INFORMATION BOOKLET. September Library Assistant Donegal County Council

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1 INFORMATION BOOKLET September 2017 Library Assistant Donegal County Council

2 Library Assistant QUALIFICATIONS 1. Character Each candidate must be of good character. 2. Health Each candidate must be in a state of health such as would indicate a reasonable prospect of ability to render regular and efficient service. 3. Education, training, experience, etc Each candidate must, on the latest date for receipt of completed application forms - (i) have obtained at least Grade D, in Higher or Ordinary Level in five subjects from the approved list of subjects in the Dept of Education Established Leaving Certificate Examination or Leaving Certificate Vocational Programme OR (ii) have passed an examination of at least equivalent standard OR (iii) Have satisfactory experience of library work. 4. The Person The Library Assistant will require: excellent interpersonal and communication (verbal & written) skills an excellent customer service ethos an understanding of the County Council and of Cultural Services knowledge of local policies and plans as they relate to the library service knowledge and understanding of modern public library services the ability to work independently, and as part of a team good initiative excellent organizational skills excellent ICT skills motivation, energy, drive and enthusiasm an understanding of changing environment and ability to adapt to change an awareness of Health and Safety, the implications for the organisation and the employee, and their application in the workplace an interest in information, the local community and its history and culture

3 THE POSITION: The Library Assistant (grade III) is an entry grade post. Library Assistants make a valuable contribution to the library service at both local level and centrally by delivering services direct to the public and by providing support to library management. The duties of the Library Assistant are consistent with the provision of a modern public library service that is responsive to the changing requirements of customers of all ages and abilities. The main role of the Library Assistant is the delivery of the library service (public and/or support) in the geographical and functional areas specified in this role description, in line with the priorities identified in Opportunities for All and Cultúr. All roles are reviewed periodically to reflect changing circumstances. Roles will evolve over time and while this current role description is accurate at time of writing, it should be understood that as the work environment changes, so too will the requirements of the post. Donegal County Library: The Library Service is based in the Housing, Corporate and Cultural Services Directorate of Donegal County Council. The Cultural Services Division comprises the County Library, the Arts Service, the Regional Cultural Centre, the Museum Service, the Archives Service and the County Donegal Heritage Office. The library network includes 13 libraries and 8 Taobh Tíre community partnership service points. The Central Library in Letterkenny is the largest and the busiest library and includes the main Local Studies research collection and the Europe Direct Information Centre, in addition to providing public library services. The first post to be filled is based in Letterkenny. The base for future posts will relate to the relevant area of responsibility. Note: Applicants are advised that appointments to library services within the Donegal Gaeltacht are required to be competent in the Irish language. VETTING: The National Vetting Bureau (Children & Vulnerable Persons) Act 2012 places a statutory obligation on Donegal County Council, as a relevant organization, not to employ any person whose work involves the provision of services and/or activities to children or vulnerable persons unless satisfactory vetting has been received in respect of that person. The nature of the duties of library service personnel is deemed to fall into a category requiring vetting.

4 RESIDENCE: The successful candidate shall reside in the district in which his/her duties are to be performed or within a reasonable distance thereof. PROBATION: Candidates shall be required to be on probation for an initial period, which will be set at minimum of 6 months. The Council shall have absolute discretion to extend such probation period. WAGES: Salary scale currently 22,893-38,339 Circular EL 04/2017 BASE: As the Library Service is a county-wide service staff may be located at any service point within County Donegal, as required by the County Librarian. Fluent Irish is required for posts in Gaeltacht areas (assessed by separate language test). HOURS: Full-time Library Assistants work an average 37 hour week. As opening hours of libraries are tailored to public needs, staff work a rota system, including evenings and Saturdays. DUTIES: The following is a non-exhaustive list of the duties pertaining to the post, the Library Assistant will: Providing frontline services Helping the public use information sources including online sources Answering enquiries, helping students and researchers Promoting new technologies e.g. self service Operating the Library Management System (Sierra) to check-in and out material, update patron records, retrieve information etc Promoting resources though displays, talks, publications and events Suggesting appropriate books for children of different reading levels Organising events and activities, including storytelling Shelving and keeping books and other media in order Processing, cataloguing and distributing stock Collating statistics and maintaining records Clerical duties incl. financial processing Forging links between the library, the education sector and the community Supporting senior staff in service planning and delivery Any other duties as required by the County Librarian/Divisional Manager Cultural Services Please note: this job description is a broad picture of the post at the date of preparation. It is not an exhaustive list of all possible duties as it is recognised that jobs change and evolve over time. The post-holder will be required to carry out any other duties up to and including the grade for the position offered as necessary to fulfil the purpose and function of the post.

5 COMPETITION PROCESS: Completing the Application Form Applications must be made on the official application form and all sections of the form must be fully completed. The admission of a person to a competition, or invitation to attend an interview, is not to be taken as implying that Donegal County Council is satisfied that such a person fulfils the requirements of the position. Closing date The closing date for receipt of completed application is as stated on application form. Applications will only be accepted on the prescribed application form and should be forwarded by way of to vacancies@donegalcoco.ie with Library Assistant quoted on the reference line. If you do not receive an automated acknowledgement, please contact the Human Resources Section at No late applications will be accepted. Selection methods These may include: short listing of candidates on the basis of the information contained in their application to reduce the number of candidates to a more manageable number for interview; a competitive interview; Candidates should make themselves available on the date requested by the Council and should make sure that the contact details specified on the application form are correct. Donegal County Council will not be responsible for refunding any expenses incurred by candidates in attending for interview or otherwise so incurred. Short-listing In the event of a short-listing exercise being employed, an Expert Panel will convene to examine the application forms and assess them against pre-determined criteria based on the requirements of the position. It is therefore in your own interest to provide a detailed and accurate account of your qualifications / experience on the application form. Right to information and review The Council is committed to offering feedback and information to candidates. Any candidate, who wishes to have a decision or the process reviewed, can request same. Any such request must be submitted in writing, stating the grounds of the request, and this must be submitted within 5 working days to the HR Dept, 3 Rivers Centre, Lifford, Co. Donegal from the date of notification of a relevant decision. Confidentiality Subject to the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act, 2014 applications will be treated in strict confidence. NOTES: Applicants are reminded that any attempt by themselves or by any persons acting on their behalf, directly or indirectly by means of written communication or otherwise, to canvass or otherwise influence in the candidate s favour any officer of the County Council or persons nominated by the Chief Executive to interview or examine applicants, will automatically disqualify the applicant for the position they are seeking.