Head of the Library - Edinburgh, United Kingdom - Cloud Online Recruitment

Description

Location: Edinburgh

Level: N/A

Deadline: 24/04/2024 12:00

Hours: 35.00

Benefits: Generous Range of Benefits

Job Type: Full Time

To apply for this vacancy, you must complete an Application Form which can be accessed on the Application Form tab of this site. Please note that applications must be submitted in the correct format of an application form as CV's will not be accepted.

Reports to the Chief Executive Officer of FSL and FOA

Job Purpose

• To provide strategic leadership for the Advocates Library and the Library team.
• To manage the Advocates Library in an effective and efficient manner, implementing existing and developing newpolicies in consultation with the CEO and as part of the Faculty/FSL Senior Leadership team, and in consultation with the Keeper of the Library and the advisory group of Curators.
• To maintain the relationship between the Advocates Library and the Abbotsford Trust.

Main Responsibilities

• To have overall responsibility for the services provided by the Library team and drive the strategic direction of the library.
• Encourage and support staff development, providing leadership and guidance to foster a dynamic and motivated team.
• To be responsible for the health and safety of employees working within the department's premises and encourage participation in the Faculty's wellbeing programme.
• To recruit, manage, and develop library staff, in concert with the Team Leads.
• To implement and develop library plans and policies with the Library team.
• Ensure compliance with current legislation, regulations and ethical standards regarding copyright, licenses, information, and data
• To attend and participate in Senior Leadership team (SLT) meetings and maintain channels of communication with the CEO and other Heads of Departments.
• To share knowledge of library initiatives within the SLT and wider Faculty/FSL and participate in Faculty/FSL management development programmes.
• To attend Curators' Meetings and advise the Keeper and Curators on professional library practice and library initiatives.
• To implement and develop initiatives with, and delegate as appropriate to the Library Operational Group
• To manage a programme of library tours for select groups, and private exhibitions for members.
• To advise the CEO on the Library's budgetary requirements and to manage the Library's budget and expenditure.
• To ensure the continuity of library operations at all times, by reviewing procedures to ensure that Disaster Recovery arrangements are current and meet the needs of the library.
• To discuss and undertake any project reasonably raised by the Keeper of the Library or CEO.
• To manage access to the Abbotsford Library resources for external researchers, in conjunction with Abbotsford Trust staff through the Joint Collections Management Committee (JCMC).
• To act as Administrator to the Faculty of Advocates Abbotsford Collection Trust (ensuring compliance with trust and charity law) and the Joint Abbotsford Advisory Committee.
• To be responsible for the preservation and conservation of the Abbotsford library items in consultation with the JCMC.
• To deal with the committee responsibilities for the Abbotsford collection including delegating to the Collections & Access Services Librarian where appropriate.
• To represent the library at all appropriate internal and external bodies.
• To represent the Advocates Library at Legal Deposit Steering Group meetings.
• To maintain relationships with key organisation such as the National Library of Scotland, the Signet Library, the Courts Library Service, the SSSC Library, Edinburgh University

Performance Requirements and Conditions

Education/Experience:

• A degree or post-graduate qualification in library studies is essential, together with relevant experience.
• The post holder should have a minimum of ten years' experience of working in a professional library of which five years should be at senior management level, but they may have fewer years' experience, provided they possess the necessary skills to perform the role.
• Experience in a law-related or other special library or information service would be advantageous.
• The post holder should have evidence of continuous professional development.

Skills:

• Strong management and organisational skills, including demonstrable success in project management.
• Demonstrable record of managing diverse teams with long serving and experienced staff.
• Excellent analytical skills with the ability to think strategically and logically, especially in prioritising demands and resources.
• Interpersonal and influencing skills to liaise with a wide range of stakeholders,
• Budgeting and contract negotiation skills.
• Demonstrable application and understanding of change management and continuous improvement methods.
• Knowledge of or demonstrable interest in historic library collections, and awareness of the management and preservation required for older print materials.
• Some prior experience in providing a research service to library users.

Software Used:

The post holder is required to work with the following IT applications:

• Library Databases (internal use).
• The Library Management System (Sirsi Dynix Symphony and Enterprise) (if not familiar with this system then experience of managing or implementing another LMS would be helpful).
• Microsoft 365 especially Sharepoint and Teams.
• A high level of computer literacy is required including k nowledge or awareness of the impact of newer digital technologies including Generative AI.
• Knowledge of key subscription legal databases would be a distinct advantage, as would experience in negotiating with the publishers of these or other non-legal services.

Supervisory Responsibility :

Overall responsibility for library staff supervision is of a general nature: primary responsibility for junior members of staff is delegated to their supervisors, although the Head of the Library is always available for consultation and advice. The Head of the Library directly supervises the two Team Leads, the Systems Librarian and the Library Administrator

Supervision Received:

The Head of the Library's job relies heavily on using their own initiative. The Head of the Library reports to the CEO and works within the guidance of the Keeper of the Library.

Decisions Made:

Decisions relate to all aspects of the Library and will influence the work and subsequent decisions of others

Accountability:

The Head of the Library is ultimately responsible and accountable for the service provided by the library.

Contacts:

Internal - All Members of Faculty, Library staff, Curators, Department managers and other Faculty and FSL staff.

External - Library professionals, legal professionals, academics, suppliers, Faculty of Advocates Abbotsford Trustees, Abbotsford Trust (Staff, Committees and Trustees), National Library of Scotland,members of the public, other professional organisations.

Creativity:

The position of Head of the Library requires a great deal of creative thinking in providing professional advice, implementing policies, devising strategy and in the day-to-day management of the library.