Job summary
An opportunity has arisen at Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust to join the Library team. The post holder will contribute to the day to day operational management of library services based at Darent Valley Hospital.
You will be an expert in assessing and understanding customers' information requirements, devising complex search strategies, using electronic and print sources, and in evaluating and presenting results.
You will be highly competent in the teaching of the effective use of information resources and how to appraise and evaluate the evidence.
You will have excellent analytical skills to undertake the selection, classification, indexing and organisation of information resources.
You will have an excellent broad understanding of library administration procedures and an understanding of legislation with relevance to library work such as GDPR and copyright.
You will have a degree or postgraduate qualification in library and information studies, although candidates without this will be considered if they have substantial equivalent experience. Experience of working in a professional library post is essential.
You will have a proactive approach and the ability to work on your own initiative. We welcome new innovative ideas and suggestions to develop the service and our evolving team.
Travel to other Trust sites or other NHS library sites within KSS may be required occasionally.
Main duties of the job
To help lead the provision of a multidisciplinary library and knowledge service for NHS staff, students on placement and other key stakeholders of Dartford & Gravesham NHS Trust to support their evidence based practice, continuing education, and research needs.
To oversee and manage a wide range of operational library duties including:
Assist with the quality assurance process requirements of NHS England.
Managing the cataloguing and indexing of print and non-print stock on the Library Management System
Assist with stock management
Managing the enquiry and literature search service
Managing the document delivery service
Assist with the procurement process for print and non-print stock
Training staff in the use of e-resources
Provide a first-line enquiry service and other duties as required.
About us
We are committed to being an inclusive and diverse employer. We strive to employ people who reflect the communities we serve, and aim to create an inclusive culture where everyone can reach their full potential. Whatever your race, ethnicity, belief, generation, sexual orientation, gender or gender identity, disability or experience, you'll appreciate the opportunities we give you to work in an inclusive atmosphere. We welcome applications from people of diverse backgrounds, perspectives and experiences to build on the progress we've achieved to make our Trust diverse and the best place to work. We celebrate the diversity of thought, viewpoints and ideas that help us overcome challenges and embrace new possibilities. We have signed the Armed Forces Covenant Pledge and have a commitment to the Armed Forces Community.
If you are considering applying for a role, please be aware that as an NHS Employee you may have contact with vulnerable service users. We strongly encourage that all our staff are vaccinated against COVID-19 and are vaccinated annually against Flu, in order to protect the health and safety of our staff and patients. Your commitment will help us to put the safety and care of our patients first, as well as helping us to protect you and your colleagues.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Key Responsibilities:
Assist in the day-to-day operational management of library services, including the supervision of library staff.
Support the strategic management of Library Services, through service reviews, the development of existing services, and the introduction of new services. Lead on projects as required.
Support the Head of Library Services in meeting the quality assurance requirements of NHS England.
Develop and maintain systems (for example using Excel spreadsheets) for recording and analysing service use. Generate reports as required to support decision-making.
Assist with the planning and monitoring of library expenditure.
Assist with recruitment of staff, including interviewing and selection.
Represent library services at senior level at internal and external events.
Manage library services effectively during the absence of the Head.
Manage the enquiry and literature search service provided by the library to all staff, prioritising and delegating as required, maintain and monitor service standards.
Understand and analyse complex enquires. Identify and appraise potential information sources to answer these and undertake complex, structured literature searches.
Manage the cataloguing, classification and indexing of print and e-resources on the Library Management System ensuring that KSS regional cataloguing standards are adhered to. Liaising with the KSS cataloguing group as required.
Liaise with the KSS Library Management System Manager where appropriate to assist with development and maintenance of the system. Attend and contribute to the KSS operational meetings of the KOHA library management system.
Please see attached job description for more information.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Key Responsibilities:
Assist in the day-to-day operational management of library services, including the supervision of library staff.
Support the strategic management of Library Services, through service reviews, the development of existing services, and the introduction of new services. Lead on projects as required.
