Librarian

We are looking for positive, proactive team members to provide support to our students through the work of the Applied Business Academy’s Libraries. The roles involve supporting the development and delivery of modern, innovative, and user-focused learning environments, both digitally and physically. You will play a key part in ensuring the Learning Resource Centre is a suitable learning environment at all times. You will handle enquiries from students and staff on busy service desks and by email and telephone, and assist students on using resources, databases and print resources. You will have direct responsibility for liaison for a Programme Leaders, Course Coordinators and Curriculum areas within the College to support the purchase of resources and to deliver study skills and digital literacy sessions to students. You will also be responsible for Similarity/Plagiarism Software, like Turnitin, etc. and integration with the Virtual Learning Environment.

Job Description:

· Lead and manage the Library Learning Resources, ensuring that organisational needs are met for both teaching and research. Take responsibility for ensuring that physical and digital information resources, information support services and library study spaces are of the highest quality and meet the different campuses’ requirements for all the academic courses. Develop, implement and evaluate a future strategy for Applied Business Academy Learning Services which aligns with the evolving new ABA 2030 Strategy.

· Take responsibility for ensuring that roles and functions within the Library Services team are fit for purpose and continue to meet institutional needs, aligning with sector best practice.

· Provide a range of customer focused, cost-effective information services to staff and students, particularly in relation to:

· Library collections: print and digital to support Aston’s academic community in relation to teaching learning, and research

· Learning support: assisting and guiding staff and students in how to make best use of the library and its resources for research, and teaching and learning

· Take responsibility for building and maintaining effective working relationships with colleagues within the Education Department, and across academic Colleges and Professional Service Departments, working to ensure that Library Services continues to meet institutional needs for teaching and research.

· To provide analysis and statistical reports from a variety of data sources to support evidence-based decision-making

· Build and maintain strong relationships with external bodies such as publishers and suppliers to ensure that the ABA remains compliant with all licensing and copyright requirements, whilst achieving best value for money.

· Provide advice and guidance to all senior managers within the institution concerning relevant developments in the information, copyright and publishing environment, nationally and internationally as they impact on the institution.

· Take responsibility for effectively managing the Library Services budget, monitoring cost-effectiveness and ensuring the provision of best value for money, including annual budgets, periodic forecasts, and funding requirements.

· Represent the ABA on relevant internal and external bodies as appropriate

· Lead the continual enhancement of the quality of service provided and fostering a culture of outstanding customer service.

· Ensure that risk management is an integral part of any decision-making process, by ensuring compliance with the ABA’s Risk Management Policy.

· Ensure that the contribution of Academic Support Services enhances the ABA’s wider mission.

· Ensure full compliance with ABA’s statutory, regulatory, and financial requirements, including health and safety, equality, diversity, and data protection.

· To assist in the design and development of front-end user interfaces for library systems, including identifying functional requirements, user analysis, prototyping and usability testing.

· To contribute to the development and implementation of operational plans for the Content and Discovery team.

· To document processes and procedures for use of library systems and keep these updated.

Qualifications

First degree, Higher degree, and/or postgraduate qualification in librarianship, information, or business.

Experience

· A proven track record of successfully leading and managing Library Services within a higher education provider.

· You will be innovative, understand the opportunities of new digital technologies and be able to lead a modern, efficient, and responsive library to enable quality learning, research and excellence in the student experience.

· Experience of contributing to the strategic leadership and management of an organisation.

· Experience of developing strategic and operational plans for libraries and of effective delivery of these against targets/KPIs.

· Experience of effectively managing budgets, planning and provision of a range and variety of study resources and facilities.

· Furthermore, ABA is expanding its business in the Middle East. Understanding of the Gulf market, functional knowledge of Arabic, and at least 5 years of experience in the Gulf region will be an added advantage.

Knowledge and Skills

· The ability to effectively lead and manage a Library Services team (including budget, resource and HR management).

· A clear understanding of the HE environment and where and how Library Services play a part in the current and future student journey.

· A good understanding of the role digital can play in Higher Education and specifically, within the Library Service with a good working knowledge of library systems, academic databases, referencing software, etc.

· A thorough knowledge of changes in the publishing sector and the implications of developments in scholarly communication and the provision of resources to students.

· A clear understanding of how libraries support the research agenda in higher education.

Benefits
It is full time, permanent appointment, with an immediate start date. The starting salary will be in the range of £27,000 - £30,000 per annum, inclusive of London Allowance.

ABA’s commitment to our diverse and inclusive community is embedded in our appointment processes. Reasonable adjustments will be made at each stage of the recruitment process for any candidate with a disability.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Salary: £27,000.00-£30,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Company events
• Sick pay

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday
• No weekends

Ability to commute/relocate:

• London, E14 9RH: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)

Work Location: One location

Reference ID: ABA/Librarian