JOB DESCRIPTION
JOB TITLE:
Senior Library Assistant
FACULTY/DIRECTORATE/SECTION: Academic Services/Library
REPORTS TO:
Deputy Librarian
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JOB PURPOSE
 To have responsibility for the Library during HE term time evenings
 To supervise student shelver(s) some of whom work alongside the post holder on the counter
 To provide an enquiry and counter service during evening opening hours
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MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES
Planning and Organisation
 To deliver a high level of accuracy in work
 To achieve work deliverables by prioritising work, escalating issues to line manager or others as
appropriate
 To contribute ideas for improving Library working practices, methods and processes both in own area
and for the Library Assistant team
 To monitor and review the quality of work done by self and others, identifying possible improvements
 To plan workload over periods of up to three months, reprioritising to take account of urgent or
unscheduled tasks
Specialist
 To undertake all tasks associated with the evening operation of the Library service mainly following
standard routines and procedures
 To create documents, presentations and reports as requested by the Deputy Librarian
 To carry out basic analysis of information and present results accurately and in appropriate formats
Customer / Teamwork
 To deliver a high level of customer service at the counter, enquiry desk or through roving, to users
using own knowledge and experience
 To contribute to the work of the Library team in support of the achievement of team deliverables
General
 To undertake staff development appropriate to the post as may be identified and required from time to
time, and in accordance with the University’s Staff Development Policy
 To observe and implement health and safety responsibilities as specified within the AUB’s Health and
Safety Policy
 To demonstrate professionalism in the role as a representative of the AUB, incorporating AUB core
values in the delivery of duties
 To observe equality and diversity practices and procedures and promote equality of opportunity at all
times
 To observe and adhere to all AUB policies relevant to the role
 To undertake such other duties as may reasonably be requested
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JOB DESCRIPTION
OUTPUT EXPECTATIONS
Planning and Organisation
 High level of accuracy in work / low error rates so that work delivered is consistently reliable and
accurate; for example recording statistics of evening use
 Delivery of work on time and to required standard through effective prioritising; escalating issues as
appropriate; for example taking responsibility for own workload but agreeing priorities with line
manager, prioritising on an ongoing basis but keeping line manager informed of any proposed
changes in priorities, and supervising others to assist with own tasks if required for example, carrying
out closing down procedures accurately at the end of the evening
 Applies knowledge of user requirements, within the scope of own and Library operational duties, to
identify suggestions where policy and service may be improved
 Improvements to service delivery are identified and implemented through considered evaluation and
monitoring of own work, as well as user feedback; for example producing an end of year evaluative
and analytical report identifying areas for improvement and how this could be achieved
 Effective planning of activities and personal workloads over periods of up to three months, with
deadlines being met; for example use of Outlook calendar to allocate time to different elements of the
role for the academic year.
Specialist
 Effectively adheres to established procedures to ensure the timely and reliable processing of routine
duties; for example in the operation of the evening Library service and the closing down procedure
 Demonstrates ability to respond to and problem solve general queries, within the scope of routine
duties and procedures; for example answering general queries when on the counter, roving or on the
enquiry desk (whether face to face or online) as part of the evening service
 Produces documents, to a detailed brief; for example on evening procedures and the use of the
service during evenings
Customer / Teamwork
 Through a high level customer service approach, the implementation of appropriate service delivery of
duties, in line with user requirements, leading to strong outcomes; for example to be proactive in
adopting new methods of delivering the Library service
 An effective team player as part of formal projects and informally with colleagues, resulting in desired
project and section deliverables; for example supporting the Deputy Librarian in the delivery of
projects relating to Library operations (as much as possible within the constraints of the post) and by
engaging in discussions about the development and maintenance of a high quality operational
service.
 Ensuring consistent and effective communication with line manager and colleagues to deliver the
evening service in line with Library daytime services and standards.
 Ensuring an efficient and effective evening service through the supervision of students as shelvers
and counter assistants
General
 Attendance at / participation in staff development activities as may be required from time to time,
demonstrating learning in the work place as appropriate (This may not of course be feasible.)
 Up to date with, conscious and aware of health and safety responsibilities and complying with them
during employment at the AUB and in carrying out the duties of the post
 Professional conduct, the appreciation of the sensitivity and confidentiality in the post; positive
representation of the Library mission and achievements in support of the UC; demonstrates maturity,
professionalism and gravitas in the post as appropriate, and the person specification attributes
 Up to date with, conscious and aware of equality and diversity responsibilities, and complying with
them, during employment at the AUB and in carrying out the duties of the post
 Familiarity with, and adherence to, AUB policies and procedures during employment at the AUB and
in carrying out the duties of the post
 Demonstrates willingness and flexibility to take on such other duties as may reasonably be requested.
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JOB DESCRIPTION
ORGANISATION CHART
Director of Academic
Services
Head of Library &
Information Services
Student
shelvers
Library
Administrator
Deputy Librarian
Senior Library
Assistant
Subject Librarians
Senior Library
Assistant
(evening)
Library Assistants
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AUB BACKGROUND INFORMATION
The Arts University at Bournemouth is a leading HEI, passionate about its specialist subjects and
dedicated both to education and the creative industries which it serves. We are one of the most
successful and popular higher education specialists, with an excellent national and international
reputation, committed to providing the highest quality, industry-relevant creative degrees. The University
offers over 20 degrees in art, design, media and performance, as well as a range of short courses, a
unique postgraduate programme, and bespoke services to business. We are proud of our creative
community where staff and students share a passion for and a commitment to the disciplines of art,
design, media and performance.
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ROLE SPECIFIC INFORMATION
The Directorate of Academic Services is responsible for those services which directly support the
academic work of the University: the Library; the Registry; and Student Services. The Directorate works
to support the University in the delivery of its Mission and Strategic Plan, and to make a full contribution
to the delivery of a high quality educational experience. This work is underpinned by its aims:
 to provide a high quality service which meets the needs of all stakeholders, and is characterised by
its professionalism; accessibility; efficiency; accuracy; customer focus; and engagement
 to engage at an appropriate level in debates across the University and the wider sector relating to
academic development and the most effective mechanisms to support this. This will include making
active contributions and, where appropriate, leading the discussion
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JOB DESCRIPTION

actively to implement and promote equality and inclusivity.
All posts within Academic Services are aligned to these three aims.
The Library
The Library has a high profile within the University and is well regarded by staff and students. The focus
of this post is to administer the budget, and be responsible for the book ordering process, supervising
other staff who may help with elements of these tasks. The post holder reports to the Deputy Librarian
and operates the evening Library service, ensuring the delivery of a high quality service which matches
that offered by the rest of the service.
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CONTACTS
Internal
All staff and students
External
Visitors to the Library
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CHALLENGES



Keeping up to date with changes which have to conveyed verbally and through the weekly meeting
notes
As a team member maintaining effective working relationships with colleagues within the constraints
of limited opportunities for this to take place
Developing strategies to engage with the team and wider Library issues which overcome the
restricted nature of the post
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AGREEMENT WITH JOB DESCRIPTION
Line Manager’s Name: ________________________; Signature:
______________________
Post Holder’s Name:
________________________; Signature:
______________________
Completion Date:
_______________________
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