CANDIDATE INFORMATION BOOKLET
(Please read carefully)
Post of:
Part-Time Branch Librarian – South Leitrim library Network
(Initial Vacancy Ballinamore Branch Library – 20 hours per week)
Closing Date: 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, 9th October 2025
Important Notes
Completed Application Form (inclusive of all other required documentation) must
be emailed in PDF Format as One Single Document (not individual scanned
documents) to
Please quote 'Part Time Branch Librarian Application' followed by your
name in the subject line of the email.
Note: Hard copy Application Forms will not be accepted
The Role:
Leitrim County Council is seeking applications from suitably qualified candidates for the position of Part Time
Branch Librarian.
The initial vacancy arises in Ballinamore Branch Library (20 hours per week). Any panel formed however may
be used to fill vacancies, both permanent and temporary, arising across the Library Network in the South
Leitrim Library Network within the lifetime of the panel. The libraries in South Leitrim are as follows:
* Ballinamore Branch Library
* Carrick on Shannon Branch Library
* Carrigallen Branch Library
* Drumshanbo Branch Library
* Mohill Branch Library
Leitrim County Council Library Service manages and supports a network of 8 branch libraries strategically
located across the county together with a local studies library which is based in Ballinamore Library. The
Library Service is constantly innovating and diversifying in a dynamic and changing environment, taking
advantage of technological advancement, in particular, to deliver a wide and varied range of front-line services
to users. Leitrim Library Service also engages with Roscommon and Sligo Library Services in relation to the
joint delivery of agreed services/programmes through formal collaboration and resource sharing.
The post of Branch Librarian is an entry-level, part-time position in Leitrim Library Service. Branch Librarians
make a valuable contribution to the provision of library services by delivering frontline services and by
providing support to library management. The duties of the Branch Librarian shall be 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 ideal candidate for this post will be a highly motivated person, with drive and
commitment to delivering quality public services. The Branch Librarian will support the Branch Manager in
terms of the day to day running of the library and will report to the Executive Librarian.
The Branch Librarian will perform a role in almost all areas of library service, working as part of the wider
library team to promote the library as a focal point for cultural activities, community engagement and lifelong
learning. He/she will assist in the management and delivery of a range of both national and local library
programmes and initiatives, both in house and online, and will be involved in dealing directly with enquiries
from the public, supporting and assisting library members in accessing and using the Library Management
System, Self Service technology and the wide range of library online services. Branch Librarians, irrespective of
assignment, will also be required to provide relief cover across the Library Service as required.
The successful candidate will work as part of a multidisciplinary team within the library service assisting with
the implementation of work programmes to achieve goals, targets and standards as set out in the Library
Development Programme and Team Plans. The successful candidate will be expected to use initiative and work
to a high standard. Leitrim County Council is seeking a dynamic, creative, motivated and flexible individual
who will contribute positively to fulfilling our Library Service vision of being open, accessible, a focal point for
communities and delivering quality customer service.
The Qualifications:
1. Character
Each candidate shall be of good character.
2. Health
Each candidate shall be in a state of health such as would indicate a reasonable prospect of ability to render
regular and efficient service.
3. Citizenship
Candidates must, by the date of any job offer, be:
(a) A citizen of the European Economic Area (EEA). The EEA consists of the Member States of the European
Union, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway; or
(b) A citizen of the United Kingdom (UK); or
(c) A citizen of Switzerland pursuant to the agreement between the EU and Switzerland on the free
movement of persons; or
(d) A non-EEA citizen who is a spouse or child of an EEA or UK or Swiss citizen and has a stamp 4 visa; or
(e) A person awarded international protection under the International Protection Act 2015 or any family
member entitled to remain in the State as a result of family reunification and has a stamp 4 visa; or
(f) A non-EEA citizen who is a parent of a dependent child who is a citizen of, and resident in, an EEA member
state or the UK or Switzerland and has a stamp 4 visa.
4. Education, Experience etc.
Each candidate must have a good general level of education.
Note: Candidates must hold a current valid and unendorsed Driving Licence in respect of category B
vehicles and must advise if this is not the case - a copy of your Driving Licence must be submitted with
your application.
The Ideal Candidate Shall have:
* An understanding of the changing library environment and be capable of adapting to change in order to
deliver quality services to our citizens.
* An understanding of the role of a Branch Librarian.
* An understanding and dedication to excellent customer services.
* Energy and enthusiasm with an awareness of community-based services and commitment to the needs of
the community.
* Strong interpersonal and verbal and written communication skills.
* Strong organisational and time management skills.
* Strong judgement and capacity for problem solving.
