Librarian: After Hours Services

Teaching & Learning: Library Services

POST:  Librarian: After-Hours Services (X4)

Reference Number: 20002249 / 20002251 / 20002252 / 20002253 

Overall purpose of this role:
To coordinate and oversee the delivery of Library Services outside normal operating hours, including circulation and access services, first-line user support, functional supervision of employees and Student Library Assistants on duty, operational incident management, and the maintenance of a safe, secure and orderly library environment. The position serves as the designated senior Library representative during the assigned shift and escalates security, facilities, emergency, information technology and specialist service matters to the responsible University functions.

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree or Advanced Diploma in Library and Information Science at NQF Level 7, or an equivalent relevant qualification
• A minimum of three years’ relevant professional experience in an academic library, including at least two years’ experience in circulation, access or client services and demonstrated experience coordinating employees or Student Library Assistants.

Key responsibilities:

After Hours Library Operations and Shift Coordination

• Serve as the designated senior Library representative during the assigned after-hours shift and coordinate service delivery in accordance with approved operating procedures and delegations.
• Complete opening, shift-handover and closing requirements; verify service-point, equipment, facility and staffing readiness; and maintain an accurate shift handover record.
• Coordinate daily work allocation and service-point coverage and respond to immediate operational priorities within the authority of the position.
• Apply business-continuity arrangements during system, power, facility or service disruptions and escalate unresolved matters to the responsible function.
• Provide the Campus Librarian with timely information on incidents, staffing gaps, service constraints and matters requiring follow-up.

Circulation Access and Client Services

• Deliver and oversee circulation, membership, access, enquiry and directional services during after-hours operations.
• Provide first-line assistance with library systems, catalogues, electronic databases, self-service equipment, printing and other approved user technologies.
• Resolve routine client queries consistently and refer subject specific research, teaching and learning support needs to the appropriate Subject Librarian or specialist service.
• Apply approved access, borrowing and user-conduct rules fairly and maintain an inclusive, professional and service oriented environment.
• Identify recurring service issues and recommend practical improvements to the Campus Librarian.

Functional Supervision of Employees and Student Library Assistants

• Coordinate approved duty rosters and allocate after-hours activities to employees and Student Library Assistants assigned to the shift.
• Confirm attendance, punctuality, work allocation, service coverage and adherence to approved procedures.
• Provide on-shift guidance, coaching and immediate corrective direction to support consistent service delivery.
• Record and report attendance, performance, conduct or capability concerns to the responsible line manager for formal action.
• Does not exercise formal disciplinary, appointment or performance-rating authority unless specifically delegated in writing.

Safety Security and Incident Coordination

• Monitor the after-hours library environment for safety, security, access-control, user-conduct and facility risks and initiate the prescribed response.
• Liaise with Protection Services, Facilities Management, emergency services and other responsible functions in accordance with approved protocols.
• Coordinate the Library response during evacuations, medical incidents, disruptive behaviour, suspected theft, building faults or other emergencies until the responsible authority assumes control.
• Protect users, employees, library collections, equipment and information by applying approved controls without assuming the professional mandate of Security, Facilities or emergency services.
• Complete accurate incident reports, preserve relevant information and escalate serious or recurring risks promptly.

Library Systems Statistics and Shift Reporting

• Operate approved library systems and monitor the availability of circulation, access-control, self-service and related technologies during the shift.
• Capture and validate after-hours usage, circulation, enquiry, staffing, incident and service-interruption information.
• Prepare concise daily, weekly or monthly operational reports in the prescribed format for the Campus Librarian and Manager: Sites and Client Services.
• Protect personal and institutional information and maintain accurate, retrievable operational records.

Facilities Resources and Service Readiness

• Inspect public and staff service areas for operational readiness, including lighting, furniture, equipment, access points and environmental conditions.
• Report and track facilities, cleaning, technology, equipment and security faults through the approved service channels.
• Monitor the orderly use and protection of library collections, spaces and equipment and take immediate action within approved procedures.
• Compile after-hours operational resource requirements and supporting information for consideration by the Campus Librarian and authorised budget holder.

Stakeholder Coordination and Service Improvement

• Maintain effective operational relationships with Library colleagues, Protection Services, Facilities Management, ICTS and other campus support functions.
• Participate in designated Library or campus operational meetings and provide evidence-based inputs on after-hours services.
• Engage approved sector or professional forums when formally nominated or delegated.
• Support service reviews, procedure updates, user communication and improvement initiatives affecting extended-hours operations.

Salary: Market related

Contact Person: Ms. ZJ. Ngcobo

Status of Position: Permanent

 Applications should include:

• A fully completed prescribed application form which can be obtained from ac.za (under the QUICK LINKS tab - @careers)
• A detailed curriculum vita (explicitly stating experience or knowledge in the above-mentioned fields)
• Covering Letter
• Copies of all relevant academic records and certificates
• ID Copy
• Matric Certificate
• Current contact information of referees

 Please note:

While the DUT strives to ensure equal opportunities, preference will be given to suitable candidates in accordance with the University’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Policy and aligned to its strategic objectives.

The Durban University of Technology reserves the right not to make an appointment.

Correspondence will only be made with shortlisted candidates. If you do not receive communication from the University, please consider your application unsuccessful.

Successful candidates will be subject to background checks, including qualification verification, reference checks, criminal record screening, and lifestyle audits for financially related positions. Submission of an application constitutes consent to these checks. The University may also require psychometric or other assessments where justified by the requirements of the position.