Education Authority Northern Ireland logo
On-site
Ballyclare, Antrim, United Kingdom

EDUCATION AUTHORITY

GENERIC JOB DESCRIPTION

POST TITLE\:                         Library Assistant

GRADE\:                                Spinal Points 11 - 14

LOCATION:                         An Education Authority School

RESPONSIBLE TO\:             The Principal through the designated line manager

RESPONSIBLE FOR\:          Library Assistant(s)

 

JOB PURPOSE:

Under the direction of the line manager the post holder will assist in the delivery of library services within the school, by providing services to meet the learning, information, leisure and cultural needs of pupils and to provide teaching staff with suitable curriculum support material. The postholder may be required to work alone.

FUNCTIONAL LINKS

Libraries NI School Library services

Pupils, teachers and ancillary staff within the school

Public library network

MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

As required, under the direction of the line manager:

1.1          Assist teaching staff/pupils to make the best use of library services and facilities through:

(a)          Handling enquiries using print and electronic resources (e.g. Books, CD ROM and the Internet)

               (b)        Helping to select and use library resources and facilities

               (c)         Introducing and explaining relevant library services, rules and regulations to new and existing users

               (d)       Registering users

               (e)       The supervision of pupils using the library

1.2          Assist with the smooth delivery of the Library service through:

(a)         Carrying out routine procedures associated with the ordering, receipt and distribution of materials and payment of invoices

(b)         Shelving, filing, tidying, stocktaking and routine maintenance of materials

(c)         Circulation via a manual or automated library management system e.g. issue, discharge, renewal and request procedures for all resources

                (d)         Preparation of materials and collections for use, distribution or disposal

                (e)          Keyboarding/word processing information as appropriate

                (f)          Maintaining the library database

1.3          Contribute to the provision of a quality library service that is consistent with current school policy and procedures.

1.4          Assist with the collation of statistics and maintenance of appropriate records.

1.5          Assist with setting up and re-organising the library, e.g. moving and re-organising stock, materials, furniture and equipment, as required.               

Staff Development

2.1          Attend and participate in training and staff development programmes in compliance with the school’s Staff Development Policy.

2.2          Co-operate as required in the introduction, development and operation of any Information Communications Technology relevant to the grade.

2.3          Keep abreast of initiatives and developments within the school library service. 

2.4          Contribute to the delivery of training on routine operational aspects of the school library.

Environment

Under the direction of the line manager:

3.1          Assist with the maintenance of an orderly, safe and welcoming environment for users in accordance with School Health and Safety policy.

3.2          Assist the line manager in ensuring that all equipment is handled with care, maintained according to school policy, properly secured and that the inventory is accurate and up to date.

3.3         Implement School policy relating to library charges and cash handling procedures.

Such other duties as may be assigned within the level of this post.

 

It is acknowledged that the contents of this generic job description are not subject to appeal.

 

 

Evaluated\: October 2001

PERSON SPECIFICATION
 
NOTES TO JOB APPLICANTS
  1. You must clearly demonstrate on your application form under each question, how, and to what extent you meet the required criteria as failure to do so may result in you not being shortlisted. You should clearly demonstrate this for both the essential and desirable criteria, where relevant.
  2. You must demonstrate how you meet the criteria by the closing date for applications, unless the criteria state otherwise.
  3. The stage in the process when the criteria will be measured is outlined in the table below.
  4. Shortlisting will be carried out on the basis of the essential criteria set out in Section 1 below, using the information provided by you on your application form. 
  5. Please note that the Selection Panel reserves the right to shortlist only those applicants that it believes most strongly meet the criteria for the role. 
  6. In the event of an excessive number of applications, the Selection Panel also reserves the right to apply any desirable criteria as outlined in Section 3 at shortlisting, in which case these will be applied in the order listed. It is important therefore that you also clearly demonstrate on your application form how you meet any desirable criteria.
 
SECTION 1 - ESSENTIAL CRITERIA

 

The following are essential criteria which will initially be measured at the shortlisting stage and which may also be further explored during the interview/selection stage.  You should therefore make it clear on your application form how, and to what extent you meet these criteria. Failure to do so may result in you not being shortlisted.

 

Factor
Essential Criteria
Method of Assessment
Qualifications/
Experience

Hold a minimum of five GCSE passes (Grades A*-C) including English Language and Mathematics, or equivalent or higher level qualifications.  

By the closing date for applications to have 6 months or more experience working in a library environment. 

Experience of circulation and stock taking of library books.

Ability to contribute to the development of literacy across the curriculum. 

Shortlisting by Application Form
Knowledge

Demonstrable knowledge of the requirements of a Library Assistant.

Shortlisting by Application Form
 
SECTION 2 - ESSENTIAL CRITERIA

 

The following are additional essential criteria which will be measured during the interview/selection stage.

 

Factor
Essential Criteria
Method of Assessment
Knowledge

Understanding of the running of a school library.

Knowledge of general administrative  processes and records.
Interview
 
Skills / Abilities

Can demonstrate good organisational skills.

Ability to interact professionally with young people and to support them in their learning.

Sound ability in ICT including confident use of Word and Excel. 

Can demonstrate good communication skills. 

Ability and willingness to work to develop the formal and informal curriculum. 

Contribute to areas beyond the work of the Library.

Ability to use own initiative.

Good interpersonal skills.

Approachable.

Ability to work under pressure to strict deadlines. 

Flexible. 

Willingness to engage in further continuing professional development. 

Good record of punctuality and attendance. 
Interview
 
  
Values Orientation
 

Interview
 
SECTION 3 - DESIRABLE CRITERIA

 

Some or all of the desirable criteria may be applied by the Selection Panel in order to determine a manageable pool of candidates. Desirable criteria will be applied in the order listed. You should make it clear on your application form how, and to what extent you meet the desirable criteria, as failure to do so may result in you not being shortlisted.

 

Factor
Desirable Criteria
Method of Assessment

Experience 

 

Experience of working with young people in an educational or other setting in a paid capacity. 

Experience of ECLISPE/ALICE system. 

Shortlisting by Application Form

DISCLOSURE OF CRIMINAL BACKGROUND

 

The Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups (Northern Ireland) Order 2007 defines working directly with children or young people or in specified places as ‘regulated activity’. 

 
In the event that you are recommended for appointed to a post that involves ‘regulated activity’, the Education Authority will be required to undertake an Enhanced Disclosure of Criminal Background.  Please note that you WILL be expected to meet the cost of an Enhanced Disclosure Certificate.  Details of how to make payment will be sent to you at the pre-employment stage.
 

Further information can be accessed at NI Direct or the Department of Justice.

 
APPLICANT GUIDANCE NOTES
 
To view the applicant guidance notes, please click here.
 
Apply now
Share this job
Twitter Facebook Linkedin Email