Assistant Librarian Candidate Information Booklet.pdf
IPA Application Form Assistant Librarian (1).docx
Job Function
The Assistant Librarian (Systems & Electronic Resources) is responsible for managing and optimising the library’s core digital systems and platforms, ensuring seamless access to resources and supporting high-quality digital services for students, staff, and researchers.
The Assistant Librarian will lead and support the implementation, configuration, and ongoing management of the IPA Digital Knowledge Exchange, a new digital repository. This includes responsibility for technical setup, metadata standards, workflows, data quality, integrations with existing IPA systems, and end-user support.
The postholder will work closely with library colleagues, ICT and academic staff to ensure that the repository supports open access, research visibility, compliance, and long-term digital preservation.
The role also requires working with library colleagues in providing a library reference desk service to all IPA staff, students and researchers.
The role
Responsibilities:
IPA Digital Knowledge Exchange Project
- Lead the technical implementation and configuration of the institutional repository.
- Develop ingestion workflows, metadata application, quality control processes, and documentation.
- Ensure the repository supports key scholarly communications functions including open access and research impact.
- Manage integrations with other institutional systems such as:
- Koha LMS
- Identity management systems (e.g. Ezproxy, SSO, SAML)
- Library Resource Discovery Tools
- ORCID, DOI/DataCite services
- Provide training and support for staff and researchers submitting materials.
- Ensure long-term sustainability through monitoring, upgrades, backups, and digital preservation practices.
- Collaborate with IT and external vendors on infrastructure, hosting, and technical support.
- Monitor repository analytics, generate reports, and contribute to research visibility initiatives.
Library Systems
- Administer, configure, and maintain the Koha LMS, including modules for cataloguing, circulation, acquisitions, serials and analytics.
- Manage the EBSCO Discovery Service, ensuring intuitive access, search optimization, and integration with all electronic resources.
- Manage electronic resource access including authentication, proxy configuration, link resolver maintenance, troubleshooting access issues, and coordinating with vendors.
- Support system integrations across the digital library environment (e.g. APIs, Z39.50, OAIPMH, KBART, SUSHI).
- Support system upgrades, migrations, testing, and quality assurance processes.
- Serve as the primary technical liaison between the library, IT services, vendors, and consortia.
- Ensure systems adhere to accessibility standards (e.g., WCAG) and data protection requirements (e.g. GDPR).
- Develop and maintain technical documentation, system configuration records, troubleshooting guides, and staff training materials.
General
- To deal with user queries either in person at the Library Inquiry Desk or by phone, e-mail and webchat as part of the library reference desk service rota.
- Provide day-to-day technical support for library staff and users.
- Contribute to digital strategy development, service improvement initiatives, and library modernisation projects.
- Participate in cross-library teams, working groups, and committees.
- Support staff training and capability-building in digital tools and systems.
- Assist with data quality projects, metadata enhancement, and workflow optimisation.
- Deliver excellent customer service and maintain professional relationships across the organisation.
- To provide information services to library users – including research support, literature searching, referencing, academic integrity etc.
- To promote the use of the Library.
- Undertake other duties as required to support the mission and strategic goals of the library.
Essential Criteria:
- Recognised post-graduate library and information studies qualification. (recognised by the Library Association of Ireland)
- Strong understanding of library systems (in particular Koha LMS).
- Minimum 3 years’ experience administering and supporting library management systems
Desirable Criteria:
Knowledge
- Knowledge of institutional repository platforms and research dissemination workflows.
- Metadata standards: MARC21, Dublin Core, RDA, MODS, METS.
- Interoperability standards: OAI‑PMH, Z39.50, REST APIs, SUSHI, KBART.
- Principles of digital preservation, open access, and research visibility.
- Authentication/access: SAML, Shibboleth, EZproxy, OpenAthens.
- Accessibility and UX standards relevant to digital library platforms.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office.
- GDPR and data security principles.
- Understanding of relational databases and SQL desirable.
Experience
- Hands-on experience with repository management or digital asset systems.
- Experience configuring and troubleshooting access to electronic resources.
- Track record of contributing to system implementations, upgrades, or migrations.
- Experience preparing documentation, workflows, and user guides.
- Evidence of effective collaboration with IT teams and external vendors.
Skills
- Strong report design, presentation and layout skills
- Strong interpersonal skills and commitment to quality, delivering excellent customer services.
- Strong technical troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.
- Strong attention to detail and commitment to data accuracy.
- Excellent communication skills, including explaining technical concepts to non-technical staff.
- Project planning, testing, and documentation skills
Personal Attributes
- Proven ability to work on own initiative and work in a dynamic, flexible team environment.
- Demonstrate flexibility in adapting to changing requirements.
- Flexible approach to working hours as the demands of the post may require work outside normal office working hours from time to time.
- Commitment to continuous improvement, self-development and learning to meet the evolving requirements of the department.
How to Apply
Conscia will be managing all aspects of the recruitment process on behalf of the IPA.
- Click the " Apply for job " button at the top or bottom of this page
- Only applications submitted using the official IPA application form will be considered.
- CVs will not be considered.
Closing date for applications is Wednesday 6th May at 1pm (Irish time) .
If you do not receive an acknowledgement of receipt of your application within 24 hours of applying, please email: ipa@consciatalent.com
Assistant Librarian Candidate Information Booklet.pdf
