Senior Sub Librarians Info

Job Requirements and Details Senior Library Staff

The role of Senior Staff member assists Library Committee run the Library on a day-to-day basis. This document details job requirements, but also acts as reference on the operations of Library Comm. themselves, especially with the consideration of end-of-year Committee handovers.

The Library’s working structure is as follows:

Library Staff Structure Library Comm. (President) Senior Staff Librarian Assistant Librarian Stock Manager Treasurer Senior Library Staff Junior Library Staff

The shift allocation structure works whereby Senior Staff (all members of Library Comm. and Senior Library Staff) always work the last shift on any given day. In addition to the job description for Junior Library Staff, all Senior Staff will be in possession of a key for the external door and are responsible for ensuring the library is properly locked up at the end of each day. In addition, the computer should be shut down, all lights turned off and the internal door locked securely.

Responsibilities include:

• Being a key-holder for the external door, as detailed above. Senior Staff will also have keys for the lockers in the Library to deposit any money cashed, and to loan and return all DVDs and Videos, as detailed below.

• Passing on information from Library Comm. to Junior Staff: Important information on the effective running of the Library is often emailed out to all staff members. This may concern issues with sorting designated shelves; information on how to record sales; and return dates for holiday loans. Senior Staff should ensure that they are always up-to-date on all information and ready to answer questions on how to effect these changes. If necessary, the Senior should make themselves available to spend a 5-minute session in training the respective Junior. Seniors should be available for questions from Juniors which fall beyond their designated duties, and acting upon those issues which need immediate attention (even if the Senior is not on duty). To this end, a mailing list shall be set up on the Library ITS account so that added information can go to all Senior Staff. Information will also be posted in a designated file named “Important.doc” on the Library computer, which should be checked at the beginning of every shift. Senior Staff should fill in a record of tasks they have undertaken (during shifts or otherwise) in their “diary” file on the Library computer. This will ensure that all Senior Staff fulfil their required tasks, and promote accountability of completed work.

• Stock take: Senior Staff should be available for the stock take at the end of their year in office, and will be required to co-ordinate the efforts of Junior Staff. Information on the stock take will follow in the week after the exam period.

• Fines are now only be payable via the main library. Loan blocks will be put on anybody with a fine of over £20. DVDs should be inspected for scratches (and Videos for overall damage) before being returned through Millenium. If there is no damage, return the resource as usual, putting the disk back into the locker. If there is damage, put the DVD and case into the locker, and add a note to the “Important.doc” file, so that it can be billed by the Stock Manager or Librarian. More details to follow.

• Library Shop: Senior Staff should take the time needed to learn the prices and details of the products stocked in the Library Shop. Sales must be recorded accurately and promptly. More details on the running of the Shop to follow.

• Being alert to security issues that arise in the library. If a Senior notices that any member of staff is not on duty, they should inform the Assistant Librarian so the absence can be recorded. This includes staff not being present behind the desk (except for toilet breaks!) or in the computer room.

• Book repairs. Those books which need attention should be removed from the shelves and put into the designated repairs section behind the Library desk for the attention of the Stock Manager. If necessary, Senior Staff should help to fix paperback books with “magic” scotch tape, and re-attach labels. Senior Staff may also be required by the Stock Manager to help cover paperback books with sticky back plastic in arranged sessions.

• Playing a part in the general upkeep of the library – including tidying, dusting etc.

• Any other roles as deemed necessary by Library Committee

Recommendations for the appointment of Senior Staff:

- Seniors should be appointed with a consideration of continuity after the end of the academic year. As in the case of the 2004-2005 academic year where three of the four Library Committee members (plus the President) will be graduating, it is advisable that Senior Staff be appointed from first and second-year students.

- The Senior Staff position shall not be an elected position, instead being at the discretion of the Librarian to those members of staff s/he sees as especially conscientious, reliable and trustworthy.

In return for their work, Senior Staff have the advantage of a weekly shift.