* Ability to work effectively within a team to achieve a common goal, ensuring standards are adhered to and
maintained whilst also being capable of working on own initiative, in an independent environment and
without direct supervision.
* Ability to develop and maintain positive and productive working relationships with library stakeholders.
* Strong interest in working with children and young adults and, ideally, a proficiency with children's and
young adult literature and programming.
* High level of IT proficiency including digital and social media.
* Knowledge and experience of operating ICT systems and online resources in a library environment.
The Duties:
The duties of the office are to give to the local authority and
(a) Such other local authorities or bodies for which the Chief Executive, for the purposes of the Local
Government Acts, is Chief Executive, and
(b) to any other local authority or body with which an agreement has been made by the local authority or
by any of the authorities or bodies mentioned in sub-paragraph (a) of this paragraph,
under the general direction and control of the Chief Executive or of such other officers as the Chief Executive
may from time to time determine, such appropriate services of an administrative, supervisory and advisory
nature as are required for the exercise and performance of any of its powers, duties and functions as may be
delegated to him or her by the Chief Executive from time to time and shall include the duty of deputizing for
other officers of the local authority.
The main duties and responsibilities of the Part Time Branch Librarian will include but are not limited to the
following:
* Providing frontline library services to the public.
* Providing access to library resources in house and online.
* Shelving of library material, stock rotation and promotion.
* Issue / return of stock via the automated library management system and promotion of library online
services.
* Involvement in Library programming and events.
* Assisting the public with information requests and reference queries.
* Cash management.
* Gathering of relevant statistics; feeding into monthly reporting systems.
* Ensuring that relevant policies and procedures are adhered to including Health & Safety and Child
Safeguarding.
* Engagement with schools and other groups and organisations in the community.
* Carrying out such other duties as may be assigned from time to time.
Competencies for the Post:
Key Competencies for the post include the following and candidates will be expected to demonstrate
sufficient evidence within their application form of competence under each of these. Please take particular
note of these when completing the application form as any short-listing or interview processes will be based on
the information provided by candidates:
Planning &
• Delivers a high standard of service in line with work plans and schedules.
Organising Work:
• Takes ownership of tasks and is determined to see them through to a satisfactory
outcome.
* Implements high quality service and customer care standards.
* Makes the best use of available resources.
* Prioritises work in order to meet agreed deadlines.
Team Work &
• Understands own role and personal contribution to the workplace.
Communicating
• Works as part of a team to ensure delivery of library plans and programming.
Effectively:
• Relates well to others and maintains positive working relationships.
* Has effective written and verbal communication skills.
* Has a strong team ethic of co-operation and mutual support.
* Represents the organisation positively and professionally when dealing with
members of the public and other stakeholders.
Personal
• Takes pride in the quality of service delivered and seeks to improve it.
Effectiveness:
• Takes initiative and is proactive when he or she sees the opportunity to make a
contribution.
* Is open to taking on new challenges or responsibilities.
* Manages time and workload effectively.
* Maintains a positive, constructive and enthusiastic approach to their role.
* Demonstrates flexibility and openness to change.
Knowledge,
• Has knowledge and understanding of the structure and functions of local
Experience and government and in particular the library service.
Skills:
• Understanding of the role of a Branch Librarian.
* Strong customer service ethos.
* Relevant administrative and customer service experience and skills.
* Experience of working as part of a team.
* Has knowledge of current local government issues.
* Has knowledge and experience of operating ICT systems.
The Principal Terms and Conditions:
1. Particulars of the Position
The position is part-time (20 hours per week), permanent and pensionable and the initial vacancy arises in
Ballinamore Branch Library. Any panel formed however may be used to fill vacancies arising across the
Library Network in the South Leitrim, within the lifetime of the panel.
Should temporary vacancies arise for Part Time Branch Librarian across the Library network in South Leitrim,
Leitrim County Council may also, should the need arise, consider the filling of such temporary vacancies from
any panel formed.
While the successful candidate will be initially assigned to Ballinamore Branch Library, as the Library Service is
a county-wide service, it should be clearly understood that staff may be required to provide cover at, and may
be reassigned to, any Library Service point within County Leitrim as required by the County Librarian and/or
Chief Executive.
Leitrim County Council reserves the right to, at any time, re-assign an employee to any Leitrim County Council
Branch Library or work location now or in the future. Leitrim County Council reserves the right to, at any time,
assign an employee to any premises in use by the Council now or in the future.
The holder of the post shall reside in the district in which his or her duties are to be performed or within a
reasonable distance thereof and will be required to serve in the Local Authority's Offices, or wherever assigned
by the Local Authority.
