Library Assistant

Background

The Marine Biological Association (www.mba.ac.uk) is an independent research institute carrying out leading-edge research in fundamental and strategic areas of marine biology.  As one of the world’s longest running Learned Societies (founded in 1884), the MBA is dedicated to promoting research into our oceans and the life that they support. Many eminent scientists, including twelve Nobel Prize winners, have conducted their research at the MBA’s Citadel Hill laboratory. With our Royal Charter and over 1,900 members in 40+ countries worldwide, we have the mandate to provide an authoritative and independent voice for the international marine biological community.

The role

A new opportunity has arisen for a part time Library Assistant at the National Marine Biological Library (NMBL).

This role will provide the important front facing customer service for Library users, who will include MBA staff and students, Members of the MBA, external researchers and other visitors. The Library collection consists of a large print collection, including a Rare Book section, archive and object collections, as well as online journals and other scientific archive material. The Library Assistant is managed by the Library Services Manager (LSM), which is also a part time role. Therefore, we will be looking for applicants who are confident, flexible, self-motivating and adaptable and who are able to work independently on a day to day basis with minimal supervision.

The work for this role will involve both customer service tasks, such as dealing with Library users in person, by phone or email, alongside various other more IT based tasks, such as updating the institutional repository PlymSea and Library catalogue, assisting the LSM with the evolving process of Open Access management and taking a lead with the Library’s social media accounts on Twitter and Instagram.

The Library Assistant will be based in the NMBL and will work alongside other colleagues, such as the Communications, Membership and Data Teams. There is also a small group of volunteers, who may require assistance and guidance when working in the Library.

This is a very varied role and will give someone who is interested in libraries and their future role an excellent opportunity to learn more and to get involved in a small, high quality and diverse Library service. The Library Assistant is an integral part of the team and will be involved in discussions around the service, collections and their own work, so will need to be willing to give feedback and input at a number of meetings and to the LSM and the Head of Policy and Engagement.

This role is for 30 hours per week with some flexibility when these hours are worked. There is no weekend working involved.

The role is not suitable for remote working and the postholder will be expected to work at Citadel Hill.

Salary and benefits

• The MBA will contribute 10% of your basic salary into a defined benefits pension scheme.  You are required to make a 3% minimum contribution.  You can contribute over the 3% minimum and the MBA will match up to a maximum of 5% Annual Leave allowance is 30 days plus bank holidays/privilege days (pro-rata if part time)

Key Responsibilities include:

• Assist with the management and development of the Library collections, including archive material and objects collection
• General admin tasks on various Library and IT services, including PlymSea repository, library catalogue and email account
• Assist with organisational Open Access process, including processing requests
• Assist library users with information searches and inter-library loan requests
• Providing tours of the library as required
• Assist in the management of library volunteers
• Responsibility for Library social media and webpages, working in conjunction with Communications Team & Library Services Manager
• Undertake ad-hoc tasks identified as being within the job holders’ capabilities

Essential skills/qualifications

• Necessary qualifications/certifications/education showing clear evidence of literacy & numeracy Good IT skills including use of Microsoft Office and data entry Good communication both written and oral Organisational skills                                       

Desirable skills and abilities

• Evidence of working in a library Customer service experience An understanding of social media/marketing        

Physical requirements

• Lifting/carrying tasks – trained in manual handling or willing to be trained

The Library Assistant will be based at the Marine Biological Association of the UK in Plymouth.

For further information, please contact Carol Giles, Library Services Manager (cargil@mba.ac.uk)

Full details including job description can be found here https://www.mba.ac.uk/vacancies  

Equal Opportunities

• We are committed to equality of opportunity for all staff and applications from individuals are encouraged regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief and marriage and civil partnerships

How to Apply:

To apply please send a covering letter and CV with details of 2 referees to hr@mba.ac.uk (Ref. Library Assistant) one of which must be your current employer.

The covering letter should:

• outline your previous and most relevant experience
• explain why you are right for the role

Please confirm where you saw the vacancy advertised

Closing date:                                           15 July 2022

Interviews will take place the week of     25 July 2022

Applicants must be eligible to live and work in the UK