Librarian (5 Positions)

Kamuzu University of Health Sciences (KUHeS)

UNIVERSITY LIBRARY

VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT

The Kamuzu University of Health Sciences (KUHeS) carried out a Functional Review process, which resulted into a new Organisational Structure and Staff Establishment. Following approval of the Staff Establishment and Organisational Structure by Government, KUHeS conducted a placement exercise for existing employees. However, a substantial number of key positions are yet to be filled. The University would like to fill some vacant positions existing in its Library as part of the Functional Review implementation process.

The University is therefore inviting applications from suitably qualified candidates to fill the following vacancies:

  1. CAMPUS LIBRARIAN (2 POSITIONS – READVERTISED)

Grade :  KU4

Department :  University Library

Responsible to :  University Librarian

Responsible for :  Heads of Sections at the Campus

Job purpose 

To provide leadership and management in the management of library and information services.

Key Duties and responsibilities 

  • Providing user-friendly and efficient service to academic staff, researchers and students at the Campus;
  • Promoting the optimal use of information sources and services in the Campus Library;
  • Overseeing the integration of campus library functions with all other library functions in KUHeS library services;
  • Developing strategy and plan for the development of the campus library service in consultation with the Librarian;
  • Providing leadership in developing, review and implementation of campus library policies and procedures;
  • Preparing operational and capital budgets for the Campus Library;
  • Liaising with academic staff and the Librarian regarding the development of the Campus Library collection;
  • Providing instruction in the access, use, and evaluation of library resources;
  • Providing targeted support of writing-intensive classes including;
  • Managing and preserving resources and equipment in the Campus Library;
  • Initiating recruitment of campus library staff;
  • Identifying new services/technological developments from which the Campus Library could benefit;
  • Representing the Campus Library at meetings;
  • Liaising with academic departments on campus in order to ensure;
  • Alignment of library services to their teaching, learning and research strategies;
  • Preparing reports.

Minimum Education, Qualifications and Experience

  • PhD in Library Science or related fields;
  • Minimum of 5 peer-reviewed publications;
  • 5 years’ experience in managing library operations.

Skills and Other Attributes

Leadership and Management Skills

  1. Leadership:
  • Ability to lead and inspire library staff, foster a positive work environment, and drive organizational goals.
  1. Personnel Management:
  • Experience in hiring, training, and evaluating library staff and managing schedules and workloads.
  1. Budgeting and Resource Allocation:
  • Skills in managing library budgets, allocating resources, and making financial decisions to support library services and operations.
  1. Strategic Planning:
  • Capability to develop and implement long-term strategic plans for library services, collections, and facilities.

Library Operations and Services

  1. Collection Development:
  • Experience in acquiring, evaluating, and managing library collections, including print, digital, and multimedia resources.
  1. Information Services:
  • Proficiency in providing reference and research assistance to students, faculty, and researchers.
  1. User Services:
  • Skills in designing and delivering services that meet the needs of diverse campus populations, including circulation, interlibrary loan, and information literacy.
  1. Facilities Management:
  • Ability to manage library facilities, including overseeing maintenance, space planning, and ensuring a conducive study and research environment.

Educational and Research Support

  1. Instruction and Training:
  • Experience in developing and delivering instructional sessions on information literacy, research skills, and library resources.
  1. Academic Collaboration:
  • Ability to work with faculty and academic departments to support curriculum needs, integrate library resources into academic programs, and collaborate on research initiatives.
  1. Data Management and Support:
  • Knowledge of data management practices and tools to support research and academic projects.

Technical Skills

  1. Library Systems:
  • Proficiency with Integrated Library Systems (ILS), discovery tools, and digital resource management systems.
  1. Technology Integration:
  • Ability to implement and manage emerging technologies, such as digital repositories, e-books, and online databases.
  1. Website and Digital Presence:
  • Skills in managing the library’s website and digital presence, including user interfaces and online services.

Communication and Collaboration

  1. Interpersonal Skills:
  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills for interacting with students, faculty, and staff, and addressing their needs and concerns.
  1. Outreach and Advocacy:
  • Ability to advocate for library services and programs, and engage with the campus community through events, workshops, and partnerships.
  1. Conflict Resolution:
  • Skills in managing and resolving conflicts and issues that may arise within the library or with users.

