PORTADOWN COLLEGE – JOB DESCRIPTION
Post Title:
Learning Resource & Information Services Manager Portadown College - (SCP Senior Executive Officer)
Location:
Portadown College
Responsible to:
College Principal via Head of Finance & Corporate Services with input from the College Literacy Coordinator
Responsible for:
Student Library Assistants and Volunteers
Job Purpose
Lead the strategic development and daily operation of the Library and information services.
* Facilitate the transition to, and implementation of, new Library/learning resource facilities and services within the College moving forward.
* Ensure the Library inspires and supports teaching, learning, literacy and independent study across the College.
* Oversee quiet, purposeful Sixth Form Study in the Library and associated areas.
* Assist with the College’s promotional output, including the Prospectus and College Website.
Main Duties and Responsibilities
Library & Resource Management
* Organise and manage the Library’s physical and digital resources, including cataloguing, classification and maintenance.
* Oversee stock control, ordering and budgeting in line with financial procedures; operate efficient systems for issuing and tracking resources and equipment.
* Maintain a welcoming, dynamic Library environment with engaging displays and digital promotions.
* Provide ICT support within the Library and ensure equipment is used purposefully, safely and responsibly.
Support for Learning and Literacy
* Promote literacy, study skills and independent learning among students.
* Assist with students’ training in the use of AI as a research tool, including its application and associated ethical considerations.
* Assist with whole‑school literacy initiatives and reading interventions.
* Deliver and maintain enrichment activities such as book clubs and reading challenges.
* Select and maintain a diverse and inclusive stock of fiction and non‑fiction, aligned with curriculum and student interests.
* Prepare reading lists and resource packs in collaboration with teaching staff.
Student and Staff Engagement
* Supervise students during private study, lunch and homework sessions as required.
* Train and manage student Library assistants in administrative procedures and Library operations.
* Support staff by sourcing curriculum‑relevant materials and developing information skills.
* Assist with behaviour management in line with College policy and supervise students outside lesson times as appropriate.
* Accompany students and staff on educational visits and out‑of‑school activities.
Promotion and Events
* Organise literacy‑focused events such as author visits and guest speakers.
* Develop and maintain a well‑being area within the Library with relevant and up‑to‑date resources.
* Assist with the production of promotional and information materials, including the College Prospectus and Website updates.
* Create displays, posters and exhibitions to raise awareness of Library services.
Reading and Research Support
* Systematically index, classify, and catalogue resources for efficient access and retrieval.
* Compile and distribute resource packs for staff and students.
* Liaise with staff to ensure reading materials reflect Key Stage development and curriculum needs.
* Develop in students the skills required for effective individual academic research to maximise educational outcomes.
Planning and Development
* Stay informed of relevant Library and Information developments in education, networking with the appropriate external agencies to ensure that the maximum use is made of appropriate materials and information provided by key support services and outside organisations, e.g. Education Authority Schools Library Service, Libraries NI, Armagh City, Banbridge & Craigavon Borough Council, Examination Boards, Universities, Colleges and Museums Library & Information Services.
* Maintain links with feeder schools to support continuity in information skills and stock provision.
* Develop and review Library policies and procedures aligned with the College’s educational aims.
* Produce annual reports on Library stock and development needs.
* Contribute to curriculum planning and assist in researching new resources and ICT provisions.
* Prepare funding submissions and maintain up‑to‑date literature for Library users.
Working with Students and Staff
* Build positive relationships with students and staff, promoting a balance between support and independence.
* Ensure safe, purposeful and responsible use of Library equipment and materials.
* Support students in understanding instructions and accessing learning materials.
* Train students and staff in using Library systems and resources effectively.
* Supervise Library activities and ensure smooth operation during busy periods.
Professional Development
* Engage in continuing personal professional development maintaining a high level of current awareness regarding literature, general knowledge, developments in education and library and information services, pedagogical practice within the College.
* Take part in an annual performance management programme.
* Keep informed and up to date on current health and safety legislation, data protection, freedom of information, copyright law, internet abuse, child protection, equality legislation and other topical social issues.
* Exploit every opportunity for own professional development, sharing INSET (In Service Training Days) opportunities with colleagues and other librarians, as well as maintaining a comprehensive awareness of current developments in information and library management, education and young people’s literature.
