Assistant Librarian

The Role Maynooth University is committed to a strategy in which the primary University goals of excellent research and scholarship and outstanding education are interlinked and equally valued. We are seeking an Assistant Librarian for our General Collections and Finance Section, with particular responsibility for the Library’s electronic resources. The successful candidate will be appointed at Assistant Librarian II level.

Principal Duties Administrative and other duties: This will include: • Liaise and negotiate with publishers, framework agents, and IReL (Irish Research eLibrary) on e-resource trials, subscriptions, finance, licences, access, and relevant metrics • Manage relevant systems to ensure e-journals, databases and e-books are discoverable via the Library’s resource discovery system and web pages • Respond to and resolve e-resource questions and issues reported by library users and library staff • Analyse and report on e-resource usage statistics and financial data to measure value for money and assess ongoing needs • Communicate information on subscribed and potential e-resources to relevant library and university colleagues • Develop the management of e-resources and attendant workflows via the Library Services Platform, Alma. • Assess and develop the Library’s electronic content with particular attention to de-duplication • Participate in the administration of Open Access transformative agreements in consultation with relevant library and university colleagues • Work with wider library teams with a view to improving overall library services and contribute to the implementation of Library strategy • Pursue ongoing professional development and contribute to the profession through local and national professional and scholarly activities, representing the Library as needed • Any other duties as may be assigned by the University Librarian or their nominee.

Please note that the library is currently in the process of an organisational review and the above list of duties and responsibilities is subject to change.

The ideal candidate will have: Essential • A degree and a recognised postgraduate qualification in library and information science • Previous relevant experience in an academic library or related environment • Knowledge of the scholarly publishing landscape relevant to Higher Education, including the development of open scholarship, and particualrly the changing ebook and etextbook market • Excellent communication skills and a strong customer focus • An ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team, with a problem-solving approach to work • Demonstrable organisational skills with the ability and flexibility to manage multiple and competing priorities/deadlines • Proficient IT skills, including Microsoft Office applications, and good attention to detail

Desirable • Demonstrable ability to negotiate with external providers • Experience gathering and analysing data and producing analysis reports • Experience of using Alma and/or Summon • Project management skills and experience

The Library There are two main buildings - the John Paul II Library and the Russell Library, both of which hold significant rare book, archive and manuscript collections. Notable items in these collections include: • Archives of significant figures from scholarship, activism and literature, • Gaelic manuscripts dating from the 15th to the 19th century • English, Latin and French manuscripts from the 11th century • A world class Bible collection of over 2500 items covering nearly 600 languages • Cuneiform tablets from pre Christian Mesopotamia • A variety of incunabula from the 15th century • The Otway-Maurice collection from St. Canice’s, Kilkenny, containing over 3000 rare items Access is also provided to over 500,000 electronic books and 70,000 electronic journals.The overall strategy for Maynooth University Library is articulated in the current Library Strategic Plan. Further information about the Library can be found on the Library’s website and social media platforms. The University Maynooth University is a very distinctive university, a collegial institution focused on science and engineering, humanities, and social sciences, and equally committed to research, teaching and community engagement. Located in Ireland’s only university town, its distinctive features and character owe much to its unique history and heritage. It provides a high-quality educational experience to over 15,000 students on a campus with 18th century roots and 21st century dynamism. The strategic trajectory and accomplishments of Maynooth University, in the 25 years since its establishment as an autonomous public university, are exceptional, and a source of great pride to the university community, staff, students and alumni. Maynooth University in 2024 ranked in the top 90 global Times Higher Education (THE) Young University rankings, placing 86th in the world. Maynooth University’s growing global reputation is based on the originality, quality, importance and impact of its research and scholarship, commitment to teaching and learning, the quality of academic programmes, and its leadership in widening participation in higher education. The sources of success are the dedication of its staff and the energy and engagement of its students. Maynooth University is a place of lively contrasts – a modern institution, dynamic, rapidly-growing, research-led and engaged, yet grounded in historic academic strengths and scholarly traditions. With over 15,000 students Maynooth offers a range of programmes at undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral level in the humanities, science and engineering and social sciences, including business, law and education. The University also offers a range of international programmes and partnerships. Maynooth’s unique collegial culture fosters an interdisciplinary approach to research, which its worldclass academics bring to bear in tackling some of the most fundamental challenges facing society today. The University’s research institutes and centres consolidate and deliver this impact as vibrant communities of learning, discovery and creation. Research at Maynooth also is very much central to its teaching and the University prides itself on placing equal value on its research and teaching missions. Maynooth University’s Values Our values define who we are, what we believe in and how we act as a community. They underpin our future success and guide our expectations of ourselves and each other. Our values apply to everyone in the University community: • Integrity • Collegiality • Responsibility • Freedom of expression • Ambition Maynooth University Strategic Plan 2023 – 2028

The University’s Strategic Plan 2023 - 2028 builds on our rich academic history and strong foundations to set out an ambitious and forward-looking path for the future of our University. This roadmap underscores our commitment to adapt to a changing world while staying true to our values. Our vision is to be a university of excellence, opportunity and impact, having a significant stake in all three. Salary Assistant Librarian – Grade II (2024) €44,339 – €62,417 p.a. (9 points) Appointments will be made in accordance with public sector pay provisions. Hours of work A 35-hour working week is in operation in respect of full-time positions (prorated for part-time positions). This can be reviewed or adjusted from time to time through national agreements.