Analytical and Problem-Solving Skills

  1. Assessment and Evaluation:
  • Ability to assess library services and programs, gather and analyze data, and use feedback to make improvements.
  1. Problem-Solving:
  • Skills in identifying and addressing challenges related to library operations, user needs, and resource management.
  1. Trend Analysis:
  • Staying informed about trends in higher education, library science, and technology to anticipate and adapt to changes.

Personal Attributes

  1. Visionary Thinking:
  • Ability to envision the future of library services and drive initiatives to enhance the library’s role in the academic community.
  1. Adaptability:
  • Flexibility to adapt to changing technologies, user needs, and institutional priorities.
  1. Commitment to Excellence:
  • Dedication to providing high-quality library services and fostering a supportive and inclusive environment.

 

2. SCHOLARLY COMMUNICATIONS LIBRARIAN (1 POSITION)

Grade : KU6

Location : Library

Responsible to : Campus Librarian

Responsible for : Assistant Librarian (Scholarly Communications)

Main purpose of the job

To develop the KUHeS resources and services related to Open Educational Resources, open access, open textbooks, scholarly communication, and digital scholarship.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

  • Participating in education and training regarding open educational resources, open access publishing, related copyright issues, new scholarly communication models and digital scholarship to students, staff and faculty;
  • Staying informed on current developments in these areas and acting as a contact person for interested faculty and scholars;
  • Exploring open textbooks and other curricular materials and how they could benefit students and faculty if adopted for use in classes;
  • Aiding faculty who want to adopt, adapt or create open educational resources for use in the university curriculum;
  • Working with faculty, students and other librarians to raise awareness of, develop, and maintain such content in the university’s institutional repository;
  • Supporting digital scholarship projects undertaken by faculty and students;
  • Keeping abreast of trends in scholarly communication and related areas by identifying and attending relevant workshops and conferences;
  • Providing research services, library instruction and other assistance to faculty, staff and students;
  • Providing liaison service and collection development in support of the research and information needs of academic departments in assign areas;
  • Serving as an effective part of the library community through exploration, professional development and service;
  • Actively contributing towards the formulation of library-wide policies, procedures, goals and priorities;
  • Working with partners in migrating to new digital collection platforms, open educational resources and exploring the integration of open scholarly assets in library and university work;
  • Developing strategies to determine best approaches to scholarly communications issues and library services;
  • Developing standards in open scholarly assets, experience with digital projects;
  • Preparing and delivering curricular and co-curricular instruction for classroom, library and online learning environments;
  • Developing all aspects of the research and research-creation lifecycle within assigned subject areas including research methods, research-creation, digital tools, scholarly communication and research data management;
  • Developing and managing digital and print collections in assigned subject areas;
  • Working with faculty and professional staff across the university in scholarly communications and digital scholarship;
  • Appraising and mentoring staff

Minimum Education, Qualifications and Experience

  • Master’s Degree in Library and Information Science or any strongly related field;
  • 5 years’ work experience in a similar work.

Skills and Other Attributes

Expertise in Scholarly Communication

  1. Understanding of Scholarly Publishing:
  • Knowledge of the academic publishing process, including peer review, journal selection, and manuscript submission.
  1. Open Access and Institutional Repositories:
  • Familiarity with open access publishing models, institutional repositories, and their management.
  1. Copyright and Intellectual Property:
  • Expertise in copyright law, intellectual property rights, and fair use principles as they pertain to academic work.
  1. Metrics and Impact:
  • Understanding of bibliometrics and altmetrics to assess the impact of scholarly work and support researchers in tracking and enhancing their research visibility.

Research Support Skills

  1. Data Management:
  • Skills in guiding researchers on data management plans, data sharing, and data preservation.
  1. Grant and Funding:
  • Knowledge of funding sources and grant requirements related to research outputs and compliance.
  1. Citation Management:
  • Proficiency in citation management tools (e.g., Zotero, EndNote, etc) and advising researchers on citation practices and styles.

Technical Skills

  1. Digital Tools and Platforms:
  • Experience with scholarly communication tools and platforms such as ORCID, ResearchGate, and academic social networks.
  1. Institutional Repositories:
  • Familiarity with the setup and management of institutional repositories and content management systems.
  1. Content Management Systems (CMS):
  • Skills in using CMS for managing scholarly content and maintaining web presence.

