Information Librarian (X2)

Sol Plaatje University Office of the Deputy Vice Chancellor: Research

Closing Date 26 April 2024

Purpose

The Information Librarian plays a vital role in providing comprehensive library services to students and academic staff. This position encompasses a range of responsibilities aimed at serving the faculty in the academic project. The primary focus revolves around collection development, information retrieval, training, consultation, and content development.

Minimum Requirements

• A degree (NQF 7) in library and information science or equivalent qualification
• At least 5 years of working experience in an Academic Library, preferably in a Higher Education environment with at least 2 years of experience performing the responsibilities of this position.
• Understands the operations and affairs of a Library environment.
• Computer literate

Recommendation

• A master’s degree in library and information science or equivalent qualification
• 5 years experience in library research services including but not limited to literature reviews, researcher profiles, research data management, reference management, Copyright and Publishing Support.

Duties and Responsibilities

Collection Development

• Collaborate with the faculty to assess the needs and preferences for library resources.
• Acquiring and managing information resources, including books, journals, databases, etc.
• Evaluating the usage of information resources for the faculty

Training

• Develop and deliver training sessions, workshops, and tutorials on various library training programmes.
• Collaborating with the academic department to integrate information literacy into academic programmes.

Liaison

• Building and maintaining strong relationships with faculty members within assigned departments, serving as their primary contact for library-related inquiries and support.
• Advocating for faculty interests and concerns within the library, helping to shape library services and collections to better serve departmental needs.
• Representing the library at departmental meetings, committees, and events, actively engaging with faculty to promote library resources, services, and initiatives.

Consultation

• Offering personalized consultations to students and academic staff seeking assistance with literature reviews, bibliographic management, and researcher profiling
• Providing expert advice on citation styles, reference management software, methodologies, scholarly communication, and copyright compliance.

Content Development

• Creating online library guides, and instructional materials to support students and academic staff learning and research.
• Collaborating with faculty to enhance course materials through the integration of library resources in the learner management system.

Sustainability

• Adhere to health and safety rules and procedures.
• Participate in new policy development and the update of existing policies and procedures.

Personal/Professional Development

• Engaging in ongoing professional development activities, such as attending conferences, workshops, and webinars.
• Pursuing opportunities for formal training and certification in specialized areas relevant to the librarian’s role
• Actively participating in professional organizations and networks, both within the library profession and in relevant subject areas.

Enquiries can be made via email at spurecruit@spu.ac.za

Assumption of duties: As mutually agreed to upon acceptance of the appointment. The University reserves the right not to make an appointment. 

This position may be subjected to assessments.

Women and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

Note: Sol Plaatje University (SPU) is dedicated to meeting its Employment Equity targets.

Shape your future with SPU

At Sol Plaatje University (SPU), we are more than just an educational institution; we are a beacon of innovation and forward-thinking in the heart of the Northern Cape. Named after the visionary South African intellectual, Sol Plaatje, we embody the values and ethos of our namesake, striving to be at the forefront of digital advancement. By choosing SPU, you are not just joining a dynamic team; you are becoming part of a family dedicated to making a significant impact in the world of higher education and beyond.

Our vision and mission: The heart of SPU

Our vision is clear: to be a university that critically engages in learning, research and development, enhancing democratic practices and social justice in society. We are on a mission to graduate citizens who are competent and capable of realising the aspirations of society, produce new knowledge that impacts the key challenges of our region and engage critically with communities of discourse and people to find pathways to equitable development.

Be part of our growing team

We seek professional, passionate and hardworking individuals eager to contribute to our growing university. At SPU, you will have the opportunity to initiate strategies and methods that not only develop the institution but also contribute to the prosperity of the Northern Cape and its surrounding communities. We are dedicated to guiding our employees on their career journeys, propelling them towards a future of success and growth, both within SPU and the wider community.

An employer of choice

As the region’s premier public Higher Education Institution, SPU is committed to providing quality education and professional development opportunities tailored to the unique needs and competencies of our community. We take pride in our dedication to learning, research and development, all while enhancing democratic practice and social justice in society.

Join us and shape the future

By joining SPU, you will not only contribute to our ambitious goals but also embark on a rewarding career path that aligns with the visionary ethos of Sol Plaatje himself. We invite you to be part of our journey towards becoming a leading institution uniquely positioned to address the challenges of our time and foster equitable development. Make the choice today and become part of a team that values innovation, excellence and community engagement.

Click here to apply

All the best with your applications.