Job overview
A vacancy has arisen for the permanent post of Library Manager at our Library at Princess Royal Hospital in East Sussex. The Library Manager is responsible for the day-to-day operation of Knowledge and Library Services from the library, including proactive frontline support for library users and the line management of all library assistants at this site.
The library is used by all levels of clinical and non-clinical members as well as students on placement within the local health economy.
Main duties of the job
Please refer to the job description for full details.
Line management of all Library Assistants and Senior Library Assistants based at the Princess Royal Hospital, including supervision, appraisals, and ongoing professional support.
Overseeing the quality of enquiry desk customer service and ensuring the library is a well-maintained, accessible, and engaging space.
Delivering core library services and providing support to staff and students.
Undertaking in-depth evidence searches to support clinical practice, research, and decision-making.
Designing and delivering training sessions in information skills to library members.
Contributing to the Trust’s current awareness service to keep staff up to date with relevant developments.
Administering and maintaining access to a wide range of information resources.
Working for our organisation
At UHSussex (UHSx), diversity is our strength, & we want you to feel included to help us always put the Patient First. Your uniqueness & experiences will be part of our creative and innovative community where everyone is encouraged to succeed. We have a range of Staff Networks to help break down barriers, & can offer a buddy to help new members settle in. We’re proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2) & a Veteran Aware Trust.
We treat our patients & staff with the same compassion & empathy we expect for ourselves. We’re here for them when they need us, and we go above & beyond to meet their needs. This can be seen in our candidate information pack & wellbeing programme, for staff which is extensive & designed to support you when you need it, including where possible, flexible working to support work life balance - because we know that to look after others we must first look after ourselves.
As a university trust and a leader in healthcare research, we value learning, teaching & training so that we can be the best that we can be. From the moment you start with us & throughout your career we will help you to grow & develop. We hope that in choosing UHSx you are choosing a long & happy career where you will be able to see the difference you make & feel valued for all that you do.
We look forward to receiving your application & the start of your journey with UHSx.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
The post holder will operate within a team of skilled professional librarians and will receive appropriate levels of training, support and supervision.
They will work closely with library managers based at other hospital sites within University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust to ensure a consistent quality of service on all sites and to coordinate cross-site cover as required. The post holder will report to the Senior Librarian (Learning and Teaching).
This post is based at Princess Royal Hospital but occasional travel to other sites within the Trust will be required.
Person specification
Qualifications
Essential criteria
1. Bachelor's degree (or higher) in library/information science, a related degree, or equivalent experience
Desirable criteria
2. Chartered Member of CILIP or working towards chartership or other equivalent professional association
Experience
Essential criteria
3. Experience in a library or information service.
4. Experience in a customer care environment
5. Strong admin and organisational skills. Excellent written and spoken English, including report writing
6. Familiarity with Microsoft Office or equivalent
7. Extensive library experience in a supervisory capacity or equivalent demonstrable knowledge and skills
8. Experience of using a library management system Experience of electronic resources in a library or information context.
9. Experience in searching online databases and/or internet
10. Experience in providing training, presentations and support.
11. Experience of stock selection and review.
12. Experience of policy development.
13. Experience of ordering materials within a budget
14. Experience of line managing and supervising staff including undertaking staff appraisals
Desirable criteria
15. Experience in a health library
16. Experience of using web software
17. Knowledge of medical terminology
18. Experience of using online procurement ordering systems
Skills
Essential criteria
19. Able to trouble shoot basic IT problems.
20. Competent and consistent approach to data entry.
21. Able to hold regular staff meetings
22. Able to plan and oversee services in accordance to service specifications
23. Able to provide and cascade excellent customer service
24. Able to identify staff training needs and deliver training
25. Able to work equitably with all health grades and professions
26. Able to discover library users’ information needs.
27. Able to communicate with sensitivity and tact with other members of own team
28. Generally, work with the supervisor/ manager close by/available.
29. Manage own workload and plan workload and rotas for library assistants
30. Work independently and use own initiative.
Desirable criteria
31. Organising information; indexing, cataloguing, classification and abstracting skills
Equality and Diversity
Essential criteria
32. Evidence of having championed diversity in previous roles (as appropriate to role).
33. Evidence of having undertaken own development to improve understanding of equalities issues
Important information for applicants:
A Note on AI Use in Applications
We value the individuality and authenticity that each candidate brings to the application process. While AI tools are increasingly accessible, we strongly discourage their use in completing your application. Your responses should reflect your own voice, experiences, and motivations—elements that are essential to a fair and accurate evaluation.
Applications that rely heavily on AI-generated content may misrepresent your abilities and could result in your application being rejected. We encourage you to take the time to present your genuine self, as this helps us better understand your potential and ensures a transparent selection process.
Closing Adverts Early: In the event of exceptional interest, we may close adverts earlier than specified.
Some of our adverts are capped for a limited number of applications; therefore, the advert will close once the cap has been reached. We therefore encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible if you are interested in the position to prevent you from missing out on applying for the opportunity.
Flexible Working: If you would like to explore potential options regarding flexible working please speak with the appropriate recruiting/line manager.
DBS Checks: As part of our commitment to a safe working environment, we undertake a Disclosure and Barring Service check on all new employees where the role is eligible for a criminal record check. We make offers in line with the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1975.
Skilled Worker Visa: Applications for Skilled Worker sponsorship are welcome for the roles that meet the Visa and Immigrations eligibility criteria. For further information please visit the gov.uk website searching for Skilled Worker. It is your responsibility as the applicant to ensure that you meet this criteria.
UHSussex reserves the right to close the role early if we receive a high volume of applications