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- Tasks: Lead the development and delivery of School Library services for young people.
- Company: Join Glasgow Life, a charity dedicated to enriching lives through culture and sport.
- Benefits: Enjoy 30 days holiday, pension scheme, and discounts on memberships and shops.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the community while working in a creative environment.
- Qualifications: Need a relevant degree and experience in library services and project management.
- Other info: Flexible working options available; apply by January 5th, 2025.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 43000 £ per year.
The myjobscotland support desk will be closed over the festive period from 5pm 23/12/24 until 9am 03/01/25. We will get back to you as quickly as possible when the support desk reopens.
Ref no: GLA12962
Published: 13/12/2024
Closes: 05/01/2025
Location: Mitchell Library 201 North Street Glasgow
Salary: £42,053.49 – £48,761.69 per year
Contract Type: Permanent
Position Type: Full Time
Hours: 35 hours per week
Job Description
Glasgow Life is looking for a Principal Librarian to join us on a 35-hour full time, permanent contract. As Principal Librarian you will be joining our in-demand library services, focusing on service delivery for young people. You will be part of a dedicated team which supports School Library services across the city.
More about our Libraries and Communities teams
As a Principal Librarian you’ll be joining our Glasgow Life Libraries and Communities service. The service includes Glasgow’s 32 community libraries, the Mitchell Library, school libraries, community facilities, and services for early years, children and families, adult learning, inclusion and employability, and wellbeing, youth and community development. Libraries provide a cultural and creative place for all ages. They offer a place to read for pleasure and purpose, and collections which support literacy development. Glasgow\’s Libraries also have e-lending, author talks, book groups and festivals. People can access special collections as well as archives and family/local history. Libraries are also an important place where the digitally excluded can get online and access a range of resources. Community venues allow people to take part in a variety of cultural and sporting activities and offer a range of learning and support services across the city. Our libraries and community facilities play a vital role in local communities and provide a wide range of programmes and activities.
About Glasgow Life
Glasgow Life is the charity which inspires people to lead richer, more active lives through culture and sport. Simply put, we believe that everyone deserves a great Glasgow life. We do this by delivering innovative cultural and sporting programmes and events which improve the mental, physical, and economic well-being of Glasgow. Glasgow Life also creates unforgettable experiences for tourists, strengthening the city’s visitor economy. We stage world-class events, conferences and festivals which enhance Glasgow’s international reputation.
The role
As a Principal Librarian you’ll be an integral part of the team by leading the development and delivery of School Library services. Taking responsibility for the overall performance and engagement, in collaboration with education stakeholders, you will lead the continuous development, improvement and operation of the city’s school library network. Reporting to Libraries and Communities Manager and working alongside an established team with responsibility for the delivery of the city’s library services.
The candidate
If you’re interested in joining us as a Principal Librarian, you’ll need:
- an undergraduate / postgraduate qualification in accredited course relating information and library services, and/or hold Chartered Membership status of Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals
- experience of developing and managing library services, collections and programmes that are responsive and meet the needs of customers and target audiences
- a track record of managing projects, and financial resources, including fund-seeking activity, with a focus on effective evaluation of impact
- an understanding and track record of managing the needs of identified partners and stakeholders to meet mutual objectives
- experience of managing people effectively to meet agreed service performance goals through clear approaches to planning and delivery
Membership of the Protection of Vulnerable Groups Scheme will be essential on taking up appointment. Please note successful candidates for the above position will be required to pay for their PVG Membership/or Scheme Checks.
Our city-wide contracts mean you will be flexible to work in any of our locations.
Some of our roles are currently piloting hybrid working, with teams working between the office and home. Your line manager will agree these days with you. This balance enables you to continue much-needed collaborative working.
This role is working Monday to Friday, 9am – 5pm.
We believe in the transformational power of the programmes and events we provide for the people and visitors of Glasgow. If you would like to be a part of what we do, we’d love to hear from you.
Important Dates: Closing date 5th January 2025 and interviews are provisionally scheduled for week beginning 13th January 2025.
Benefits at Glasgow Life
- 30 days holiday allowance plus 6.5 public holidays (for full-time roles). After 5 years completed service, the entitlement will increase to 35 days from the next annual leave year
- Membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme
- Discounted Glasgow Club membership and money off in our museum shops and online store
- Option to buy extra annual leave
- And much more!
Diversity matters at Glasgow Life
We\’re determined to reflect the extraordinary diversity of Glasgow in our workforce. Glasgow Life is on a journey to develop a workplace that reflects the communities we serve. Where everyone feels empowered to bring their full, authentic selves to work. We\’re a Disability Confident and Carer Positive employer and invite candidates from all backgrounds to apply. Read more about our commitment to equality and diversity on our website.
Application Packs
Alternative Application Packs can be requested in other formats for example, Large Print, Braille, Audio and other languages. To request an alternative Application Pack please phone 0141 287 1054.
Packs will be posted out to you within 3 working days of receiving your telephone request.
Please note the closing date of the job advert to ensure that you give yourself plenty of time to complete your application form and return it to us.
Further Information
Please note that Glasgow Life, as an ALEO to Glasgow City Council, is currently completing a Job Evaluation exercise and introducing a new pay and grading structure which may impact on current salaries quoted in job adverts.
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Principal Librarian (Schools) employer: Glasgow Life
Contact Detail:
Glasgow Life Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Librarian (Schools)
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarize yourself with Glasgow Life's mission and values. Understanding how they aim to inspire people through culture and sport will help you align your responses during the interview, showcasing your passion for community engagement.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees of Glasgow Life. They can provide valuable insights into the organizational culture and expectations for the Principal Librarian role, which can help you tailor your approach.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare examples of your past experiences in managing library services and projects. Be ready to discuss specific outcomes and how you evaluated their impact, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on current trends in library services, especially those focused on young people. Being knowledgeable about innovative programs can set you apart and demonstrate your commitment to continuous improvement.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Librarian (Schools)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description carefully to understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Principal Librarian position. Tailor your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the specific needs of Glasgow Life.
Highlight Relevant Experience: Emphasize your experience in developing and managing library services, particularly those that cater to young people. Provide examples of projects you've managed and how they met the needs of your target audience.
Showcase Qualifications: Make sure to mention your undergraduate or postgraduate qualifications related to information and library services. If you hold Chartered Membership status, be sure to include this as it is a key requirement for the role.
Demonstrate Leadership Skills: Discuss your experience in managing teams and projects effectively. Highlight your ability to collaborate with stakeholders and your approach to achieving service performance goals through clear planning and delivery.
How to prepare for a job interview at Glasgow Life
✨Show Your Passion for Libraries
As a Principal Librarian, it's crucial to convey your enthusiasm for library services, especially those aimed at young people. Share specific examples of how you've engaged with communities or improved library services in the past.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
Highlight your experience in leading teams and managing projects. Be prepared to discuss how you've successfully developed and delivered library programs that meet the needs of diverse audiences.
✨Understand Stakeholder Engagement
Familiarize yourself with the key stakeholders in the education sector. Discuss how you've collaborated with partners to achieve mutual objectives and how you plan to continue this in the role.
✨Prepare for Questions on Financial Management
Since the role involves managing financial resources, be ready to talk about your experience with budgeting, fund-seeking activities, and evaluating the impact of library services. Provide concrete examples to illustrate your points.
