The Role
Newcastle University Library is the only University Library in the UK to have received the Charter Mark five times, and now holds the award which replaced it, illustrating our dedication to delivering a friendly, professional, and efficient service to all our customers. To read more about us, please click
Our Library Research Reserve provides access to state-of-the-art off-campus storage facilities, and houses both library and other University material. The Research Reserve provides a daily book retrieval, delivery and journal article scanning service.
This role is an excellent opportunity for someone who can line manage and supervise a small team, delivering a high-quality customer service, as well taking responsibility for the safe and secure operation of our Research Reserve. This is a full-time, place-based role, based largely at our Team Valley facilities, but will also include time in our campus-based stores and libraries.
To apply, please upload an up-to-date CV and a letter of application (no more than one page) which outlines your fit for this role and any relevant experience to the key accountabilities listed below.
Informal enquiries can be made to Anne Middleton:
Key Accountabilities
1. To be responsible for the safe, effective and efficient daily operation of the Research Reserve, including the Team Valley, Old Library and Bridge stores, providing a daily book delivery and journal article scanning service.
2. To line manage and supervise the Research Reserve team of library assistants, prioritising and allocating work, overseeing processes, monitoring quality standards, delivering training and carrying out regular performance reviews.
3. To liaise with and work alongside colleagues from other library teams based at the Research Reserve to ensure the effective operation of the facility.
4. As part of the library’s Customer Service team, work in partnership with colleagues based at the on-campus libraries to provide a consistently high-quality service to all customers.
5. To liaise with University colleagues and other stakeholders, such as Security/Valley Watch, Estates and Facilities, owners of University finance and HR records, Tyne and Wear Archives.
6. To coordinate and oversee the secure storage, movement and retrieval of University Records, Archives, Special Collections and library materials within and between the University stores and libraries.
7. To be responsible for the creation, development, review and update of operational processes, procedures and risk assessments.
8. To coordinate and carry out regular environmental monitoring and safety checks, reporting defects, organising repairs and ordering replacements as necessary.
9. To represent the Research Reserve at library meetings and committees.
10. Any other duties within the scope and general nature of the grade which may be required.
The Person (Essential)
Knowledge, Skills and Experience
11. Experience of supervising and motivating staff.
12. Experience of working in a building or facilities management environment.
13. Experience of working in a customer focused environments and excellent customer care skills.
14. Experience of planning and developing service processes and procedures.
15. A working knowledge of manual handling, and Health and Safety legislation.
16. Ability to work indpendently using own initiative and to work effectively in a team.
17. Excellent interpersonal, organisational and communication skills.
18. Good IT skills, including experience of using MS Office.
19. Experience of planning and delivering on-the-job training
20. Demonstrable experience of coaching to support people and improve performance.
21. Capable of pushing trolleys, carrying books and furniture, and working at height.
Attributes and Behaviour
Team-working
22. Building team spirit and working across teams.
23. Willing to help others and share workload.
Planning and Organising
24. Identifies what is important and prioritises accordingly.
Finding Solutions
25. Uses initiative to overcome obstacles and solving problems.
Delivering Services
26. Demonstrates commitment to the delivery of excellent services.
Projecting Confidence
27. Remains calm when responding to challenging situations.
Qualifications
28. Educated to A level or equivalent standard or significant relevant work experience.
29. Possession of a full drivers license.
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 are committed to being a fully inclusive university which actively recruits, supports and retains colleagues from all sectors of society. We value diversity as well as celebrate, support and thrive on the contributions of all of our employees and the communities they represent. We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer and encourage applications from individuals who can complement our existing teams, we believe that success is built on having teams whose backgrounds and experiences reflect the diversity of our university and student population.
At Newcastle University we hold a Gold award in recognition of our good employment practices for the advancement of gender equality. We also hold a Bronze award in recognition of our work towards tackling race inequality in higher education REC. We are a 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.
Requisition ID: 28881