* Seek to obtain and/or maintain membership of an approved professional library and information service organisation.
* Engage in such other duties as may be assigned within the level of this post.
To view the summary of terms and conditions for this post, click here.
PERSON SPECIFICATION
NOTES TO JOB APPLICANTS
* You must clearly demonstrate on your application form under each question, how, and to what extent you meet the required criteria as failure to do so may result in you not being shortlisted. You should clearly demonstrate this for both the essential and desirable criteria, where relevant.
* You must demonstrate how you meet the criteria by the closing date for applications, unless the criteria state otherwise.
* The stage in the process when the criteria will be measured is outlined in the table below.
* Shortlisting will be carried out on the basis of the essential criteria set out in Section 1 below, using the information provided by you on your application form.
* Please note that the Selection Panel reserves the right to shortlist only those applicants that it believes most strongly meet the criteria for the role.
* In the event of an excessive number of applications, the Selection Panel also reserves the right to apply any desirable criteria as outlined in Section 3 at shortlisting, in which case these will be applied in the order listed. It is important therefore that you also clearly demonstrate on your application form how you meet any desirable criteria.
SECTION 1 – ESSENTIAL CRITERIA
Following criteria will initially be measured at the shortlisting stage and may also be further explored during the interview/selection stage. You should therefore make it clear on your application form how, and to what extent you meet these criteria. Failure to do so may result in you not being shortlisted.
* (i) A minimum of 3 A Levels (or equivalent), including at least one in a relevant subject linked to the Arts/Humanities.
* OR
* A minimum of 2 years’ experience within an administrative, research, or learning resource role.
* (ii) A love and knowledge of reading and books.
(i) Shortlisting by Application Form
(ii) Shortlisting by Application Form
Skills / Abilities
(i) Competency in the use of a range of software packages e.g. Microsoft packages eg Microsoft word, excel, PPT and databases.
(i) Shortlisting by Application Form
SECTION 2 – ESSENTIAL CRITERIA
Following are additional essential criteria which will be measured during the interview/selection stage.
Evidence of knowledge of the requirements of a Learning Resource and information Services Manager.
Interview
Skills/Abilities
* Excellent oral & written communication skills to support the delivery of various communications.
* Digitally literate including knowledge of digital & social media tools and their application.
* Ability to prioritise work and produce high standard outcomes.
* Ability to develop strong, supportive and collaborative working relationships with students & colleagues.
* Ability to work independently & show initiative.
* Interest in current & corporate affairs.
* High levels of personal commitment and an attention to detail.
Interview
Values Orientation
Evidence of how your experience and approach to work reflect the College’s values/ethos. You will find information about the College’s values/ethos on our College website.
Interview
SECTION 3 – DESIRABLE CRITERIA
Some or all of the desirable criteria may be applied by the Selection Panel in order to determine a manageable pool of candidates. Desirable criteria will be applied in the order listed. You should make it clear on your application form how, and to what extent you meet the desirable criteria, as failure to do so may result in you not being shortlisted.
* (i) Degree qualification (or equivalent).
* (ii) Postgraduate qualification(s) in librarianship/information management.
* (iii) Membership of appropriate professional bodies e.g. CILIP.
* (i) Experience (minimum 6 months) of working in a Library/Learning Resource educational environment.
* Shortlisting by Application Form
DISCLOSURE OF CRIMINAL BACKGROUND
The Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups (Northern Ireland) Order 2007 defines working directly with children or young people or in specified places as ‘regulated activity’.
In the event that you are recommended for appointed to a post that involves ‘regulated activity’, the Education Authority will be required to undertake an Enhanced Disclosure of Criminal Background. Please note that you WILL be expected to meet the cost of an Enhanced Disclosure Certificate. Details of how to make payment will be sent to you at the pre-employment stage.
Further information can be accessed at NI Direct or the Department of Justice.
APPLICANT GUIDANCE NOTES
To view the applicant guidance notes, please click here.
To learn about the many great benefits of joining the Education Authority, click here.
The Education Authority is an Equal Opportunities Employer
This job description will be subject to review in light of changing circumstances and is not intended to be rigid and inflexible but should be regarded as providing guidelines within which the individual works. Other duties of a similar nature and appropriate to the grade may be assigned from time to time.
JE Ref: SEO Grade, SCP23-26 (EMcG 14.10.25)
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