Communication and Collaboration Skills

  1. Outreach and Advocacy:
  • Ability to promote and advocate for scholarly communication initiatives and services within the academic community.
  1. Training and Workshops:
  • Experience in designing and delivering workshops and training sessions on scholarly communication topics.
  1. Collaboration:
  • Ability to work effectively with faculty, researchers, publishers, and other stakeholders.

Analytical and Strategic Skills

  1. Needs Assessment:
  • Skills in assessing the needs of researchers and developing strategies to support scholarly communication.
  1. Policy Development:
  • Experience in developing and implementing policies related to open access, data management, and scholarly publishing.
  1. Research Trends:
  • Ability to stay current with trends and advancements in scholarly communication and apply them to library services.

Personal Attributes

  1. Detail-Oriented:
  • Attention to detail in managing scholarly outputs and ensuring compliance with standards and regulations.
  1. Innovative Thinking:
  • Creativity in developing new services and approaches to support scholarly communication.
  1. Commitment to Service:
  • A dedication to supporting the research community and improving the dissemination and impact of academic work.

 

3. CLIENT SERVICES LIBRARIAN (1 POSITION)

Grade : KU6

Location : University Library

Responsible to : Campus Librarian

Responsible for : Assistant Client Services Librarian

Main purpose of the job

To manage front desk team and circulation of Library materials, responsible for all clients’ welfare, and markets the library services.

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Advocating for the library through personal contact and customer service, and represents the library in a positive way;
  • Planning work according to library schedule or standard routine;
  • Participating in the development of operating policies, procedures and plans of library services;
  • Evaluating circulation operating procedures, and makes adjustments as needed to improve efficiency;
  • Supervising the circulation of the library collection of books and non-book materials; and receiving and recording of overdue fines;
  • Overseeing the enrollment of patrons and providing general information, assistance and instruction in using library services, equipment, and facilities;
  • Providing training exercises for circulation unit employees;
  • Inspecting damaged circulation materials, including books and equipment;
  • Identifying cataloging errors and refers books or materials to technical unit;
  • Maintaining performance and repair of circulation equipment;
  • Maintaining circulation data and prepares regular statistical reports for the campus librarian;
  • Designing, facilitating and coordinating information literacy classes for clients;
  • Assisting in selecting materials for acquisition and withdrawal, as assigned;
  • Conducting research, thesis reviews, teaching, supervision and outreach;
  • Seeking opportunities to collaborate and establish partnerships with faculty members and departments;
  • Preparing periodic reports;
  • Appraising and mentoring staff

Minimum Education, Qualifications and Experience

  • Master’s degree in Library and Information Science or any strongly related field;
  • 5 years’ work experience in a similar work.

Skills and Other Attributes

Customer Service Skills

  1. Communication Skills:
  • Verbal Communication: Clear and effective speaking to assist patrons and provide information.
  • Written Communication: Proficiency in writing clear and concise emails, reports, and documentation.
  1. Interpersonal Skills:
  • Ability to build rapport with a diverse range of patrons and address their needs in a friendly and approachable manner.
  1. Problem-Solving:
  • Capability to resolve user issues and inquiries promptly and effectively, including handling difficult situations with patience and tact.

Library and Information Management Skills

  1. Reference and Research Skills:
  • Expertise in conducting reference interviews, helping users refine their queries, and locating and evaluating information.
  1. Information Literacy Instruction:
  • Skills in teaching patrons how to use library resources effectively, including conducting workshops and one-on-one training sessions.
  1. Knowledge of Library Resources:
  • Familiarity with the library’s collection, including print, digital, and electronic resources, and understanding how to navigate and utilize them.

Technical Skills

  1. Library Systems Proficiency:
  • Experience with Integrated Library Systems (ILS) and public access catalog (PAC) systems for checking in and out materials, placing holds, and managing accounts.
  1. Digital Tools:
  • Ability to assist users with digital resources, including e-books, databases, and online research tools.
  1. Technology Support:
  • Basic troubleshooting skills for assisting patrons with computers, printers, and other technological resources.

Organizational Skills

  1. Time Management:
  • Ability to prioritize tasks effectively and handle multiple responsibilities simultaneously.
  1. Event Planning:
  • Skills in organizing and promoting library programs, workshops, and community events to engage patrons.
  1. Record Keeping:
  • Maintaining accurate records of user interactions, feedback, and service usage.

Analytical Skills

  1. Needs Assessment:
  • Ability to assess and analyze the needs of library users to improve service delivery and program offerings.
  1. Feedback Utilization:
  • Skills in gathering and using user feedback to enhance library services and operations.

