About the position
A leading private higher education institution is seeking a dynamic and service-oriented Information Specialist to manage and support the operations of its academic Information Centre. This role is ideal for a knowledgeable information professional who is passionate about supporting teaching, learning, and research within a higher education environment.
The successful candidate will play a key role in managing Information Centre services, supporting students and academic staff with research and information literacy, and ensuring the effective use of information resources in both physical and digital environments.
Key Responsibilities
Information Centre Management & Administration
- Manage the day-to-day operations of the Information Centre in an academic environment.
- Oversee inter-library loans and resource requests.
- Manage facility and computer usage and administer periodicals and information resources.
- Develop and maintain a hybrid information collection (print and digital).
- Prepare reports related to Information Centre operations and services.
- Build and maintain effective relationships with academic staff, students, and external suppliers.
- Supervise assistant staff and student assistants.
- Manage auxiliary services such as copying, reproduction, and digitisation.
- Ensure good conduct within learning spaces.
- Monitor the performance of Information Centre systems and services.
- Liaise with internal departments to ensure academic staff have the necessary teaching materials and resources.
- Ensure adherence to institutional policies and procedures.
- Provide regular feedback to academic leadership on Information Centre operations and matters.
Information Services & User Support
- Conduct class visits and interactive training sessions for students and lecturers.
- Facilitate information literacy training in classrooms or virtual learning environments.
- Assist students with academic writing, referencing, and research skills.
- Train users on research databases and digital resources (e.g., EBSCOhost, Juta Law, HeinOnline).
- Deliver presentations during student information sessions and lecturer briefings.
- Support academic staff with literature searches using research databases, printed resources, and online platforms.
- Respond to user enquiries and provide research guidance.
- Stay up to date with trends, innovations, and developments in the information services sector.
Research Support & Academic Contribution
- Provide postgraduate research support and academic guidance to students.
- Assist students in locating academic research materials and addressing research-related queries.
- Support academic staff with research activities.
- Contribute to research initiatives and produce personal research output.
- Assist in measuring research impact and promoting best practices in information use.
Information Centre Resource Marketing
- Design posters and information packs to promote Information Centre resources.
- Coordinate monthly themed displays aligned with the academic calendar.
- Develop innovative strategies to promote Information Centre services and resources.
- Plan and coordinate awareness campaigns related to Information Centre offerings.
General Administration
- Maintain records for invoice payments and resource procurement.
- Update and maintain records on the library management system.
- Manage collection development, maintenance, and resource management.
- Recruit and train student assistants.
- Conduct bi-annual stocktaking and compile relevant reports.
Minimum Requirements
Qualifications
- Minimum Bachelor’s Degree (NQF Level 7) in Library and Information Science or B.Bibl Degree.
- Professional registration with LIASA is required.
Experience
- Minimum 3 years’ experience in an academic library environment.
Key Competencies
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
- Coaching and mentoring ability.
- Excellent problem-solving and time management skills.
- High level of organisation and attention to detail.
- Ability to work accurately and effectively under pressure.
- Strong digital literacy and information fluency.
- Working knowledge of MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
- Understanding of library-related technologies and databases (e.g., Emerald, EBSCOhost, Sabinet, law databases).
- Commitment to excellent customer service.
- Innovative, energetic, and proactive approach.
- Ability to contribute to research and knowledge creation.
Please note that only suitable candidates will be contacted.
Desired Skills:
- admin
- information
- specilaist
