Senior Library Assistant

This fixed-term Senior Library Assistant role focuses on the day-to-day management of metadata processes, including bibliographic record creation and acting as the first point of contact for related queries. Key responsibilities involve supervising staff, ensuring high-quality metadata, and supporting content discovery initiatives. Essential requirements include academic library experience, detailed knowledge of Library Management System cataloguing and acquisitions modules, and demonstrable staff supervision experience.

• This is an excellent opportunity to work in a supervisory role within the Content and Discovery team.
• This role involves day-to-day management of metadata processes including the creation of new bibliographic records and acting as the first point of contact for bibliographic queries.
• You will also support the Metadata Librarians with their work on content discovery and collection management.
• In order to be successful you will have ex perience of working in an academic library or an equivalent setting, including use of integrated library computer systems, you should have d etailed knowledge of a Library Management System’s Acquisitions and Cataloguing modules, and of general acquisitions and cataloguing procedures.
• Demonstrable experience of staff supervision, with excellent customer service skills.
• perience of working in an academic library or an equivalent setting, including use of integrated library computer systems, you
• etailed knowledge of a Library Management System’s Acquisitions and Cataloguing modules, and of general acquisitions and cataloguing procedures. Demonstrable experience
• of staff supervision, with excellent customer service skills.
• The post is suitable for blended working and is fixed term until 17th May 2027.
• Informal enquiries may be made to Pamela Dodds ( Pamela.Dodds@ncl.ac.uk )
• To apply please upload your CV along with a cover letter clearly evidencing how your skills and experiences align to the person specification as outlined in the job description.
• Interviews are expected to be held in person.
• Creating and/or enhancing original bibliographic records for Library resources when an existing bibliographic record isn't available for download.
• Overseeing high quality metadata and description processes to maximise discoverability.
• Acting as first point of contact for queries from Library Assistants working on bibliographic records, including supervising the staff and workflows relating to this.
• Working with metadata suppliers to maintain streamlined and efficient workflows, and to achieve business improvements.
• Maintaining consistency in classification and item description.
• Monitoring specified shared mailbox(es), responding to emails in a timely manner.
• Providing regular monthly and annual reports on new stock added to the Library.
• Helping set team priorities in pursuit of achieving the aims of Special Collections cataloguing strategy.

• Newcastle University is a global University where everyone is treated with dignity and respect. As a University of Sanctuary, we aim to provide a welcoming place of safety for all, offering opportunities to people fleeing violence and persecution.
• We value diversity as well as celebrate, support and thrive on the contributions of all of our employees and the communities they represent.
• At Newcastle University we hold a Gold Athena Swan award in recognition of our good employment practices for the advancement of gender equality.
• We also hold a Race Equality Charter Bronze award in recognition of our work towards tackling race inequality in higher education REC.
• We are a Disability Confident employer and will offer an interview to disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role as part of the offer and interview scheme.
• In addition, we are a member of the Euraxess initiative supporting researchers in Europe.
• Good organisational skills.
• Knowledge, Skills and Experience
• Detailed knowledge of a Library Management System’s Acquisitions and Cataloguing modules, and of general acquisitions and cataloguing procedures.
• The ability to supervise and motivate staff, and to support managers in developing staff.
• Experience of working in an academic library or an equivalent setting, including use of integrated library computer systems. A knowledge of e-repositories and research systems would also be an advantage.
• Good IT skills, including experience of using MS Office applications, spreadsheets, databases, and web-based information resources and tools.
• Ability to work independently, but also work effectively as a member of a team, including good verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent attention to detail, as well as problem solving ability.
• Experience of working in a customer-focused environment.
• Minimum of five GCSEs or equivalent at Grade C or above, plus work experience in a relevant role.