Senior Library Assistant

The opportunity

Library and Information Services (L&IS) is an innovative, efficient, integrated professional service that works across core areas of Cardiff Metropolitan University. As part of L&IS, Library Services are central to the student experience. We are designed and delivered with the needs of the entire Cardiff Metropolitan University community at our heart. We connect with and enable our communities’ work and ambitions through our provision of collections and spaces and how we work in partnership to share our knowledge. Being part of the wider Library and Information Services professional service means we also work closely with our IT colleagues to innovate our service and ensure it is responsive to all our users.

Further information about L&IS and Library Services can be found at http://www.study.cardiffmet.ac.uk

This is a key role in delivering and promoting Library Services at Cardiff Metropolitan University. As a data and open access administrator you will provide a high-quality service for the benefit of all users. You will principally be responsible for administration of scholarly communication services in conjunction with the Librarian and Assistant Head Librarians. You will be part of a wider team that initiates, develops, delivers and evaluates content and scholarly communication activities in collaboration with library colleagues and throughout the University.

What you’ll do – key duties and responsibilities

• Lead on the preparation of regular insight reports relating to two core activities: the usage of the content the library subscribes to and the publications that staff at the University produce.
• Understand, analyse and clean data to produce reports to inform evidence-based decision making and feed this into relevant systems, reports and national surveys.
• Assist with the administration of open access funding - to include processing payments, maintaining publisher pre-payment schemes and advising on funder and publisher policies.
• Make extensive use of data within specific library digital platforms (e.g., library management system, reading list software, our repository and bibliometric platforms such as Scopus).
• Assist with the communication of services via updating/maintaining web content and in the running of relevant training and awareness/advice events for library staff and other key partners.

What you’ll bring – essential experience and strengths

• Experience of working within a library, IT or customer-facing working environment.
• Excellent IT Skills including across Microsoft Office applications including evidence of working with Microsoft Excel or equivalent.
• Excellent communication skills (verbal and written)
• A confident and proactive attitude, with the ability to work within your own initiative.
• Ability to supervise, coach and train colleagues.

What you’ll have – essential knowledge

• Knowledge of library services within Higher Education, Public or Commercial setting.
• Sound understanding of open access publishing and/or scholarly communications.
• Understanding of benchmarking and quality processes.
• Understanding of the applications of technology and data in higher education.
• GCSE English and Maths grade C or above or equivalent.
• Degree qualification or equivalent level of experience.

Why join Cardiff Metropolitan University?

In 2020, the University was named The Sunday Times ‘Welsh University of the Year 2021’; in 2021 it became the Times Higher Education ‘UK and Ireland University of the Year 2022’; and in 2022 it was ranked the top university in the UK in the People and Planet Green League.

In addition, the University offers highly competitive terms and conditions including:

• Annual leave of 25 days, rising to 30 days after 1 years’ service, plus 12 bank holiday / concessionary days (pro rata if part time).
• Membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme with generous contributions.
• Flexible and remote working opportunities.
• Excellent family friendly policies.
• Award winning sports and fitness facilities with subsidised membership, plus subsidised physiotherapy/complementary therapy/sports massage.
• Access to all library facilities.
• Salary sacrifice schemes including cycle to work.
• Free family access to our independent specialist wellbeing support provider, Health Assured.

If you would like to talk with us about this opportunity please contact Mark Lester, Assistant Head Librarian: Scholarly Communication at mlester@cardiffmet.ac.uk

Should a high volume of applications be received, we may need to close this vacancy early. We therefore encourage you to apply as early as possible.

The University is committed to creating a highly inclusive culture. We offer family friendly and flexible working arrangements and a range of staff networks, forums and events to support and develop our people. We warmly welcome applications from those traditionally underrepresented in the higher education sector.

Further information

Please read our Candidate Pack or visit our staff recruitment website for information about working for us, our culture, benefits, work-life balance and our career progression and development opportunities.