Librarian Job in Kenya

Librarian

Our client is an organisation operating in rural Nyanza. Due to the rural set-up and challenges associated therewith, all applicants should have a personal commitment to community development. 

Applicants should take time to reflect and make sure they resonate strongly with Our Client’s vision and mission before considering to apply.

Vision: People believe in themselves and work together to build a vibrant and progressive community. 
Mission: Empower people and build their capacities to create positive change for children and youth within their community.

Purpose of the Position: Provide support to library users by organizing, managing and disseminating information in the form of journals, periodicals and books as well as developing web pages and manage library materials databases. 

Help in retrieving reading materials for library users.

Major Duties and Responsibilities

R1. General Library Duties
  • T.1 Classify, Catalogue and shelve all books and other information resources to ensure the library operates efficiently.
  • T.2 Establish and implement library policies and procedures
  • T.3 Digitize information sources.
  • T.4 Handle enquiries from library users and provide necessary support in search for library resources.
  • T.5 Train and guide the activities of library personnel and volunteers, as needed.
  • T.6 Perform a variety of circulation duties such as checking books and library materials
  • T.7 Manage all library resources such as books, periodicals and journals.
  • T.8 Maintain a reading environment that is not only friendly but inviting.
  • T.9 Manage facilities in the library with an aim of providing flexible access.
  • T.10 Promote a reading culture amongst students, RWMT beneficiaries, community members and facilitate reading clubs.
  • T.11 Take part in documenting and managing the library budget.
  • T.12 Manage access to information resources in computers.
  • T.13 Prepare grants to obtain funding so as to expand resources in the library.
  • T.14 Ensure the library’s collections include relevant print and digital resources for the polytechnic students, as well as the youths in the community.
  • T.15 Supervise and maintain all ongoing and daily functions of the library media center including the use of electronic resources such as e-readers, software and hardware.
  • T.16 Supervise library facilities and promote a proper learning environment which stimulates and reinforces the student’s/ library users’ ease of access to information
  • T.17 Inform users of new acquisitions.
  • T.18 Maintain stacks neatly and in good order
  • T.19 Prepare and provide statistical and other reports to library administration / training center manager as scheduled or requested.
  • T.20 Evaluate books for bindery or mending in house
  • T.21 Peruse circulating materials to determine collection, use, condition, and age
  • T.22 Carry out coordination of scheduling by promptly entering dates/times on a library instruction calendar.
  • T.23 Represent the organization in the library related meetings, workshops and seminars.
  • T.24 Prepare and submit monthly reports on the library to the manager and periodic reports to other partners in the pre developed formats
  • T.25 Advise the management on new library services that can be offered to ensure the library remains up to date and relevant and exceed the expectations of the library patrons.
R2. Promoting Library use
  • T.1 Introduce book storytelling sessions and library games for children to develop their interest in reading.
  • T.2 Initiate and coordinate the activities of the library Committee to provide assistance and feedback with regard to service, programs and collection needs.
  • T.3 Understand library policies and procedures; accurately interpret them, and clearly and courteously communicate policies to patrons and staff as necessary
  • T.4 Organize book clubs for polytechnic students, schools and community members to promote and sensitize the community to develop a reading culture.
  • T.5 Serve as a consultant to teaching faculty in developing instructional programs that utilize the library’s resources
R3. Maintenance of Equipment
  • T.1 Implement the organization’s policies that are geared towards ensuring better security of inputs & Assets.
  • T.2 Ensure regular maintenance of equipment and assets within the library.
  • T.3 Request Library inputs from the inventory (and procurement) and allocate the same to library patrons/ users where need be.
  • T.4 Report any damage caused and repairs needed in library.
  • T.5 Lock and open the library in the morning and evening.
  • T.6 providing recommendations that can improve security of the library and the organization’s library equipment.
R4. Programming & Reference Assistance
  • T.1 Provide professional reference assistance and readers advisory to patrons, either in-person or electronically
  • T.2 Develop and presents library programs in accordance with students, schools, community needs and interests.
  • T.3 Provide technology instruction to patrons and staff in group and individual sessions especially for e-readers.
R5. Other duties and responsibilities
  • T.1 Actively participate in the Saturday Psycho-Social Support, for Orphaned and Vulnerable Children and build the community’s capacity to eventually run the Saturday PSS on their own
  • T.2 Any other duties and responsibilities assigned by the supervisor from time to time and which are geared towards achieving the overall goal of the organization.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

a) Level of Education:
  • Bachelor’s degree or Diploma in Library/Information Science
b) Specialized Training / professional Qualifications
  • Computer skills in Word, Excel and Access
  • Records Management Training
  • Data management packages
c) Other Competencies
  • Good communication and interpersonal skills
  • Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
  • Ability to work with both students and teachers as well as wider members of the community
  • Knowledge of developmental, recreational and educational needs of young adults and children.
  • Ability to translate young adult and children needs and interests into effective library services.
  • Knowledge of current trends in library services for and with young adults and children.
  • Knowledge of standard library procedures, current information technology, Internet and database search capabilities.
d) Job Experience
  • At least One (1) years relevant experience in a similar position
Interested candidates are requested to email: 

(1) cover letter stating the position for which you are applying, along with current remuneration or last remuneration if currently not employed, 

(2) three paragraph motivation statement and why you feel you meet the requirements, 

(3) three references and 

(4) C.V. 

to: jobs@jobsikaz.com, by 28th July, 2016.

Important: All four (4) above mentioned steps must be followed. 

Applications not following all steps will be automatically disqualified.