Support the Head of Library Services in meeting the quality assurance requirements of NHS England.
Develop and maintain systems (for example using Excel spreadsheets) for recording and analysing service use. Generate reports as required to support decision-making.
Assist with the planning and monitoring of library expenditure.
Assist with recruitment of staff, including interviewing and selection.
Represent library services at senior level at internal and external events.
Manage library services effectively during the absence of the Head.
Manage the enquiry and literature search service provided by the library to all staff, prioritising and delegating as required, maintain and monitor service standards.
Understand and analyse complex enquires. Identify and appraise potential information sources to answer these and undertake complex, structured literature searches.
Manage the cataloguing, classification and indexing of print and e-resources on the Library Management System ensuring that KSS regional cataloguing standards are adhered to. Liaising with the KSS cataloguing group as required.
Liaise with the KSS Library Management System Manager where appropriate to assist with development and maintenance of the system. Attend and contribute to the KSS operational meetings of the KOHA library management system.
Please see attached job description for more information.
Person Specification
Education and Training
Essential
- Degree or postgraduate qualification in library and information studies or substantial equivalent experience.
- Chartership (or working towards this status) of the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals.
Desirable
- Qualification in education and training.
Knowledge and Skills
Essential
- Excellent analytical skills to undertake the selection, classification, indexing and organisation of information resources.
- Highly competent in the training and education of service customers in effective use of information resources.
- Expert in assessing and understanding customers' information requirements, devising complex information search strategies, using electronic and print sources, and in evaluating and presenting results.
- Excellent broad understanding of library administration procedures.
- Understanding of current issues impacting on library and information provision.
- Understanding of legislation with particular relevance to library work, such as intellectual property, and data protection.
- Excellent IT user skills, including Microsoft and non-standard packages.
Desirable
- Understanding of the NHS and the information needs of its staff, including evidence-based healthcare.
- Familiarity with health-care terminology.
- Expertise in at least one area of library administration - e.g. automated systems, stock selection and procurement, document delivery.
Experience
Essential
- Substantial post-qualification experience in a professional library post.
- Understanding customer needs and translating this into services or products.
- Working to budget.
- Prioritisation of workloads.
- Team working.
Desirable
- Experience of working in a health-related library and information service.
- Day-to-day supervision of staff.
- Staff development and appraisal.
Personal Attributes
Essential
- Ability to communicate effectively to staff and external contacts at all levels.
- Ability to work on own initiative, including devising policies and procedures for own area of work.
- Ability to work flexibly in small team.
Person Specification
Education and Training
Essential
- Degree or postgraduate qualification in library and information studies or substantial equivalent experience.
- Chartership (or working towards this status) of the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals.
Desirable
- Qualification in education and training.
Knowledge and Skills
Essential
- Excellent analytical skills to undertake the selection, classification, indexing and organisation of information resources.
- Highly competent in the training and education of service customers in effective use of information resources.
- Expert in assessing and understanding customers' information requirements, devising complex information search strategies, using electronic and print sources, and in evaluating and presenting results.
- Excellent broad understanding of library administration procedures.
- Understanding of current issues impacting on library and information provision.
- Understanding of legislation with particular relevance to library work, such as intellectual property, and data protection.
- Excellent IT user skills, including Microsoft and non-standard packages.
Desirable
- Understanding of the NHS and the information needs of its staff, including evidence-based healthcare.
- Familiarity with health-care terminology.
- Expertise in at least one area of library administration - e.g. automated systems, stock selection and procurement, document delivery.
Experience
Essential
- Substantial post-qualification experience in a professional library post.
- Understanding customer needs and translating this into services or products.
- Working to budget.
- Prioritisation of workloads.
- Team working.
Desirable
- Experience of working in a health-related library and information service.
- Day-to-day supervision of staff.
- Staff development and appraisal.
Personal Attributes
Essential
- Ability to communicate effectively to staff and external contacts at all levels.
- Ability to work on own initiative, including devising policies and procedures for own area of work.
- Ability to work flexibly in small team.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
Additional information
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
