Library Steward

Main Purpose of Job The Library Steward will take a lead role in creating a welcoming environment as the first point of contact between users and the Library, while also ensuring the security and safety of Library buildings, facilities, users and contents. The post demands the highest standards of responsibility, integrity and courtesy.

Main Duties and Responsibilities Customer Service: • To act as the first point of contact between users and the Library, creating a welcoming environment while also adhering to the various Library access policies • To be customer-orientated and achieve good customer relations • To be familiar with Library Services, and the University Campus, to respond to user informational and directional queries • To oversee all Library spaces and ensure that standards of conduct are in compliance with the Library’s defined codes of behaviour • To explain Library policies to users behaving inappropriately, and use de-escalation techniques to address issues and resolve any conflicts • To ensure that reading places are not reserved unused over long periods by implementing the Library’s regulations regarding the reservation of study places • To present a professional demeanour and appearance, including wearing the prescribed uniform

Library Access: • To staff and oversee the Library’s main entry and exit point, ensuring only authorised users access the Library building • To operate the controlled access system, including the generation of Visitor Badges via the system database • To respond to alarms from theft detection devices and implement the Library’s food and drinks policy

Library Buildings: • To open the Library, clear users at closing time, and ensure that Library buildings and their contents are left locked and secure at shut-down • To ensure that building safety and security is upheld and safeguard library assets, users and staff by conducting routine patrols around the Library • To ensure that furniture and equipment in the Reading Room and in the Library are maintained in their correct location and in good condition • To move furniture or equipment within the Library buildings as required • To monitor the physical space, report maintenance issues as they arise and fix routine problems • To maintain specified standards of cleanliness and presentation in all library spaces and stores Health and Safety: • To ensure that all health and safety regulations are closely observed and report any health and safety issues to line management • To have a thorough knowledge of the Library evacuation procedures and assist with the evacuation of the building, and in particular users with special needs, in the event of an emergency • To attend relevant training courses as required including training on Health & Safety issues and emergency procedures

Library Collections • To re-shelve books, journals and other library materials in their appropriate sections • To obtain material from and return it to the closed access areas/off site store as required • To input to stock management projects at all Library locations, both onsite and offsite • To collect and deliver books, journals etc to and from other University departments or external bodies or donors

Other Duties • To support Library and University outreach activities including Open Days, Exhibitions, Pop-Ups etc • To carry out van driving duties as required • To ensure prompt and efficient delivery to and from the Library of all mail • To carry waste materials, packing materials etc to University refuse collection points • To support new service developments as appropriate, and to be proactive in identifying and suggesting possible service enhancements • Perform other duties as may be assigned by the University Librarian or designated line manager.

Please note: This job description reflects the core activities of the role, and as the University and the post holder develop, there will inevitably be changes in the emphasis of duties. It is expected that the post holder will recognise this and adopt a flexible approach to work and skills development. Requirements for the role: The successful candidate will demonstrate the eligibility requirements below in terms of qualification, skills and experience.

Essential Criteria: Qualifications • FETAC Level 5 Leaving Certificate or equivalent • Full clean driving licence

Experience • Experience of working in a front-line customer service facing role • Experience of working in a team • Experience of addressing Health & Safety workplace issues • Experience of dealing with, and de-escalating, difficult or conflict situations

Skills • Excellent customer service skills • Strong communication and interpersonal skills including during times of conflict or emergency • Ability to exercise mature judgement in difficult or tense situations • Physical ability to move furniture, boxes and trolleys, work with high shelving and comfortable with working in Basement, Offsite Stores, etc. • Familiarity with using basic IT including Microsoft word and e-mail

Attributes • Commitment to customer service excellence • Strong delivery focus • Flexible and adaptable approach to change and work demands • Reliable and trustworthy • Commitment to working as part of a team • Positive attitude, energy and enthusiasm

Desirable Criteria • Experience of working in a library setting

The above criteria will be utilised to shortlist and select candidates for interview.

Special Features of the Post: Library Stewards work primarily at the Main Library building on the University campus in Galway city, but are required at times to undertake duties at the adjacent Hardiman Research building, the Library’s offsite store on Snipe Avenue, and the Medical Library in the Clinical Sciences Institute on the grounds of the University College Hospital Galway The Library Steward role requires onsite working and is not suitable for hybrid or remote working. Library Stewards work 38.5 hours per week (or pro-rata if part-time) over a varying roster system as follows: Term time (usually early September to mid-December and early January to mid-May): 7 Day Roster, that covers 8.30 – 22.00 Monday to Friday; 8.30 – 17.30 on Saturday and 10.00 – 17.30 on Sunday. A shift allowance applies according to the roster in operation. The expected current pattern for the part-time, term time library steward is Friday: 08:30 -14:00; Saturday: 10:15 - 17:30; Sunday: 10:00 - 17:30.

Salary: €37,118-€41,870 p.a. pro rata (applicable to new entrants effective from January, 2011)