2. Salary:
The salary scale (hourly rate) for the post of Part Time Branch Librarian, applicable from 1st August 2025, is
within the range:
€17.04; €18.00; €18.23; €18.71; €19.41; €20.11; €20.81; €21.32; €21.90;
€22.57; €23.04; €23.70; €24.37 – €25.62; €26.51 (LSI1)
Entry point to this scale will be determined in accordance with relevant Departmental Circulars. Offers of
appointment to persons who are not serving local authority employees will be based on the minimum of this
scale.
The rate of remuneration may be adjusted from time to time in line with Government Policy.
The salary shall be fully inclusive and shall be as determined from time to time. Holders of the office shall pay
to the local authority any fees or other monies (other than their inclusive salary) payable to or received by them
by virtue of their office or in respect of services which they are required by or under any enactment to perform.
3. Residence:
The holder of the post shall reside in the district in which his or her duties are to be performed or within a
reasonable distance thereof and will be required to serve in the Local Authority's Offices, or wherever assigned
by the Local Authority.
Leitrim County Council reserves the right to, at any time, re-assign an employee to any Leitrim County Council
Branch Library or work location now or in the future. Leitrim County Council reserves the right to, at any time,
assign an employee to any premises in use by the Council now or in the future.
4. Probation:
All contracts will be subject to a probationary period, during which the performance of the successful applicant
will be regularly evaluated.
Where a person is permanently appointed to Leitrim County Council the following provisions shall apply:
(a) There shall be a period after appointment takes effect, during which such a person shall hold the position
on probation;
(b) Such period shall be one year but the Chief Executive may, at his/her discretion, extend such period;
(c) Such a person shall cease to hold the position at the end of the period of probation, unless during this
period the Chief Executive has certified that the service is satisfactory;
(d) There will be ongoing assessments during the probationary period.
Employment may be terminated by either party during probation or at the end of the probationary period on
one week's notice.
5. Working Hours:
The working hours for the post will depend on the particular requirements / vacancy arising. The initial
vacancy is in Ballinamore Branch Library and will be on the basis of 20 hours per week.
The successful candidate will be required to work their contracted hours over the Library's working week, from
Monday to Saturday, and working hours will include weekend and late evenings.
The Council reserves the right to alter the working hours as required to facilitate the Library Service.
The successful candidate may be required to work additional hours on an 'extra-hours' basis when necessary.
While the successful candidate will be assigned to the relevant Branch Library, as the Library Service is a
county-wide service, it should be clearly understood that staff may be required to provide cover at, and may be
reassigned to, any Library Service point within County Leitrim as required by the County Librarian and/or Chief
Executive.
All hours of work will be subject to and recorded in accordance with the provisions of the Organisation of
Working Time Act, 1997 and the Organisation of Working Time Act (Regulations) 2001.
6. Health
For the purpose of satisfying the requirement as to health it will be necessary for each successful candidate,
before he/she is appointed to a permanent post, to undergo a medical examination by a qualified medical
practitioner to be nominated by the local authority
7. Annual Leave:
The annual leave entitlement for this part time post, which will be allocated in hours, will be on a pro-rata basis
to a full-time post (189 hours per annum for a full time post), reflecting the relevant hours per week working
arrangement and duration of contract.
8. Superannuation:
All new entrants to pensionable public service employment on or after 1st January 2013 will be members of the
Single Public Service Pension Scheme.
All members of the Single Public Service Pension Scheme will be required to contribute 3.5% of net
pensionable remuneration plus 3% of pensionable remuneration. Pension and retirement lump sums for
member of the Single Public Service Pension Scheme will be based on career-average pay; pensions will be co-
ordinated with the State Pension Contribution Scheme.
Persons who are pensionable under the Local Government (Superannuation) (Consolidation) Scheme 1998,
and are liable to pay the Class A rate of PRSI contribution, will be required in respect of superannuation to
contribute to the local authority at the rate of 1.5% of pensionable remuneration plus 3.5% of net pensionable
remuneration (i.e. pensionable remuneration less twice the annual rate of social insurance old age
contributory pension payable at the maximum rate to a person with no adult dependant or qualified children).
You will also be required in respect of the Local Government (Spouses and Childrens' Contributory Pension)
Scheme to contribute to the local authority at the rate of 1.5% of pensionable remuneration in accordance with
the terms of the Scheme.
Persons who become pensionable officers of a local authority who are liable to pay the Class D rate of PRSI
contribution will be required in respect of his/her superannuation to contribute to the local authority at the
rate of 5% of pensionable remuneration. You may also be required to pay Spouses and Children/Widows and
Orphans contributions at the rate of 1.5% of pensionable remuneration.
