Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Library Services Manager
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Bristol, London, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, Peterborough, Weybridge, York
Job Summary
The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) is the UK government department responsible for safeguarding our natural environment, supporting our world-leading food and farming industry, and sustaining a thriving rural economy. Our broad remit means we play a major role in people's day-to-day life, from the food we eat, and the air we breathe, to the water we drink.
The Information Management Team within the Science, Data and Analysis group offers an exciting opportunity for a Senior Librarian. The Defra Library team provides a variety of customer groups with access to a wide range of information resources. Defra library is part of the Government Knowledge and Information Management (GKIM) professional community that works across departments, agencies, and arms’ length bodies (ALBs) to support and champion the creation, organisation and exploitation of information and knowledge.
Our customers are committed to basing policy processes, research and decision making on the best possible evidence and Defra Library plays a vital role in enabling this by providing a gateway to a wide range of high-quality information resources. We strive to provide an outstanding, sustainable service that adds real value by empowering colleagues to make the best possible use of the library resources and services.
Encouraging diverse applicants
We recognise the challenges that people with (multiple) protected characteristics may experience on the job market and in their career progression. We are fully committed to being an inclusive employer and ensuring equal opportunities. We are keen to make our workforce as diverse as possible, and we hope to attract applications from underrepresented groups.
Job Description
The Chief Data Office offers an exciting opportunity for a Library Services Manager. Defra library is part of the Government KIM (GKIM) professional community that works across departments, agencies, and arms’ length bodies (ALBs) to support and champion the creation, organisation and exploitation of information and knowledge. Defra library has committed to the Green Library Manifesto.
Defra Library team provides library services and resources to support all staff in Defra, APHA, and Natural England in having the evidence base to perform their business functions. In addition, the library also provides these functions to the Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC), Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD), Office for Environmental Protection (OEP) and a Document Delivery Service to the Marine Management Organisation (MMO).
Defra Library plays a vital role in enabling our customers to base policy processes, research and decision making on the best possible evidence. The library provides a gateway to a wide range of high-quality information resources. We strive to provide an outstanding, sustainable service that adds real value by empowering colleagues to make the best possible use of the library resources and services. Works under the direction of the Research support and library services Senior librarian to ensure effective operational delivery of library services.
Person specification
Key Responsibilities
- Service management: Delivers library services against agreed service standards and performance measures; set and monitor targets; develop service plans; manage responses to customer feedback.
- User experience: Lead on user engagement and service quality strategies based on gathering, analysing and understanding user needs and problems.
- Customer relationships: Manage day-to-day relationships in all customer groups.
- Service processes: Coordinate the work of library officers around mailbox enquiry services, document supply, literature reviews and bulletins, resource evaluation and acquisition.
- Communication and marketing: Boost engagement with library services through targeted marketing and engagement plans, with an emphasis on accessibility and inclusivity.
- Staff management: Responsible for the line management of library officers; motivate, support and manage staff, set and monitor targets, encourage staff development, and evaluate performance for a geographically dispersed library team ensuring wellbeing and delivery of outcomes.
- Supplier and profession engagement: Lead on negotiation and procurement with document delivery suppliers and partners, professional networks, and resource publishers.
- Copyright and licence management: Apply knowledge of copyright (including Crown Copyright); provide specialist advice on copyright and the use of licensed resources.
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Other Duties
The post holder is required to work in a flexible way and undertake any other duties reasonably requested by line management which are commensurate with the grade and level of responsibility of this post.
Skills And Experience
- Managing library services: You have experience of overseeing the provision of library or information services to customers or end-users, measuring the impact and effectiveness of services, and implementing service improvements.
- Stakeholder relationship management: You know how to identify important stakeholders, tailoring technical and non-technical communication to their needs, and work with teams to build relationships while also meeting user needs.
- Library systems: You have experience of resource discovery systems and MARC catalogue records, library management systems, reference databases, and authentication platforms, and can support user experience for these systems.
- Problem solving: You have experience in thinking critically, analysing problems, developing and implementing creative solutions. You know how to anticipate and respond to problems at the right time. You understand how the problem fits into the bigger picture.
- Continuous improvement: You have a desire to explore new library and information trends and exploit continuous development and learning opportunities to contribute to the strategic development of Defra Library.
- Organisation: You are well organised, with good planning and delivery skills and with a professional approach that allows senior colleagues to trust your judgement.
- Degree or post-graduate qualification in Library and Information Studies, information management or another relevant subject or equivalent experience and commitment to complete a degree in c. You will possess the relevant skills aligned with the Government Knowledge and Information Management (GKIM) Framework for the Librarian [HEO] role.
Behaviours
We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:
- Managing a Quality Service
- Leadership
- Developing Self and Others
- Changing and Improving
Technical Skills
We'll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process:
- Library Services Management
Salary and Benefits
Alongside your salary of £34,765, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs contributes £10,071 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides (opens in a new window).
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A career in the Civil Service is like no other. If you’re looking to join a world class team and develop your career with us, then the Civil Service is the place for you! You might be wondering, “what’s in it for me”? Take a look below at some of the benefits available to you as a civil servant in Defra.
Science And Analysis Directorate Benefits
Learning and Development
Everyone in Defra is supported to develop their skills and capabilities. When you join the Directorate, you will be welcomed into your new team through an induction programme that will provide you with helpful information on the civil service, Defra, our work and our policies. Your line manager will also work with you to establish your priorities for the year, developing a performance, learning and development plan tailored to you and your role, while also working with you to connect you with a civil service mentor to help empower you in your new role with the opportunity to benefit from paid for coaching.
Most importantly, we’re keen to invest in you! As a civil servant, you will also have access to Civil Service Learning where you can participate in professional development programmes across a wide spectrum of subjects and professions.
Department Benefits
Technology
We’re a firm believer in agile and flexible working. When you join Defra, we’ll kit you out with a new Windows 10 Laptop, smartphone and rucksack to make sure that you perform your best wherever you are.
Leave
25 days' paid leave per annum rising to 30 days after five years’ service, in addition to eight public holidays and the King’s Birthday privilege day. We also offer:
- Competitive maternity, paternity, parental and adoption leave;
- Study leave for the pursuit of academic studies;
- 3 days paid leave for volunteering per annum;
- 15 days paid leave per year for reservist training; and,
- Generous paid sick leave.
Cycle to Work Scheme
Defra loans you a bike for your commute as a tax-free benefit. At the end of the loan period, you have the option to buy the bike, saving 30% of the original cost.
Season Ticket and Bicycle Loan
We offer interest-free season ticket loans, to all Defra employees with more than three months’ service, for purchasing train and bus season tickets, as well as station car parking. For those unable to take advantage of tax-free benefits, we also offer an interest-free bicycle loan to enable the purchase of a bicycle for commuting.
Gym, Social and Sports Activities
Our offices have a range of different onsite facilities, including gym, fitness facilities, games room, showers and cycle storage. There are also a variety of networks and social groups to join. Ask your line manager for more information.
Restaurant and Café Facilities
A range of our offices offer onsite restaurant and café facilities.
Civil Service Benefits
Pension
Your pension is a valuable part of your total reward package, and you will be given the chance to join one of three different pension plans. You can find more information on the Civil Service Pension on the MyCSP Website at www.civilservicepensionscheme.org.uk
Civil Service Sports Council
The Civil Service Sports Council (CSSC) organises a wide choice of activities throughout the UK, from art, gliding, abseiling and orienteering to cabaret weekends and quiz and curry nights. Your CSSC membership will provide you with FREE access to hundreds of national and local sites, in addition to savings at many high street stores, cinemas, restaurants and historic houses.
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