Job Title: Library Assistant
Reporting To: Assistant Librarian
Location: 26 York Street
School (or department): RCSI Library
Contract type/duration: Permanent, Full time
Closing date for applications: 5pm, Wednesday 15th October 2025
Objective of this post:
To proactively assist library customers to access and use library resources, services and facilities in support of their learning, teaching and research activities; to positively support the development and delivery of these services and resources.
All Library Assistants are members of the Customer Services team providing a welcoming and knowledgeable frontline service to users online and onsite. Library Assistants are assigned to provide dedicated support in one or more service portfolios which currently include: Information Point & Outreach Coordinator; Teaching & Learning; Scholarly Communications & Research; Library Systems; Content & Metadata Management; Clinical Support; and Heritage Collections.
RCSI Library supports the personal and professional development of all team members. Library assistants participate in regular and on-going training and development relevant to their roles, enabling them to best support library users.
The post-holder will be based in RCSI Library, 26 York Street.
Specific Responsibilities
* Delivering excellent customer service at all times by providing a welcoming, supportive and efficient service to all library users.
* Providing support and assistance to internal and external library customers in person, by phone, by email and online in accessing and using library-provided information resources and services.
* Supporting the delivery of the virtual and in-person information desks and library roaming/roving duties to answer and resolve enquiries and make appropriate referrals to other resources and services, internally and externally, to meet customer needs.
* Maintaining the library environment, including shelving books and tidying of library resources, monitoring the space and ensuring adherence to Library and University policies.
* Providing dedicated support in one or more of the service portfolio areas which currently include: Information Point & Outreach Coordinator; Teaching & Learning; Scholarly Communications & Research; Library Systems; Content & Metadata Management; Clinical Support; and Heritage Collections.
* Providing classroom based and online assistance to the Teaching & Learning Librarians and others by delivering basic introductory training sessions and assisting with hands-on help in other sessions.
* Supporting Assistant Librarian colleagues in preparing content and materials for library training.
* Developing and maintaining electronically delivered library services including, but not limited to, the RCSI institutional repository, the library web site, online catalogue, e-journal portal, LibGuides, Moodle and library communication channels.
* Using the library management systems, such as ALMA, PRESERVICA and CALM, to carry out a range of administrative and processing tasks.
* Carrying out administrative duties, including but not limited to collecting and producing regular statistics, and documenting procedures and assisting with the collation of data for usage reporting and monitoring.
* Contributing to the planning, development, marketing and promotion of library services.
* Contributing to the promotion of library services at key University events.
* Proactively liaising with University support services to ensure timely reporting and resolution of issues arising requiring University support service action.
* Participating in internal library project teams/activities as necessary.
* Attending team meetings and liaising effectively with colleagues.
* Undertaking appropriate staff development programmes and keeping up to date with new resources, information and new service offerings.
* Complying with statutory legislation and Department rules and requirements in furtherance of your own and general staff welfare and safety.
* Representing the best interests of RCSI and the library at all times.
* A flexible approach to the duties of the post is required and undertaking other duties as may be required.
Person Specification
The successful candidate will ideally possess and demonstrate:
Essential
* A relevant third level qualification and/or relevant experience as a Library Assistant in a similar environment.
* Excellent customer service ethos and demonstrated customer care skills.
Desirable
* Strong IT and software application skills including Microsoft Office; highly desirable to have experience of specialist systems including any of the following:
o Library Management System, preferably ALMA;
o social media tools;
o a working knowledge of search platforms, including searching and interrogating online information environments.
o research repository, preferably Figshare;
o software to support online learning;
* A working knowledge of document supply services such as British Library and/or Subito is desirable.
* Demonstrated collection management skills such as cataloguing and stock inventory processes are desirable.
* Evidence of a flexible approach to work and a willingness to accept and adapt to change.
* Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate in an effective manner.
* Ability to multitask, to work calmly under pressure and perform work with accuracy and attention to detail.
* Demonstrated strong commitment to continuing professional development.
* Capacity to deliver results.
* The ability to work on one’s own initiative as well as in a team environment.
We are all too aware that imposter syndrome and the confidence gap can sometimes stop fantastic candidates putting themselves forward, so please do submit an application — we’d love to hear from you.
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