9. Retirement Age:
The Single Public Service Pension Scheme ("Single Scheme") as provided by the Public Service Pensions
(Single Scheme and Other Provisions) Act 2012 commenced with effect from 1st January 2013. The act
introduced new retirement provisions for new entrants to the public service appointed on or after 1st January
2013, as well as to former public servants returning to the public service after a break of more than 26 weeks.
Retirement age will be in line with the age of eligibility for the State Pension Contributory (SPC). Compulsory
Retirement Age will be 70.
There is no mandatory retirement age for "new entrants" to the public service as defined in the Public Service
Superannuation (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2004.
Anyone who is "not a new entrant" to the public service, as defined in the Public Service Superannuation
(Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2004, had been subject to a compulsory retirement age of 65 years – the Public
Service Superannuation (Age of Retirement) Act 2018 provides for an increase in the compulsory retirement
age of most pre-2004 public servants from age 65 to age 70.
10. Pension Abatement
If an appointee has previously been employed in the Civil or Public Service and that appointee is entitled to, or
in receipt of, a pension from the Civil or Public Service, or where a Civil/Public Service pension comes into
payment during the appointee's re-employment, that pension will be subject to abatement in accordance with
Section 52 of the Public Service Pensions (Single Scheme and other Provisions) Act 2012.
Please note: In applying for this position, you are acknowledging that you understand that the abatement
provisions, where relevant, will apply. It is not envisaged that the employing Department/Office/Body will
support an application for an abatement waiver in respect of appointments to this position.
11. Driving Licence:
Holders of the post may from time to time be required to travel in the course of their duties and for this
purpose they shall possess a current unendorsed full driving licence (Category B) and, shall drive a motor car in
the course of their duties and for this purpose provide and maintain a car to the satisfaction of the local
authority. The post holder's Insurance policy must cover such use and must indemnify Leitrim County Council.
Travel and subsistence expenses will be paid in accordance with nationally agreed rates applicable in the
sector.
12. Garda Vetting & References:
The successful candidate will be subject to the Garda Vetting Procedures in line with the provisions of the
National Vetting Bureau (Children & Vulnerable Persons) Act 2012 to 2016 as appropriate in advance of
appointment and on a periodic basis thereafter for the duration of their employment.
The appointment of any successful candidate will be subject to receipt of references which are satisfactory to
the employer.
13. Data Protection:
Please note that the information received is used solely for the purpose of considering your application. Such
information held is subject to the rights and obligations set out in the Data Protection Acts, 1988, 2003 & 2018
and EU Regulation 2016/679.
SELECTION PROCESS
(i) Selection shall be by means of a competition based on an interview conducted by or on behalf of the
local authority.
(ii) Leitrim County Council reserves the right to shortlist applications on the basis of information supplied
on the application form and only those shortlisted will be called for interview.
(iii) Candidates called for interview will be assessed on the competencies for the post as set out above
(iv) A Panel may be formed on the basis of such interviews. Candidates whose names are on a panel and
who satisfy the local authority that they possess the qualifications declared for the position and that
they are otherwise suitable for appointment may within the life of the panel be appointed to this post.
The life of the panel will not be more than one year from the date of formation of the panel.
(v) The local authority shall require a person to whom an appointment is offered to take up such
appointment within a period of not more than one month and if they fail to take up the appointment
within such period, or longer period as the local authority in its absolute discretion may determine, the
local authority shall not appoint them.
All applications must be made on the official Application Form whichis available to download on Leitrim
County Council's website or alternatively, contact the Human Resources Department by
emailing
Completed Application Forms, inclusive of all required documentation, must be submitted in PDF Format
as ONE Single Document (not individual scanned documents) via email.
Closing date for receipt of applications is 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, 9th October 2025 via email to
Applications received after this date and time will not be considered.
Please quote 'Part Time Branch Librarian Application' followed by your name in the subject line of the
email.
Candidates will receive an automatic acknowledgement when they submit their application form to the
above email. You should check your Spam/Junk Folders in the event that you do not receive this
acknowledgement. The onus is on the candidate to ensure that their application has been received and
acknowledged.
The responsibility rests with the applicant to ensure that their application form is received by the Human
Resources Department of Leitrim County Council on time as outlined above. Candidates should ensure that
they give themselves sufficient time to allow for any unforeseen circumstances which may arise and which may
impact on their application form not being received on time.
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 applicants favour any employee 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.
Leitrim County Council is an equal opportunities employer.