Deputy Librarian

Deputy Librarian

Location: London, UK (on-site)

Contract: 7 months FTC

Working Pattern: Part-Time 18.25 hour/week (Monday and Tuesday - full shifts and 1 half shift on Wednesday, Thursday or Friday)

Job Purpose

The post holder is responsible for designing, developing, and delivering a comprehensive programme of inductions and information skills training for staff and students. The role includes line management of the Senior Library Assistant and deputising for the Librarian as required.

The post holder will play a key role in supporting the strategic delivery of high-quality library and information services, including contributing to collection development and ensuring service excellence across all users.

Key Responsibilities



Leadership & Management

• Line manage the Senior Library Assistant, including recruitment, probation reviews, appraisals, and ongoing professional development.
• Provide leadership, guidance, and motivation to ensure high performance and service standards.
• Deputise for the Librarian, assuming full responsibility for library operations in their absence.

Training & User Support

• Design, develop, and deliver engaging induction sessions and information skills training programmes for staff and students.
• Deliver training on topics including:
  • Literature searching techniques
  • Reference management tools
  • Critical appraisal skills
  • Evidence-based resources
  • Research support methodologies
• Liaise with academic staff to align training provision with teaching programmes and curriculum needs.

Library Services Delivery

• Support the Librarian in ensuring high-quality service delivery aligned with institutional standards and Customer Service Excellence principles.
• Manage and respond to library enquiries across multiple channels (face-to-face and digital).
• Provide systematic review support and manage a mediated literature searching service.

Collections & Resources

• Assist in the development and management of print and electronic collections to support teaching and research needs.
• Collaborate with academic and library colleagues to ensure online reading lists are created and maintained.

Operational & Administrative Duties

• Collect, analyse, and report library usage statistics as required.
• Contribute to marketing, promotional activities, and enhancement of the library''s web presence.
• Participate in internal meetings, training sessions, and professional groups within UCL LCCOS.

Person Specification



Essential Criteria



Qualifications, Experience & Knowledge

• Proven experience in line management, including recruitment, appraisals, and staff development.
• Experience working in a busy library or information service environment serving diverse user groups.
• Demonstrable experience in planning and delivering information skills training.
• Experience handling user enquiries across multiple service channels.

Skills & Abilities

• Excellent verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex information clearly and effectively.
• Strong written communication skills, including report writing and content development for web and print.
• Highly developed organisational and time management skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities and meet deadlines.
• Strong leadership capabilities with the ability to motivate and manage a team effectively.
• High level of attention to detail and accuracy in all areas of work.
• Self-motivated with the ability to work independently and take initiative.

Guidant, Carbon60, Lorien & SRG - The Impellam Group Portfolio are acting as an Employment Business in relation to this vacancy.

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