Senior Library Assistant at Amref International University (AMIU)

Main purpose of the job

The Senior Library Assistant will perform the full range of technical and professional library duties in support of the library programs, operations, and services. The Senior Library Assistant will provide
effective access to resources, information and ideas, and support the vision and mission of the University Library.

Duties and Responsibilities

General Library Duties

• Maintain an effective circulation of library materials, including issuance, returning, reservations and renewing of library items.
• Support users, and respond to their enquiries, including the enquiries submitted through the Library’s online enquiry system.
• Support library users in the use of library services, including the library catalogue, photocopiers and printers
• Assist with collection development and management processes as required, e.g. Library materials reviews, checking and auditing
• Act as a liaison librarian in any academic school of the University
• Process new library items into the library catalog system
• Review and verify bibliographic details of library materials
• Undertake acquisition of library materials and systems
• Provide instruction on how to access and use library systems and online resources
• Monitor library usage patterns and analyze library statistics

Finance

• To reconcile financial transactions made at the Library Issue Desk, following established financial procedures.
• Resolve patron complaints regarding disputed fines and other Library charges; adjust accounts if necessary.
• To handle payment of Library charges, and resolve any related queries from users.
• To order stationery and any other consumables as required for library.

Systems

• To manage and interpret reports from the Library Management System, ensuring resulting actions are carried out efficiently.
• To handle user registration procedures, liaising effectively, and as appropriate, with the ICT Department.
• To report systems queries or faults to the ICT team, problem solving as necessary in liaison with the Librarian and the Systems Librarian.
• To manage and update the institutional repository following established policies and procedures.

Staffing and Communications

• Work co-operatively with other members of the library team to organize daily duties and weekly rotas and the effective implementation of the team’s work and all library procedures.
• To provide daily supervision for library assistants, interns, and students on work-study, under guidance from the Librarian.
• To ensure excellent communications with other library staff, passing on pertinent information in an effective manner. In particular, to ensure consistent information sharing and appropriate referral to the Librarian.
• To ensure excellent customer service from the Issue Desk in all communications and transactions with Library users: in person, by phone, by email or other means

Education & Professional Qualification

• A Bachelor’s degree in Library and Information Sciences or its equivalent from a recognized institution.
• ICT Proficient
• Membership to a relevant professional Society/Association is an added advantage

Experience

• Minimum three (3) years working experience in a well-established automated library, preferably in an academic library;
• Must have hands-on knowledge on use of Koha library management system and Dspace.
• Outstanding oral and written communication skills to converse effectively with students and other staff members
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with customers, staff and students.

Skills, Attitudes & Competencies

• Strong interpersonal skills
• Excellent oral and written communications skills
• Analytical skill
• Team player
• Result oriented
• Problem solving skills/solution oriented
• Customer service skills
• Flexible