, and others as required, on existing and proposed resource subscriptions to inform collection development decisions o Conduct routine user needs assessments for research staff 3. Promotion of resources to Library research staff o Active promotion of resources to Library research staff, particularly eresources and resources procured by the House of Commons Library available for use in the House of Lords also, including, but not limited to, producing newsletter items and SharePoint blog posts o Liaison with vendors to arrange training for Library staff in the effective use of eresources (excluding law resources) that the Library subscribes to 4. Materials selection and evaluation o Identify information resources (print/online) for acquisition, renewal or cancellation, in line with the Library s selection policy and collections strategy, particularly with a focus on research staff needs o Participating in collection reviews, as directed by the Resources and Collections Librarian, as required 5. Information Desk Provide a service at the Information Desk to Members, their staff and staff of the House (including evening duties if required, for which an allowance is payable): o Respond to reference enquiries accurately and within agreed deadlines House of Lords job vacancy 2 of 5

3 o o Guide and assist in the use of information resources and Library equipment such as photocopiers and scanners Administer book loans and Inter-Library Loan requests Other ad hoc or regular librarian duties may be assigned as a result of Library or House-wide projects or changing business needs. Person specification The qualifications required for the post are: A CILIP accredited degree or postgraduate qualification in a Library and Information Science related discipline. The knowledge, skills and experience required for the post are outlined below. Each element will be assessed in the examples you provide in your application form. Should you be shortlisted these areas will be assessed in more depth at interview and, if appropriate, in a test. Essential Experience of collection management, including selection, evaluation and review Experience of delivering training and producing written guidance for the use of information resources or experience of marketing information resources to users and colleagues Familiarity with a range of reference resources and information retrieval tools (print and online) Experience of reference enquiry work and of guiding users to appropriate information sources Interest in parliament, politics and current affairs and ability to maintain political impartiality Excellent attention to detail and ability to work with high standards of accuracy Excellent oral and written communication skills, including the ability to communicate effectively with a range of people from different backgrounds and experience Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively under pressure within a busy team Experience of using self-motivation skills to deliver successful outcomes Desirable House of Lords job vacancy 3 of 5

4 Experience of line managing staff or providing guidance and leadership to colleagues. Terms and conditions Salary and allowances The post is paid in accordance with House of Lords grade HL6 ( 30,150 starting salary per annum) pro rata. Pay increases usually depend on performance as assessed in annual appraisals. Salary is paid monthly by credit transfer. Probation There is a probationary period of nine months. Term and hours This post is fixed term for 12 months with the possibility of extension or permanency. This post is three days per week hours (including breaktime). Benefits Interest-free season ticket loan; eye care vouchers; employee assistance programme; reasonably priced in-house gym; access to Safety, Health and Wellbeing service; membership of a Civil Service Pension Scheme (see below). Pension The House of Lords participates in the Civil Service Pension Schemes. As an employee of the House, you will be entitled to join one of these highly competitive pension scheme arrangements. Annual leave Annual leave entitlement is 30 days (increasing to 35 days after one year's service) plus public and bank holidays. In most offices annual leave may be taken only during periods when the House is in recess and must always be agreed in advance with the line manager and Head of Office. Inclusion and Diversity The House of Lords Administration is committed to increasing diversity & maintaining an inclusive workplace culture. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates regardless of their ethnicity, race, gender, religious beliefs, sexual orientation, age, marital status or whether or not they have a disability. The Administration will also consider flexible working arrangements and reasonable adjustments. If applicable: We particularly welcome applications from sections of the community which are currently under represented within the team, including applicants who identify as Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME). Pre-appointment checks For external candidates, appointment depends on satisfactory references, health and security checks and where necessary proof of qualifications. Baseline Security Standard The House of Lords (along with all government departments) has to comply with a Baseline Security Standard. The standard requires that we ascertain the House of Lords job vacancy 4 of 5

5 identity of the applicant, their right to work in the UK (you must have normally resided in the UK for a minimum of 3 years out of the last 5 years), their employment or academic history over the last three years, and their address history over the last three years. In addition, applicants are required to give a reasonable account of any significant recent periods of time (more than six months) spent abroad. Applicants who have been unemployed or self-employed for over six months in the last three years (whose last three years employment/academic history are not covered by references) will be asked to provide further documentation to prove their history. Returning your completed application Please complete your online application by 23:55 on Sunday 18 November For Internal applicants please ensure you discuss your application with your Head of Office and your line manager before you submit your application. Interviews will likely be held on 4 December Telephone enquiries If you wish to find out more information about this post, please contact Susan Schlicht on No recruitment agencies please. House of Lords job vacancy 5 of 5