Librarian at NRF National Research Foundation

About the position

Postion Summary:
Purpose: Management of Library & Information Services.

Key Responsibilities:

• Play a strategic leadership role and take operational responsibility for the SAAO Library Manage the library budget in a cost-effective manner
• Manage staff and resources of the library services* Deliver a reference and professional information service that relates to the needs of all library users, i.e. staff, students and public
• Communicate and liaise with service providers and relevant role players
• Develop and manage the collection
• Manage print and electronic subscriptions
• Catalogue and classify library material
• Manage and operate library software system
• Maintain SAAO publications and NRF research output databases
• Produce quarterly statistics for reporting purposes
• Co-ordinate and assist with the implementation of records management
• Assist with SAAO website maintenance

Key Requirements:

Qualifications

• A degree plus a postgraduate library diploma, or equivalent library qualification.
• A minimum of 5 years relevant experience in an academic or research/special library
• Experience in and understanding of collection development and library management
• A high level of computer proficiency with regard to general and library applications, including website maintenance

Experience:

• Working knowledge of Inmagic or equivalent
• Knowledge of scholarly electronic information resources
• Excellent interpersonal skills and client service orientation
• Experience in cataloguing & classification
• Numerical and analytical skills
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team
• Ability to work under pressure, show initiative and multi-task
• Accuracy and attention to detail

Knowledge:

• Proven experience in financial management planning and control of budgets
• Good written and communication skills
• Liasa membership

The NRF website provides more details on the initiatives and activities
Applicants should submit a comprehensive CV by registering and apply online through the NRF Recruitment and Selection Portal.
Applications should be accompanied by a letter of motivation indicating the applicants suitability for the position.
The names and contact details of at least three referees should be provided.

Desired Skills:

• Skilled in applied field of position
• Knowledge to be relevant
• Responsible in performing duties

Desired Work Experience:

• 5 to 10 years Librarian

About The Employer:

The National Research Foundation (NRF) supports and promotes research and human capital development through funding, the provision of National Research Facilities and science outreach platforms and programmes to the broader community in all fields of science and technology, including natural sciences, engineering, social sciences and humanities. The South African Astronomical Observatory (SAAO) is the National Facility for Optical and Infrared Astronomy of the National Research Foundation (NRF). Its headquarters are in Cape Town, while its telescopes are at Sutherland in the Northern Cape. Distributed between the two sites, SAAO employs roughly 130 people, many of them scientists and engineers, and is contracted to operate SALT (the Southern African Large Telescope) on behalf of the international SALT Foundation. SAAO is the premier optical/infrared research facility on the African continent, with global research and outreach collaborations, and contributing to human capital development for South Africa.