Adaptability and Learning

  1. Flexibility:
  • Ability to adapt to changing priorities, new technologies, and evolving user needs.
  1. Continuous Learning:
  • Commitment to ongoing professional development and staying current with library trends and best practices.

 

4. TECHNICAL SERVICES LIBRARIAN (1 POISTION)

Grade : KU6

Location : University Library

Responsible to : Campus Librarian

Responsible for : Assistant Technical Services Librarian

Main purpose of the job

To manage procurement processes of library information resources in liaison with the Client Services Librarian, Scholarly Communications Librarian and other stakeholders; and manage the University library catalog and bindery.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

  • Coordinating, reviewing, monitoring and implementing acquisition policies, plans, standards, strategies and procedures;
  • Facilitating acquisition of library resources;
  • Conducting needs assessment for information resource requirements;
  • Liaising with publishers and vendors to identify new and alternative titles;
  • Preserving library and information resources;
  • Preparing bulletins of newly acquired information resources;
  • Classifying and cataloguing information resources;
  • Creating and maintaining information resource database;
  • Securing library materials;
  • Planning and monitoring library bindery operations;
  • Facilitating user information literacy programmes;
  • Procuring and managing new cataloguing technologies and tools;
  • Maintaining quality control of bibliographic records including authority work;
  • Participating in digital projects by assigning and verifying metadata;
  • Conducting periodic monitoring and evaluation of the quality of library catalogues of affiliated colleges;
  • Engaging in professional development, research, and scholarly activity;
  • Preparing reports.

Minimum Education, Qualifications and Experience

  • Master’s degree in Library and Information Science or any strongly related field;
  • 5 years’ work experience in a similar work.

Skills and Other Attributes

  1. Cataloging and Classification:
  • Knowledge of cataloging standards such as MARC (Machine-Readable Cataloging) and RDA (Resource Description and Access).
  • Experience with classification systems like Dewey Decimal Classification (DDC) or Library of Congress Classification (LCC).
  1. Knowledge of Integrated Library Systems (ILS):
  • Proficiency with ILS software (e.g., Ex Libris Alma, OCLC WorldShare) for managing bibliographic records and circulation.
  1. Metadata Standards:
  • Understanding of metadata standards such as Dublin Core, METS (Metadata Encoding and Transmission Standard), and others.
  1. Database Management:
  • Ability to manage and maintain library databases, ensuring data integrity and accuracy.
  1. Electronic Resources Management:
  • Experience with managing e-resources, including e-books, e-journals, and digital archives.
  1. Information Retrieval:
  • Skills in using and managing information retrieval systems and tools.

Analytical and Problem-Solving Skills

  1. Attention to Detail:
  • Accuracy in cataloging and processing materials to ensure correct metadata and classification.
  1. Problem-Solving:
  • Ability to troubleshoot and resolve issues related to cataloging, system errors, or resource management.
  1. Project Management:
  • Skills in managing projects related to the organization and optimization of library resources.

Communication and Interpersonal Skills

  1. Collaboration:
  • Ability to work effectively with other library staff, vendors, and stakeholders.
  1. Customer Service:
  • Providing support to library users and responding to inquiries related to cataloging or resource availability.
  1. Training and Support:
  • Ability to train and support staff and users on new systems, tools, or processes.

Administrative Skills

  1. Budget Management:
  • Experience with managing budgets related to acquisitions and resources.
  1. Vendor Relations:
  • Skills in negotiating and managing relationships with vendors and publishers.
  1. Policy Development:
  • Ability to develop and implement policies related to cataloging, acquisitions, and digital resources.

Application Procedure

Interested individuals meeting the requirements above should submit their applications including: certified copies of certificates; detailed CV including names, emails and phone contacts of three (3) traceable professional referees to:

The Registrar

Kamuzu University of Health Sciences

Private Bag 360

Chichiri

Blantyre 3

Or via email to: recruitment@kuhes.ac.mw Applicants submitting via email must indicate the title of the post in the subject line of the email. Applications should be submitted by close of business on Friday, 30th August, 2024. Those who previously submitted applications for the position of Campus Librarian are not required to re-apply. Only shortlisted candidates will be acknowledged.

Note: The successful candidates will be requested to undergo a safeguarding check prior to appointment and periodically during employment.

Download the advert from the link below:

Final Advert – University Library