Library Information Assistant

Introduction
At one time, the pace of life in a library was sedate and perhaps laborious. You explored the shelves or the archives for that book of your choice or set of statistics for your research and you expected to spend a fair amount of time doing it. That was part of the charm of a book filled environment.  Nowadays, with the advent of e-technology to the library service, information gathering and delivery have become much more streamlined. You can still browse, but the material you want is more quickly and easily obtained. This has internal and external applications.  Information assistants support the E-Library manager to deliver electronic systems to all parts of the library service. The post can be found in all types of authority except fordistrict councils.

Work Environment
This work takes place inside the library and requires public contact. There is a consistently high use of IT equipment, within the Library environment.

Daily Activities
Information assistants are directly responsible forproviding web-based services and a range of promotional materials - including electronic formats where a range of tasks often have conflicting deadlines and support the work carried out by the Library Assistants . They need to establish a set of priorities on a daily basis - making design decisions on promotional material and developing creative digital content forother members of staff and service managers. This involves liaising with the print section forthe production of certain materials - a display forthe forthcoming National Book Week, forexample - and with the IT department in respect of web development. Assistants are also responsible forensuring efficient stock control, through contact with local suppliers who provide IT software and other consumables. In summary, the main responsibilities of the information assistant are to:

  • assist in the delivery of departmental IT/IS systems;
  • working on the counter issuing books and taking in returns using a computerised system, collecting fines forlate books, reserving books, enrolling new readers and renewing existing memberships;
  • design, produce and maintain supplies of a range of promotional material;
  • design and produce electronic and hard copy forms foruse in the service;
  • manage the day-to-day development, maintenance and writing of the website;
  • assist in the development of digitisation projects;
  • maintain an inventory of IT equipment;
  • provide a laminating and comb binding service forthe public;
  • maintain adequate stocks of IT consumables such as toner cartridges, floppy discs and ink cartridges;
  • help the IT manager with training in all IT procedures and practices;
  • monitorthe performance of the information service.

Skills & Interests
Good interpersonal skills and communication skills are essential; in other words, you must be patient, friendly, outgoing, and like helping the public - you will be dealing with people from all walks of life.  A good memory, an enquiring mind and a logical approach to work are important forcarrying out research. You should have basic computer skills and be able to work well as part of a team.  A genuine interest in books and collections of information is desirable.

Creativity is essential to this post and it requires specific IT skills:

  • effective written and verbal communication skills;
  • working knowledge of web page design, desktop publishing, databases and word processing;
  • the ability to work in a team;
  • an understanding of user needs analysis.

Entry Requirements
Most posts will ask forat least 4 GCSEs at grades A-C  including English.  For some posts applicants need A levels or equivalent qualifications such as BTEC/SQA national certificates/diplomas or Advanced GNVQs/GSVQs Level III.  Training is mainly on the job under the supervision of senior staff. Library assistants may be encouraged to work towards NVQs/SVQs in Library and Information Services at levels 2, 3 and 4.  City and Guilds and SQA also offer courses in library and information science via part time or distance learning to those already employed in libraries.  Apprenticeships in Information and Library Services may be available.

It is desirable to have an appropriate IT qualification - IBTorC.G.L.I in word processing, database and spreadsheets.  Previous office experience using computerised systems such as Microsoft Office is essential. Experience of IT, staff training, user education and digitisation projects would be helpful.

Future Prospects & Opportunities
As there is an established system of in-service training in "Computers and Computing" and "Using the Internet" as part of a government initiative forthe library service, there are ample opportunities to improve on qualifications and gain promotion within the field.  The next step up could be Information Officer and then E-Manager.  There are opportunities outside local government in industry, universities and colleges.

Further Information & Services
Chartered Institute of Library & Information Professionals www.cilip.org.uk 
Institute for the Management of Information Systems www.imis.org.uk 
School Library Association www.sla.org.uk 
The Chartered Institute for IT www.bcs.org.uk

Careers Wales have produced a Spotlight article on careers in creative industries: www.careerswales.com/en/spotlight-on-creative-industries/

You may find further information about this area of work through Careers Wales (www.careerswales.com/) or in your local library, careers office or school careers library.

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